It is absolutely necessary for individuals choosing a career as a respiratory therapist to have formal training. Education is available through colleges and universities, medical schools, community and vocational colleges as well as the Armed Forces. An entry-level position requires a 2-year program or an associate’s degree while a bachelor’s degree is required for those seeking an advanced position as a respiratory therapist. The number of associate degree programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Heath Education Programs is limited. It is important for individuals to be aware of this information prior to enrolling into a specific school.
Students enrolling in this program will study a variety of courses. Some of the areas of study include, human anatomy and physiology, path physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology and mathematics. Courses that are geared directly toward the profession are therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the application of clinical practice guidelines, care for patients outside the hospitals, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory health promotion, disease prevention and medical record keeping and reimbursement.
Upon completion of any program, two credentials are awarded to respiratory therapists. The credentials include Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Graduates who have successfully completed all postsecondary education courses can take an examination to become a CRT. Once a respiratory therapist has completed this process and passes the examination, they have the option of increasing their title and responsibility by becoming a RRT. In order to become an RRT or Registered Respiratory Therapist, additional levels of experience are required as well of the successful completion of two additional examinations.
Each state, with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii, require respiratory therapists to obtain a license before employment. Licenses are disbursed by each individual state. The majority of the states require a respiratory therapist to at least be accredited as a CRT. It is also necessary for therapists to maintain a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. In order to obtain supervisory positions or to work in special care a therapist must be licensed as a RRT.
Respiratory therapy requires basic mathematical and problem solving skills. It is important for high school students wishing to enter this field to participate in classes such as these as well as chemistry, physics and biology. One of the most important jobs of the respiratory therapist is the ability to compute dosages of medications and being able to determine oxygen levels necessary for individual patients.
