Respiratory Therapy Career Overview
Respiratory Therapy involves the evaluation, treatment and care for patients who suffer from
cardiopulmonary and other breathing disorders. Patients are of all types, ranging from premature
infants to the aged whose lungs are diseased. Patients who suffer from chronic lung problems
such as emphysema and asthma or those who need emergency care such as victims of shock,
drowning, stroke or heart attacks all need a respiratory therapist as part of their care team.
Certified respiratory therapists (RTs) work closely with physicians and are responsible for the
diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of patients as well as the supervision of respiratory
technicians. RTs are required to provide and develop personalized care plans for patients along
with complex therapeutic procedures. Many patients who need the services of a respiratory
therapist are critical cases in intensive care or on life support.
Respiratory therapists conduct diagnostic tests, evaluate patients, perform physical examinations
and regularly assess their progress. Many therapists offer home care services to those patients
who use life support systems and ventilators. It is the responsibility of the RT to inspect and
maintain this equipment as well to ensure its proper use. RTs are also trained in chest
physiotherapy to assist patients and make breathing easier for them. Respiratory therapists
employed in hospitals often expand their roles and include services such as disease prevention,
case management, pulmonary rehabilitation and counseling to quit smoking. RTs are also
needed as members of critical care teams in hospitals and the armed forces.
If you find it easy to follow instructions, pay attention to detail, are proficient in computers, and
can work as part of a team, you could think of respiratory therapy as a possible career option. A
Respiratory Therapy degree requires courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, and
health in high school. To work as a RT, you will need a minimum of an Associate’s degree in
Respiratory Therapy. However, a Bachelor’s degree is always preferable. Nowadays, most
colleges offer both, on-campus and online Respiratory Therapy degrees. The online Respiratory
Therapy degree curriculum includes physiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, chemistry,
pharmacology, physics, microbiology, and mathematics. Many courses also offer training in
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and testing, equipment maintenance, patient assessment,
respiratory health promotion, disease prevention, home care for patients and cardiac and
pulmonary rehabilitation.
Most states require that respiratory therapists obtain a license before practicing. If you meet all
the requirements you could sit for two certifications to add to your credentials - Registered
Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Passing the CRT exam
will qualify you as a respiratory therapist in most states. Most hospitals and employers may also
need a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification as well. If you are planning a career in
intensive-care or in a supervisory position, an RRT certification would be useful.
As America ages and the incidents of cardio pulmonary diseases keep increasing, the need for
respiratory therapists increases as well. Thus, job opportunities are assured for students planning
a career in respiratory therapy with hospitals still continuing to be the main employer of RTs.
However, respiratory therapists can also look forward to working in home health care providers,
private clinics, healthcare agencies, and educational establishments and even with respiratory
equipment manufacturers. With medical advancements and technological developments, the
demand for trained and skilled respiratory therapists is bound to show a steady growth curve in
the future.