What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who is trained to evaluate, treat, and care for patients who have breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. This includes patients of all ages, from infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who may have lung disease. The role of a Respiratory Therapist is crucial in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units, neonatal units, and operating rooms.

Training Requirements

To become a Respiratory Therapist, you will need to complete a specific set of training requirements. These training requirements are designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your role effectively.

• Education: An associate's degree is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a Respiratory Therapist. However, many employers now require a bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related field.

• Certification: Upon completion of your degree, you will need to pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

• State Licensure: All states require Respiratory Therapists to be licensed. The licensing requirements vary by state, so it's important to check with your state's health board to understand these requirements.

Looking for a Class

When searching for a Respiratory Therapist class, there are several factors that you should consider. These factors will help ensure that the class you choose aligns with your career goals and educational needs.

• Accreditation: The class should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Course Content: The class should cover important topics such as human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory care techniques.

• Clinical Experience: The class should offer hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for real-world situations.

For those who are in Boise City, you can find more detailed information about accredited classes in Idaho here.

Day-to-Day Class Expectations

Respiratory Therapist classes are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and skills needed in this profession. You can expect a mix of theoretical learning and practical training. Here are some things you might encounter on a daily basis:

• Lectures: You will attend lectures on topics such as pulmonary function testing, neonatal and pediatric care, and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.

• Laboratory Work: You will spend time in the lab, practicing techniques such as mechanical ventilation, airway management, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• Clinical Rotations: These offer hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, allowing you to apply what you've learned in a real-world environment.

The Certification Process

Becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is a significant step in your career. The certification process involves passing a national exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This exam tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as patient assessment, disease management, and therapeutic procedures. Once you pass the exam, you are eligible to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), a credential that can open up even more career opportunities.

Finding Related Jobs

Once you've completed your training and obtained your certification, the next step is to find a job in the field. Respiratory Therapists can find employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient care centers, and home health care services. You can find job listings on various job search websites, but it's also a good idea to leverage networking opportunities and connections you've made during your clinical rotations.

Other Classes to Consider

After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, you may wish to further your education and skills in the healthcare field. You might consider taking classes to become a:

• Radiology Technician

• Certified Medication Aide

• Psychiatric Technician

These classes can broaden your skill set and open up additional career opportunities.

Continuing Education

As a Respiratory Therapist, it's important to remain up-to-date with the latest developments in respiratory care. This can be achieved through continuing education (CE) courses. These courses can cover a range of topics, from new therapeutic procedures to the latest research in respiratory care.

Career Advancement

With experience and further education, Respiratory Therapists can advance in their careers. They can become supervisors or managers of respiratory therapy departments, clinical specialists in areas such as neonatal care or pulmonary rehabilitation, or educators in respiratory therapy programs.

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association, such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), can provide numerous benefits. These include networking opportunities, access to the latest industry news and research, continuing education resources, and career services.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. With the right training and dedication, you can play a vital role in improving patients' respiratory health and quality of life. If you're interested in pursuing this career, start by finding a Respiratory Therapist class near you in Boise City. With the resources and information provided by platforms like Dreambound, you'll be well on your way to starting a fulfilling career in healthcare.

Dreambound's extensive guides dig into the specific requirements and challenges that are different for each city in the US. Check out some of our other guides below:

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arizona
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Louisiana
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Nevada
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Vermont

Contemplating a transition in your career or exploring various professional paths? Dreambound has written comprehensive guides on nearly every type of program to aid you in your decision.

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