What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who is trained to assess, treat and care for patients who have difficulty breathing or suffer from respiratory disorders. Their patients might range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock.

Training Requirements

To become a Respiratory Therapist, specific training requirements need to be met. For instance:

• Education: You should have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program. However, a bachelor's degree may offer a competitive edge in the job market.

• Certification: Upon completion of the educational program, you should pass a national examination to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Some states may require additional certification.

• Licenses: Most states require Respiratory Therapists to be licensed. The requirements vary by state, but they generally include passing a state or professional certification exam.

What to Look for in a Class

When looking for a Respiratory Therapist class, the following factors should be considered:

• Accreditation: The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or a similar body.

• Course Content: The course should cover necessary topics such as patient assessment, therapeutic procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pathophysiology, and more.

• Hands-on Training: The class should provide ample opportunities for practical training in a clinical setting.

For more information on how to become a respiratory therapist in Iowa, you can check here.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

Day-to-day classes for Respiratory Therapists are designed to be a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on training. You can expect to learn about:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body, particularly the respiratory system, is fundamental.

• Respiratory Care Procedures: This includes learning about therapeutic procedures, diagnostic procedures, and equipment usage.

• Clinical Practice: To apply the skills learned in a real-world setting, students will typically engage in supervised clinical practice.

What Does the Certification Process Look Like?

The certification process for a Respiratory Therapist involves passing a national examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Upon passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination, an individual becomes a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Some professionals opt to take additional specialty examinations to further distinguish themselves in the field.

How to Find Related Jobs

After obtaining certification, you can start searching for job opportunities in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Networking with professionals in the field and leveraging job search platforms can be helpful in this process.

What Other Classes Someone Can Take After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, you might consider further honing your skills, or diversifying your skillset by taking additional classes. Some options could include:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): This course can provide additional qualifications that can make you more competitive in the job market.

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): If you're interested in specializing in pediatric respiratory care, this course could be beneficial.

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): This course is designed for healthcare professionals who are involved in the delivery and care of newborns.

Continuing Education

Keeping up-to-date with the latest practices and advancements in respiratory care is essential for every Respiratory Therapist. Therefore, consider pursuing continuing education courses or attending workshops and seminars offered by professional organizations.

Career Advancement

After gaining some experience, you might consider advancing your career. This could involve pursuing a master's degree in respiratory care, taking on leadership roles, or specializing in a specific area of respiratory care, such as neonatal, pediatric, or geriatric respiratory care.

Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations can provide numerous benefits, including networking opportunities, access to continuing education resources, and staying informed about the latest developments in the field. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is a notable organization in this field.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to become a Respiratory Therapist is a decision that can lead to a rewarding career in healthcare. It's a field that offers opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. To get there, you need the right training, and finding the right class is your first step.

Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help with the different parts of the certification process across the country:

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Indiana
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Missouri
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota

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