What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a trained healthcare professional specializing in the assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. They play a critical role in the management of a broad range of conditions, ranging from asthma and emphysema to premature infants with underdeveloped lungs.

Training Requirements

The journey to becoming a Respiratory Therapist typically begins with a diploma or associate degree in Respiratory Therapy. These programs provide you with a solid foundation in the relevant sciences and offer hands-on training in the technical skills you'll need in your practice.

Here are some key elements that a good Respiratory Therapy program should cover:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Cardiopulmonary pathology

• Pharmacology

• Patient assessment

• Respiratory therapy procedures

What to Look for in a Class

Choosing the right class is crucial to laying a solid foundation for your career as a Respiratory Therapist. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Accreditation - It's crucial that the program you choose is accredited by recognized bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Clinical Experience - Look for programs that offer substantial clinical experience. This hands-on training provides invaluable real-world exposure and helps you apply classroom theory into practice.

• Pass Rate on Certification Exams - While this information might not always be readily available, programs with high pass rates on certification exams usually indicate quality instruction.

Day-to-Day in Class

As a student in a Respiratory Therapy program, your day-to-day activities will vary. You'll likely spend ample time in classrooms learning theory, in labs practicing technical skills, and in clinical settings gaining hands-on experience under supervision.

Certification Process

After you complete your training, the next step is to become certified. In the United States, the primary credentialing organization for Respiratory Therapists is the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). They offer two levels of certification: the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. The process typically involves passing a series of exams.

Finding Related Jobs

With your certification in hand, you can start searching for jobs. Pennsylvania is home to a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies, many of which regularly hire Respiratory Therapists.

Other Classes to Consider

After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, you might want to consider furthering your education. Many Respiratory Therapists choose to pursue specialties such as neonatal-pediatrics, adult critical care, pulmonary function technology, and sleep disorders testing and therapeutic intervention.

Additional Topics

Career Advancement Opportunities

With experience and further training, Respiratory Therapists can advance into roles such as supervisors or managers. You can also become educators, researchers, or consultants within the respiratory care industry.

Associations and Organizations

Joining professional organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) can be beneficial. They offer opportunities for networking, continuing education, and staying up-to-date with industry trends and research.

Ethical Considerations

Respiratory Therapists must adhere to a strict code of ethics. They must respect patient rights, maintain patient confidentiality, and always act in the best interest of the patient.

Continuous Learning

The field of respiratory care is constantly evolving with new techniques and technologies. Therefore, continuous learning is crucial for keeping your skills and knowledge current.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist is a significant commitment, but the rewards are worth it. With the right training and dedication, you can make a real difference in people's lives. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance in your career, the city of Scranton offers many opportunities for aspiring Respiratory Therapists.

With Dreambound's comprehensive collection, understand the certification process in this field for different cities. Looking for info on other states? Our additional guides are here to help.

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Indiana
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New Jersey
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Utah

Pondering a shift in your career path or exploring different professional avenues? Dreambound has created detailed guides to support you in making informed decisions:

• Sterile Processing Technician Training in Scranton