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Respiratory Therapist
The field of respiratory therapy deals with abnormalities and deficiencies of the lungs, heart and circulatory (blood) system. Under medical direction, respiratory therapy procedures involve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, control and rehabilitation of breathing disorders.
Respiratory therapists treat patients of all ages with a wide range of diagnoses. Such patients might include those suffering from allergies, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and emphysema to the more critically ill or trauma victims suffering from drug poisoning, drowning, cardiac arrest, head injuries, shock or hemorrhaging. Respiratory therapy is of crucial importance in the treatment of acute conditions. If breathing is not restored in three to five minutes, brain damage will likely occur. Death will occur if breathing is not restored in nine minutes. Respiratory therapists are also concerned with the medical problems associated with cigarette smoking and air pollution.
Respiratory therapists work under the direction of a physician administering patient treatment plans. They use sophisticated equipment that will mechanically breathe for the patient and also administer gas, aerosol and humidity therapies, intermittent positive-pressure breathing treatments, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, long-term continuous artificial ventilation, and other therapeutic procedures.
| Some of the other responsibilities might include: |
| • | Operating and maintaining special respiratory equipment, such as mechanical ventilators and oxygen tents |
| • | Reviewing prescriptions to determine the treatment to use |
| • | Planning treatment procedures and explaining them to patients |
| • | Showing patients how to use the equipment at home |
| • | Teaching patients special breathing exercises designed to clear the lungs of fluid |
| • | Conducting diagnostic tests of patients' cardiopulmonary functions |
| • | Preparing and maintaining a treatment chart for each patient |
| • | Ordering new materials and equipment |
| • | Cleaning, sterilizing and making minor repairs to equipment |
Many respiratory therapists focus on newborn and pediatric care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, geriatrics, anesthesia or intensive care. Most respiratory therapists are involved in the treatment of cardiopulmonary problems, however, some specialize in diagnostic testing. Pulmonary technologists perform a wide range of diagnostic tests of the pulmonary system.
Most respiratory therapists work in a hospital respiratory therapy, anesthesiology or pulmonary department. Others work in nursing homes, clinics, physician offices, companies providing emergency oxygen services and municipal organizations.
Job Outlook
Good. Opportunities will continue to increase as the population ages. It is generally the elderly who have the greatest frequency of lung and heart problems.
Educational Requirements
Respiratory therapy programs range from a two-year associate degree program to a four-year baccalaureate degree program. Both programs include theory and clinical experience. The baccalaureate program provides students with a greater depth in sciences and respiratory care courses as well as opportunities for advancement into management, education or research.
High school students interested in a career in respiratory therapy should take courses in health, biology, mathematics and physics. College courses include: biology, physical science, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, math, microbiology, physics, clinical medicine and therapeutic procedures.
To become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT), applicants must successfully complete a written and clinical examination through the National Board of Respiratory Care.
Educational Programs - Chicago Area
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