Overview

The respiratory therapist is an important and integral part of the health care team. It is the primary job of respiratory therapists to evaluate, treat, and monitor patients with respiratory (breathing) disorders. Under the direction of a physician, the respiratory therapist will have many varied patient care responsibilities. Among them are the primary responsibility for therapeutic patient care plans, management of mechanical ventilators, administration of oxygen and aerosols, performing diagnostic tests, monitoring lung function, performing chest physiotherapy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Respiratory therapists are responsible to evaluate and treat all types of patients, from newborn to elderly.

Respiratory Therapist Training

Training for a respiratory therapist is usually a two or four year college or university based program which will lead to an associates or bachelors degree. A four year program may be preferable for many employers. Among the courses of study required will be anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, and pharmacology The respiratory therapist may then advance to a masters degree. Licensure is required to practice respiratory therapy in most states and is based on meeting the certification requirements from the National Board for Respiratory Care. The board offers two levels of certification: a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential to graduates of an accredited program and a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential to CRT's graduating from advanced programs and successfully passing two examinations.

Job Prospects

The job prospects for respiratory therapists is expected to be very good with faster than average employment growth. The majority of jobs are expected to be in hospitals, however home health and private physician offices will comprise a portion of the available employment opportunities.

Related Reference Materials

Advanced Respiratory Therapist Exam Guide
Manual of Pulmonary Function Testing
Clinical Assessment In Respiratory Care (5th Edition)