What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, treatment, and care of patients with breathing disorders and cardiovascular problems. They work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. As a respiratory therapist, your day-to-day duties may include diagnosing lung and breathing disorders, recommending treatment methods, educating patients and their families about lung diseases, and providing emergency care, such as artificial respiration.

Training Requirements

The journey to becoming a respiratory therapist involves meeting certain training requirements. Generally, you must have at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy, although some employers may prefer a bachelor's degree. Some of the subjects you will study during your training include:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Pathophysiology

• Biochemistry

• Microbiology

• Pharmacology

• Clinical practice guidelines

Furthermore, you must complete a clinical practicum to gain hands-on experience in the field.

What to Look for in a Class

When looking for a respiratory therapist class, there are several factors you should consider:

• Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This guarantees that the program meets the necessary educational standards.

• Curriculum: The curriculum should cover all necessary topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice.

• Clinical Practicum: The program should offer a clinical practicum to provide you with hands-on experience.

• Support: Look for a program that provides support, such as tutoring, career counseling, and job placement assistance.

What to Expect from the Day-to-Day Class

The day-to-day class routine in a respiratory therapist program varies depending on the institution and the level of study. However, you can generally expect a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice. You'll learn about different respiratory conditions, how to diagnose them, treatment options, and how to educate patients and their families about these conditions.

What Does the Certification Process Look Like?

Upon completing your training, the next step is to become certified. In most states, you are required to pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Some respiratory therapists go on to become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) by passing an additional exam.

How to Find a Related Job

Once you have obtained your certification, you can start looking for jobs. There are several resources available to help you find a job in this field. Websites such as Dreambound provide helpful information on job hunting strategies, resume tips, and interview techniques. Networking is also essential. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with fellow respiratory therapists on social media.

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

After becoming a respiratory therapist, you might want to further your education. Here are a few classes you can take:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): This class provides the skills and knowledge needed to manage and respond to cardiovascular emergencies.

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): This class focuses on the management and response to pediatric emergencies.

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): This class teaches the concepts and skills of neonatal resuscitation.

Pulmonary Function Testing

Another vital component of respiratory therapy training is learning about pulmonary function testing. This type of testing is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases. In a typical class, you will learn how to perform spirometry, lung volume measurements, and gas exchange testing.

Home Care Respiratory Therapy

Home care respiratory therapy is becoming more prevalent as many patients prefer to receive care at home. In this class, you will learn how to provide respiratory care to patients at home, including how to use and maintain home ventilators and other respiratory equipment.

Patient Management

Effective patient management is crucial in respiratory therapy. This class will teach you how to manage patients effectively, including how to communicate effectively with patients and their families, how to manage respiratory emergencies, and how to provide long-term care to patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Sleep Study and Polysomnography

With the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders, knowledge in sleep studies and polysomnography is beneficial for respiratory therapists. This class will give you an understanding of sleep stages, sleep disorders, and how to conduct and interpret polysomnography tests.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a respiratory therapist is a rewarding career choice that allows you to make a significant impact on patients' lives. By choosing the right classes and training programs, you can equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. Use resources like Dreambound to help you navigate your way through the process and achieve your career goals.

Dreambound has a bunch of guides about starting in this field, with specific ones for different cities. If you're not in this city or are thinking about moving, check out some other guides below:

• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arizona
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Maryland
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New York
• How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in West Virginia

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