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:

• 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.

Salary and Benefits

The median annual salary for Certified Respiratory Therapists is $61,330. The top 10% of earners make more than $89,340 per year. Certified Respiratory Therapists typically receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for Certified Respiratory Therapists is expected to be good over the next few years. The aging population is expected to increase the demand for respiratory therapists. Certified Respiratory Therapists with experience in critical care or other specialized areas may have the best job prospects.

Advancement Opportunities

Certified Respiratory Therapists can advance their careers by becoming managers, educators, or researchers. They may also specialize in a particular area of respiratory care, such as critical care or neonatal respiratory care.

Personal Qualities

Certified Respiratory Therapists should be compassionate, patient, and have a strong work ethic. They should also be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle a variety of tasks.

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. These projects include:

• Volunteering at a local hospital or clinic
• Shadowing a Certified Respiratory Therapist
• Reading books and articles about respiratory care
• Taking online courses in respiratory care

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about respiratory care and prepare for a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Online courses can provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. Online courses can also be a cost-effective way to learn about respiratory care.

There are a number of online courses available that can help students learn about respiratory care. These courses can teach students about the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, respiratory diseases, and respiratory therapy techniques.

Online courses can be a helpful way to supplement traditional classroom learning or to learn about respiratory care at your own pace. However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to prepare you for a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. You will need to complete an accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the NBRC exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist.