Respiratory therapists deal with the most critical and life-sustaining situations related to respiratory problems. The profession of respiratory care ...
Respiratory therapists deal with the most critical and life-sustaining situations related to respiratory problems. The profession of respiratory care is fast growing and in high demand. Respiratory health care is associated with diagnosis,
treatment and dealing with the patients who suffer from respiratory problems and abnormalities. You can find a respiratory therapy school in many states in the country, which offers programs for aspiring respiratory therapists.
The role of a respiratory therapist is an important one. In this role, you will have to assist health professionals in diagnosing and offering treatment to patients. You will be required to monitor the heart and lung functions using the latest devices. Most of the patients you deal with include newborn babies, trauma casualties as well as asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis patients. As a therapist, you should be bold and wise enough to face life and death situations every day.
Respiratory therapy is one of the upcoming branches in the field of medicine. To become a licensed respiratory therapist you need a valid degree or associate degree. The course takes two years for completion. After completion you will be issued a certificate, which will make it possible for you to get a good paying job anywhere in the country.
You can also obtain a degree from vocational, trade or technical schools. Respiratory technicians or respiratory therapists, as they are often called, work with the latest equipment and learn the rules and regulations associated with administering therapeutic treatment.
Respiratory schools offer degree programs like associate respiratory therapist (ART) and bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy (BRT). The courses include physiology, human anatomy, pharmacology, chemistry, microbiology and physics as the primary subjects. Special studies in diagnostic methods, equipments, tests and therapeutic methods are also included as a part of the studies. To upgrade one can even take up Master of Science (MSRT) degrees in respiratory therapy and Doctorate (PhD) programs offered by these schools and colleges. The more you upgrade and increase your expertise, the better chance you have of getting a great starting salary.
A respiratory therapy school trains students in practical situations where certain precautionary measures and steps are implemented. They are trained to work with dangerous pressurized gases where certain safety precautions have to be taken. The motive of such practical situational training is to teach the students to learn to maintain and manage equipment in risky situations and avoid contracting infectious diseases or harm.
The scope of employment for a certified respiratory therapist is wide. Once you complete a respiratory therapist course, you become a respiratory technician. Established medical firms and hospitals can now employ you. In most cases, you require a license or certificate to work as a respiratory therapist. Your earning capacity can vary from $30,000 to $60,000 annually.
For a two-year course, the students must have basic knowledge of computer application. While a few schools do not insist on ranking, some colleges and institutions persist on personal interviews, high ranking and grades. Respiratory therapy students are also required to acquire CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification.
After completing the necessary courses in a respiratory therapy school, you have many career options from which you can choose. You can work as a respiratory therapist, pulmonary function technologist, respiratory therapy technician or neonatal pediatric respiratory care professional.
