Education :: Careers with Respiratory Therapy Degree

Although an associate's degree in respiratory therapy may be enough to enter the profession, RTsneed to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in respiratory therapy for career advancement.

In addition to the degree, all U.S. 5. 4. 6. These subject areas include management planning,psychology of motivation, business law, organization design and change, etc.

At the end of their program, graduates have the skills and knowledge to meet the everydaychallenges that the work of an RT throws up - be it at a hospital treating patients with chronicbreathing problems or responding to emergencies or at a patient's home providing preventive care.

If you want to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best brains in medical science and assist them inthe delivery of health care, if you want a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding, and if you wanta job with multiple advancement opportunities, then respiratory therapy is just what the doctorordered for you!

. Analyzing breath, tissue, and blood samples of patients. Recommending treatments for respiratorydisorders. Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders. Managing ventilators and artificial airwaydevices for patients. They also respond to emergency situations like heart attacks, strokes, or shock.

How do I become an RT?

The minimum qualification to become aRespiratory Therapist is an associaterespiratory therapy degree. However,students must ensure before enrolling ina respiratory therapy program that it isaccredited by a recognized accreditingbody like the Commission onAccreditation for Respiratory Care(CoARC) or Accrediting Commission ofCareer Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

What Will I Learn?

As part of their education, students of a respiratory therapy degree learn topics such as cardiac &renal anatomy & physiology, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, pulmonary anatomy & physiology,pulmonary function testing, respiratory care protocols, polysomnography, and many more.

In addition to these clinical concepts, respiratory therapy graduates also learn managementprinciples that respiratory care practitioners need to perform supervisory roles. states except Alaskaand Hawaii require RTs to have a valid license from the National Board for Respiratory Care(NBRC). 2. 3. They evaluate, treat, and provide care to patients with breathing or othercardiopulmonary disorders. Educating patients and their families about lung diseases.

Respiratory Therapists provide care to patients ranging from premature babies with underdeveloped lungs to older people suffering from lung diseases. The board confers the CertifiedRespiratory Therapist (CRT) credential to students who graduate from entry-level or advancedrespiratory therapy program and pass a licensure exam.

CRTs that complete advanced respiratory therapy programs and pass two separate exams areeligible for a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certificate from NBRC.

Are you consumed by a passion to help people? Do you thrive for working under pressure? Doemergency situations bring out the best in you? Do you get an adrenalin rush every time you thinkabout a "code blue" call? Do you want to be at the forefront of using cutting edge technology for thedelivery of health care?

If your response to all the above questions is yes, then you are an ideal fit for the role of aRespiratory Therapist.

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are also known as Respiratory Care Practitioners. Their work involvespracticing under the supervision or direction of doctors. They also work closely and often superviserespiratory therapy technicians.

What does an RT do?

The American Association of Respiratory Care describes a day in the life of a Respiratory Therapistincluding activities like:

1. Conducting chest examinations on patients