Respiratory Therapist Education
Respiratory therapists are trained to care for patients with cardio-pulmonary problems. Some common cardio-pulmonary problems treated by respiratory therapists are, pneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Respiratory therapists also work with patients in order to strengthen their lungs pre-operatively, and post-operatively in order to help prevent respiratory complications that sometimes arise.
Respiratory therapists are sometimes known as Inhalation therapists because of the frequent administration of inhaled medicines to patients. As a member of a health-care team, including nurses, doctors and other allied health professionals, respiratory therapists play an important role in evaluating, treating and educating patients. Respiratory therapists are professionals, with the education and skill to effect a change in the well-being of their patients.
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Responsibilities
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The responsibilities of respiratory therapists depend on the setting in which they are working. This is sometimes based on the laws in the state where the therapist is practicing. In general, respiratory therapists are in charge of maintaining patients airways, making sure patients are able to breathe either on their own or with mechanical assistance. Respiratory therapists are responsible for administering oxygen and administering medications for the relief of breathing problems. Mechanical ventilators that take over the job of breathing when needed are a therapist's responsibility to operate. The collection and interpretation of blood samples to gauge respiratory health is the job of a respiratory therapist also. Additionally, many hospitals use therapists to educate both patients and employees about respiratory-specific topics.
Settings
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A majority of respiratory therapists work in an acute-care setting. This is usually in a hospital, but may also be in an out-patient clinic. Within the hospital, therapists work wherever they are needed. The department of respiratory care in many hospitals is often the home base for therapists employed in that hospital. Respiratory therapists work in almost all of the hospital wards including neonatal, pediatrics, surgical and medical intensive care, post-operative recovery care and geriatrics. Some hospitals assign therapists to the same ward or unit all the time; while at others, the therapists are rotated through the different settings. Respiratory therapists are frequently in the emergency room, assessing and treating patients. Treating patients in a doctor's office is another setting where respiratory therapists are employed.
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Education
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A college degree is mandated in order to become a respiratory therapist. An associate degree in science is the minimum requirement. More commonly, bachelor's degree programs prepare graduates to take the necessary certification examinations. Students enrolled in a college program take courses in general sciences such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry and physics. In addition, classes specific to respiratory health, respiratory anatomy and respiratory pharmacology are studied in depth. Prospective therapists take classes in the treatment and management of respiratory diseases. The classroom work is supplemented by extensive clinical practice. Working under the supervision of qualified instructors, students receive experience in all aspects of clinical care. Students generally spend 16 to 24 hours per week doing clinical training.
Certifications
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The National Board for Respiratory Care governs the professional credentials of respiratory therapists. There are two classifications of therapists, determined by the successful completion of two separate examinations. Successful completion of the first exam leads to the designation of certified respiratory therapy technician, CRTT. After attaining the level of CRTT with an additional six months of clinical experience, one is eligible to take the examination to become a registered respiratory therapist, RRT. In addition most therapists will need to be certified in CPR, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Salary
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The average annual salary of a respiratory therapist as of 2008 was $53,000. The salary earned by a respiratory therapist is influenced by several factors including geography, education, certification level, experience and, to some extent, skill level. Therapists work an average of about 35 hours per week. A large number also have second jobs, often during weekends, when they are off duty from their main employers.
Non-Traditional Jobs
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More than ever before, opportunities abound for respiratory therapists in jobs that were not traditionally in their purview. Respiratory-equipment companies are increasingly hiring respiratory therapists to demonstrate, market, and sell their products. Pharmacology sales, particularly the medications used for cardio-pulmonary conditions, is another avenue open to respiratory therapists. Opportunities also exist in education, teaching future therapists, as well as in public-health instruction.
Home-health care is an alternative setting where opportunities continue to increase, particularly in rural areas.
Growth
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The jobs outlook for respiratory therapists is promising and expected to be better than average. This will be particularly true for those who have advanced and specialized skills. As the number of elderly and middle-aged in the population increases, so does the need for those who care for them. The elderly comprise the greatest segment of the population who suffer from such respiratory ailments as pneumonia, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Therapists with such experience should be in good standing in the job market. As the number of pre-term infants born increases, so will the need for skilled therapists to treat their complex respiratory problems, often through adolescence.
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