What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who treats patients suffering from respiratory diseases or conditions. They work with all age groups, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic respiratory diseases. A respiratory therapist's role is critical in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal ICUs, and emergency rooms.

Training Requirements

The journey to becoming a respiratory therapist starts with a solid educational foundation. Before you can practice as a respiratory therapist, you need to complete a degree program from an accredited institution. These programs often include both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

Here are some of the essential subjects you're likely to study:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Respiratory Health Promotion

• Disease Prevention

• Patient Assessment

• Therapeutic Procedures

Graduating from an accredited program makes you eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams, which leads to certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

What to Look for in a Class

Choosing the right class is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a respiratory therapist. You'll want to consider factors such as:

• Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized body such as the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Curriculum: Check that the curriculum covers essential topics and includes hands-on clinical experience.

• Faculty: Look for experienced faculty members who are experts in the field.

• Class Size: Smaller class sizes often mean more individualized attention and support.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

In a typical respiratory therapy class, you'll divide your time between theoretical studies and hands-on practical training. This might include:

• Classroom Sessions: You'll learn about respiratory diseases, diagnostic procedures, treatment options, and more.

• Lab Work: You'll practice skills such as performing diagnostic tests and managing ventilators.

• Clinical Rotations: You'll gain real-world experience in various healthcare settings.

Certification Process

After completing your educational program, you'll need to pass a certification exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This exam will test your understanding of respiratory care and your ability to apply this knowledge in a clinical setting. Passing this exam will earn you the credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

How to Find a Related Job

After becoming a certified respiratory therapist, you can start looking for job opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices. Networking, job boards, and recruitment agencies can all be useful resources in your job search.

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

Once you're a certified respiratory therapist, there are several ways to further your education and advance your career. Here are a few options:

• Advanced Respiratory Therapist Programs: These programs go more in-depth into respiratory care and often lead to advanced roles.

• Specialization Courses: You can specialize in areas like neonatal/pediatric care, critical care, or pulmonary rehabilitation.

• Leadership Training: If you're interested in moving into a management role, consider taking classes in leadership or healthcare administration.

Related Careers

If you're interested in exploring related careers, you might consider becoming a Certified Medication Aide or a Physical Therapy Technician. These roles also allow you to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

Upgrading Your Skills

Continuing education is a crucial part of any healthcare professional's career. Consider taking additional courses or gaining certifications in areas like sleep disorders or neonatal resuscitation to enhance your skill set.

Networking Opportunities

Join professional organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) to connect with other professionals in your field, stay updated on industry news, and access continuing education opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a respiratory therapist can be a rewarding career choice, offering the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. As you embark on this journey, remember to choose your classes carefully, make the most of your clinical experiences, and continue to learn and grow throughout your career.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in your career, Dreambound can help you find the perfect class to suit your needs. As the largest platform for students looking for vocational training programs, Dreambound is your go-to resource for all information related to allied health or industrial trades training.

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 Arkansas
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Georgia
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maryland
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia

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