What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who works with patients suffering from a range of respiratory diseases or conditions. This can include conditions like asthma, emphysema, or more serious diseases like COPD or lung cancer. Their role involves diagnosing, treating, and managing these conditions in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Training Requirements

Becoming a respiratory therapist requires specific training and education. The baseline requirement is having a high school diploma or a GED. However, most employers prefer candidates with an associate's degree or higher in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited institution. During the training, you will cover areas such as:

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Pathophysiology

• Respiratory health assessment

• Therapeutic procedures

What to Look for in a Class

When looking for a respiratory therapy class, it's crucial to consider the following:

• Accreditation: The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Accreditation ensures that the program meets the minimum standards set by the profession.

• Curriculum: The program should cover necessary areas like cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and respiratory care procedures.

• Clinical Practice: Clinical practice is vital in respiratory therapy training. The program should offer ample opportunities for hands-on, clinical practice.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

Respiratory therapy classes are a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice. Here are some things you can expect:

• Classroom sessions that cover theory and technical knowledge.

• Clinical practice sessions where you get to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting.

• Evaluation and assessment to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

What Does the Certification Process Look Like?

After completing your respiratory therapist training, you will need to become certified. In Ohio, the Respiratory Care Board is responsible for certifying respiratory therapists. The certification process is as follows:

• Apply for certification with the Ohio Respiratory Care Board.

• Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Examination.

Once you're certified, you're allowed to practice as a respiratory therapist in Ohio. Keep in mind that you'll have to maintain your certification through ongoing education.

How to Find Related Jobs

Finding a job after completing your respiratory therapy training can be challenging. However, there are several resources you can use to find related jobs. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn regularly post job opportunities for respiratory therapists. You can also check hospital and clinic websites for job postings.

What Other Classes Can Someone Take After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist?

After becoming a respiratory therapist, you may want to specialize or expand your skills. Here are some classes you could consider:

• Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty: This course will help you specialize in treating infants and children.

• Adult Critical Care Specialty: This course will prepare you for working in intensive care units.

• Pulmonary Function Technology: This course will teach you how to perform pulmonary function tests.

Additional Training Opportunities

In addition to the core respiratory therapist training, there are several related training opportunities that can complement your skills and enhance your career prospects. These include:

• Medical Sonography: This training can be beneficial if you're interested in diagnostic imaging.

• Pharmacy Technician: This can be useful if you're interested in medication management, a critical aspect of respiratory care.

• Radiology Technician: This training can be valuable if you're interested in imaging technologies.

Networking Opportunities

Building a strong professional network can be beneficial for your career growth. Joining professional organizations such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) or the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care can provide you with networking opportunities and access to industry news and updates.

Continuous Learning

Continuous learning is vital in the healthcare industry due to the constant advancements in medical technology and treatment protocols. Therefore, it's essential to engage in continuous professional development and keep abreast of the latest trends in respiratory care.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a respiratory therapist can be a rewarding career choice. With the right training and certification, you can play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance your skills, Cleveland offers various opportunities for you to pursue your dream of becoming a respiratory therapist. Remember, the journey to becoming a successful respiratory therapist requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning.

Dreambound has a bunch of guides about starting in this field, with specific ones for different cities. If you're not in this city or are thinking about moving, check out some other guides below:

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Illinois
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Montana
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New Mexico
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota

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