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Respiratory Therapist Career

Under the supervision of a physician, Respiratory Therapists provide care and treatment for individuals suffering from cardiopulmonary ailments.  They communicate with physicians and staff to create and implement specific patient care plans.  Respiratory therapists commonly treat conditions such as asthma or emphysema as well as victims that have suffered from strokes, heart attacks, near drowning, or shock.  They work with patients ranging from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs, to the elderly suffering from diseased lungs.  They begin by completing a patient evaluation which includes a consultation, a physical exam, and then based on findings, proceeding with diagnostic tests.  Therapists may treat patients with the use of oxygen, chest physiotherapy, or aerosol medications.  They must keep a close watch on all individuals under their care, and make necessary changes in treatment if negative reactions occur. 

Respiratory therapists work closely with patients and their families, so excellent communication skills are necessary.  Generally, they work 35-40 hours per week in clinical environments, but home health care professionals spend time traveling to and from patient homes.  Since healthcare may be necessary at any hour of the day, therapists commonly work evenings, nights, and/or weekends.  When working with patients, they must always be aware of the risk of catching infectious diseases or other harm from handling high pressure hazardous gasses, but if the proper precautions are taken, these risks decrease.  Professionals must be able to tolerate walking and standing for extended periods of time and have the ability to handle stressful situations. 

Most colleges and universities offer Associates or Bachelors degrees geared towards advanced-level practice, but some Associates programs are designed for entry level careers.  All states, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, require Respiratory Therapists to obtain Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) licensure before they are able to practice.  CRT’s with advanced training and experience may also become Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) by passing further examinations.  Many employers prefer candidates with CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) education combined with RRT certification. 

Cardiopulmonary disorders generally become more common with age, so Respiratory Therapy careers are expected to grow considerably with the Baby Boomer population.  While the majority of Respiratory Therapists will remain in hospital settings, there will also be a need for them in private practitioner offices, physician offices, and home health care.  Technology has increased the ability to detect symptoms earlier in patients in addition to save patients’ lives with lung transplants.  These advances have increased the number of professionals needed in the occupations significantly, and this growth is projected through 2014.  For more information on a career as a Respiratory Therapist, please visit the following sites:

• RT Magazine
• Skyline College Respiratory Therapy
• Respiratory Care
• American Association for Respiratory Care
• National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care

For a list of available Respiratory Therapist positions as well as a database of Respiratory Therapists searching for a career, please visit iHireTherapy.