Certified Respiratory Therapist
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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:
- Assessing patients' respiratory status
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Administering respiratory medications
- Operating and maintaining respiratory equipment
- Educating patients and their families about respiratory care
Work Environment
Certified Respiratory Therapists typically work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They may also work in home healthcare or long-term care facilities. Certified Respiratory Therapists typically work full-time and may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
