What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They provide direct patient care and are instrumental in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders.

Training Requirements

To become a respiratory therapist, you need a minimum of an associate degree, but many choose to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. These programs, which can be found in Houston, cover a variety of topics such as:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Microbiology

• Pharmacology

• Mathematics

Your education will not only be theoretical. You will also have clinical training to gain hands-on experience.

What to Look for in a Class

When searching for a respiratory therapist class in Houston, several factors should be considered:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Class size: Smaller class sizes can often mean more one-on-one attention from instructors.

• Hands-on training: Look for programs that offer ample opportunity for clinical experience.

• Success rate: Programs should be able to provide information on their graduates' success rates on national exams and job placement.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

Respiratory therapist classes vary, but students can generally expect a blend of classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical rotations. Topics covered may include:

• Patient assessment

• Therapeutic procedures

• Equipment operation and maintenance

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway management

The Certification Process

After completing your education, you will need to pass a national exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After gaining some experience, you may choose to take an advanced level exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). These certifications are recognized nationwide and are often required by employers.

How to Find Related Jobs

Upon becoming a certified or registered respiratory therapist, you can start looking for jobs in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, home health agencies, specialized clinics, and nursing homes. Networking with fellow students, instructors, and professionals you meet during clinical rotations can also be helpful in your job search.

Other Classes to Consider

Once you've completed your respiratory therapist training, you may wish to further boost your career with additional training. For instance, you may choose to specialize in neonatal/pediatric care, sleep disorders, or cardiopulmonary diagnostics. You might also consider branching out into related healthcare fields. For instance, you may wish to explore EKG technician training, a field that also deals with cardiopulmonary health. More about EKG technician training can be found here.

Other Considerations

There are many factors to consider when embarking on a career as a respiratory therapist:

• Work Environment: Respiratory therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings.

• Physical Stamina: The job can be physically demanding as therapists are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn disabled patients.

• Interpersonal Skills: Respiratory therapists should be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills, and be able to comfort or reassure anxious patients.

Houston's Healthcare Landscape

Houston is home to one of the largest concentrations of healthcare and research institutions in the world, making it an ideal place to start a healthcare career. The city's healthcare industry is always in need of skilled and qualified professionals.

Final Thoughts

A career as a respiratory therapist can be rewarding and fulfilling, offering the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives. As with any career, it's important to thoroughly research and consider your options before embarking on this career path. Whether you're asking ""where can I find respiratory therapist classes near me in Houston?"" or ""what can I expect from a career in respiratory therapy?"" the goal of this post is to provide a starting point for your journey.

Remember, the journey to becoming a respiratory therapist requires commitment and dedication, but the rewards — both personal and professional — can be well worth the effort.

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 Arizona
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maryland
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New York
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia

Contemplating a change in your career path? Dreambound has written many comprehensive guides to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

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