What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who treats patients with difficulty breathing. These professionals work with patients of all ages, from newborns with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with lung disease. They're responsible for assessing, treating, and caring for patients with breathing disorders, and they often work alongside doctors to create and implement patient treatment plans.

Training Requirements

To become a respiratory therapist, you'll need to complete a specialized training program. These programs typically cover topics such as:

• Cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology

• Respiratory health promotion and disease prevention

• Patient assessment and care management

• Medical gases, aerosols, and respiratory drug delivery

• Mechanical ventilation management

Through these programs, students learn to operate and maintain the equipment used to assist or monitor breathing, such as ventilators and artificial airway devices.

What to Look for in a Class

When choosing a respiratory therapist class, it's important to consider several factors:

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

• Curriculum: Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers all the necessary topics for respiratory therapy.

• Clinical Experience: Choose a program that offers hands-on clinical experience. This will help you apply what you've learned in real-world settings.

• Job Placement Rates: High job placement rates can indicate the program's effectiveness in preparing students for the job market.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

Respiratory therapist classes combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Some topics you may study include cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and patient assessment. You'll also learn how to administer respiratory therapies and operate life-supporting equipment.

What Does the Certification Process Look Like?

After completing your training, you'll need to pass a national exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Once you've gained some experience, you may also choose to take an advanced exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

How to Find Related Jobs

Once you're certified, you can start looking for job opportunities. Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities often have positions for respiratory therapists. Additionally, you may want to consider joining a professional organization such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) to network and stay informed about industry trends.

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

After becoming a respiratory therapist, you may choose to further specialize in areas such as neonatal or pediatric respiratory care, pulmonary rehabilitation, or sleep disorders. Additional training or certification may be required for these specializations.

The Importance of Continued Education

Continuous learning is important in the healthcare field. As a respiratory therapist, you should consider pursuing further education and training to keep up with the latest advancements in respiratory care. This could involve attending workshops, seminars, or taking additional classes.

The Role of Technology in Respiratory Therapy

Technology plays a significant role in respiratory care. Understanding how to use advanced medical equipment and software is crucial for a respiratory therapist. Therefore, it is necessary to stay updated with the latest technological advancements in the field.

Respiratory Therapy in the Context of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of respiratory therapists. They have been on the front lines, treating patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms. This has brought increased attention to the profession and may lead to increased opportunities in the field.

The Community of Respiratory Therapists

Joining a community of respiratory therapists can be beneficial for networking and professional growth. The American Association for Respiratory Care is one such community where professionals can exchange knowledge and experiences.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right respiratory therapist class is a key step in your journey to becoming a professional in this field. With the right resources, you can find a program that suits your needs and prepares you for a rewarding career. Platforms like Dreambound provide valuable information to help students navigate their educational paths.

Dreambound is your go-to for city-specific guides if you're starting in this field. And if you're in another location or considering a change, we've written several others as well.

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Indiana
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Nevada
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Ohio
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Dakota

Thinking about making a big change in your career path? It's important to be well-informed before starting off on your journey. Dreambound has written hundreds of in-depth guides to help. Explore some of these resources below.

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