What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who is trained to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. This includes patients of all ages, from premature infants born with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients suffering from lung disease.

Training requirements for Respiratory Therapists

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist requires a combination of formal education, hands-on training, and certification. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

• Formal education: Typically, you'll need at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree. These programs cover a broad range of topics, including human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics.

• Clinical training: Alongside your theoretical learning, you'll also need to gain practical experience in a clinical setting. This hands-on training allows you to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

The specifics of these requirements can vary by state, so be sure to check with your state's health board or a trusted education platform like Dreambound.

What to look for in a class

When considering Respiratory Therapist classes, it's important to look for certain features to ensure you're getting the best education possible.

• Accreditation: First and foremost, make sure the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Curriculum: The curriculum should cover all necessary topics, including but not limited to anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, and respiratory care protocols.

• Clinical experience: Look for programs that offer real-world clinical experience. This practical training is crucial for building the skills needed to succeed in the field.

Dreambound offers comprehensive Respiratory Therapist classes near you that may suit your needs.

What to expect from the day-to-day class

Expect a blend of classroom learning and hands-on training in a respiratory therapy class. Your day-to-day schedule will likely include:

• Classroom learning: You'll spend time in the classroom learning theory, including human anatomy, physiology, and the basics of respiratory care.

• Hands-on training: You'll also spend time in a clinical setting, applying what you've learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

The certification process

Upon completion of your respiratory therapy program, you'll need to become certified. This process involves passing a national exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). After passing this exam, you'll be a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). To become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), which many employers prefer, you'll need to pass a second exam.

Finding a related job

Once certified, you can start searching for jobs in the field. Respiratory Therapists are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. You'll need to be prepared to work in high-stress situations, as respiratory therapy is a vital component of emergency care. You may also utilize the Dreambound Candidate Portal to seek employers in your area that offer respiratory therapist positions. Get more insights of How Much Do Respiratory Technicians Make by reading one of our blog posts.

Additional classes to consider

Once you're a certified Respiratory Therapist, you might consider expanding your skills and knowledge with additional classes. Some potential options include:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): This certification course, often required for healthcare professionals who respond to cardiac emergencies, can make you a more competitive job candidate. Check out for available ACLS classes near you today!

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): If you're interested in working with children, this certification can be beneficial. You may find PALS classes near Oxnard on Dreambound's website.

• Critical Care Training: Additional training in critical care can open up opportunities in intensive care units.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. With the right training and certification, you'll be well-prepared to make a difference in the lives of patients with respiratory conditions. While it's a challenging field, the effort you put in can lead to a deeply satisfying career.

Dreambound simplifies your start in this field with tailored guides for various cities. If life takes you elsewhere or you're thinking about a move, our other guides can help you figure out what to expect.

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maine
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Minnesota
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Ohio
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Washington

Contemplating a transition in your career or exploring various professional paths? Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:

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