What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional who treats patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. From infants born with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients suffering from lung disease, they help many patients. They work under the direction of a physician and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a treatment plan.

Training Requirements

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist requires specific training and education. Typically, you'll need to:

• Obtain a high school diploma or GED

• Enroll in a respiratory therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

• Complete a minimum of an associate degree, although many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree.

The training program should include both classroom and clinical training to ensure that you gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the job.

What to Look for in a Class

Choosing the right class is crucial for your career success. Here's what you should consider:

• Accreditation: Make sure the CoARC accredits the program. This ensures the quality of the program and makes you eligible for certification.

• Course Content: The program should cover all necessary areas, including cardiopulmonary physiology, respiratory health promotion, disease prevention, and patient management.

• Clinical Training: Hands-on training is crucial to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

In a Respiratory Therapist class, you can expect a blend of academic learning and practical training. The day-to-day structure of the class may include:

• Lectures: Covering topics like anatomy, physiology, pathology, and patient assessment.

• Labs: Where you learn and practice skills like operating and maintaining equipment to provide therapy and support to patients.

• Clinical Rotations: You get hands-on experience in hospitals, home care settings, and sleep study labs.

What Does the Certification Process Look Like?

After completing your education, you must pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After gaining some experience, you can also pursue the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. CRTs and RRTs need to maintain their certification through continuing education.

How to Find Related Jobs

Once you're a certified Respiratory Therapist, you can find employment in various settings such as hospitals, nursing care facilities, and home healthcare services. Online job boards, networking, and career services from your training program can be helpful in your job search.

What Other Classes Someone Can Take After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, you might consider further enhancing your skills and knowledge by taking additional classes. Some options might include:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

These advanced certifications can help you specialize in specific areas and increase your job prospects.

Role of Respiratory Therapists in Home Healthcare

Respiratory Therapists can play a significant role in home healthcare. They can provide care to patients with chronic respiratory disorders, educate patients and families about the treatment, and monitor the patient's progress. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently.

Importance of Continuing Education for Respiratory Therapists

Continuing education is crucial for Respiratory Therapists to stay updated with the latest practices and technologies in the field. It can also help them maintain their certification and enhance their career prospects.

The Growth of Telehealth and Its Impact on Respiratory Therapy

Telehealth is revolutionizing healthcare, and Respiratory Therapy is no exception. Telehealth can offer remote patient monitoring, virtual consultations, and online patient education, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

The Role of Respiratory Therapists in Sleep Studies

Respiratory Therapists can also specialize in sleep studies. They can assist in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea, which often involves respiratory issues.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. With the right training and commitment, you can make a significant difference in patients' lives. As you embark on this journey, leverage resources like Dreambound to find the right training programs and classes in San Bernardino and Riverside.

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 Alabama
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Georgia
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Mississippi
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Oklahoma
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in South Carolina

Weighing the possibilities of a career shift ? Dreambound has written many extensive guides to guide you in making informed decisions. Check out some of these resources below:

• Surgical Technician Training in San Bernardino/Riverside
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