Certified Respiratory Therapist

Certified Respiratory Therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the care and treatment of patients with respiratory conditions. They work under the supervision of a physician and are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. Certified Respiratory Therapists also provide respiratory support to patients during surgery and other procedures.

Education and Training

To become a Certified Respiratory Therapist, you must complete an accredited respiratory therapy program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools. The programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory therapy techniques. After completing an accredited respiratory therapy program, you must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist.

Job Duties

Certified Respiratory Therapists perform a variety of job duties, including: