What is a Respiratory Therapist? What Do They Do?
Date: February 12, 2024
“Just Breathe”© is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. The lyrics, “Stay with me; Let’s just breathe,” are familiar. While one rarely consciously thinks about breathing, have you ever considered how vital that automatic response is?
Breathing starts when one inhales (breathes in). Then, air enters and fills the lungs, and oxygen moves into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste gas, transfers from the blood to the lungs and is exhaled or breathed out.1
Just breathe. It’s very essential. But what happens when the breathing process goes awry? What if “just breathe” isn’t possible? In medicine, lung issues are considered pulmonary. In short, the word pulmonary is derived from the Latin root word pulmo, meaning lung.2 The study of lungs or “respiratory therapy is a specialized healthcare field where practitioners are trained in pulmonary medicine.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory therapists are schooled in treating pulmonary conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. Such professionals play critical roles and work therapeutically with people suffering from pulmonary diseases and problems.”3
While Respiratory Therapists interview and examine patients, they may work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to develop appropriate treatment plans. Trained in managing emergencies such as cardiac arrest and respiratory failure, they often assist in resuscitation efforts and provide life-saving interventions.
Respiratory Therapists may also conduct diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests, to assess lung capacity and function. Moreover, these therapists may consult physicians about patients’ conditions and develop treatment plans. They may also teach patients how to take medications and use equipment.4 Sometimes, Respiratory Therapists recommend lifestyle modifications to improve respiratory health. Other times, they utilize respiratory equipment such as nebulizers or ventilators.
Ways to Become a Respiratory Therapist
If you aspire to be a Respiratory Therapist, there are several things you must accomplish. Firstly, aspiring therapists should complete a post-secondary education program. Many colleges offer associate and bachelor’s degree programs in respiratory care, typically taking two (2) to four (4) years to complete. Such a program provides students solid foundations in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. Additionally, courses include clinical practice and lab experiences.
After completing their educational requirements, individuals must obtain a license to practice. While standards vary by state, requirements generally involve passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examination for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Some states also require additional exams, such as the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Further, many states mandate completing continuing education credits (CEUs) annually.
Our Program
Our 19-month Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Care (A.O.S. in RC) program aims to prepare undergraduates to meet healthcare needs within their local communities. Moreover, our associate-level coursework features online didactics with on-the-ground campus labs and local clinical rotations within Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, Oakdale, French Camp, San Andreas, San Francisco, and Oakland, Calif. Admission to our respiratory care program is contingent upon a selective process. Said program is inherently demanding, requiring profound determination for achievement.
Where Do RTs Work?
“RTs can be found at the bedside working with patients, in helicopters or Learjets transporting critically ill patients, in research labs, managing departments, and teaching. From the first breath and beyond, RTs help patients at all stages of life.”3
Reasons to Become a Respiratory Therapist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapy is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.4
Graduates from a CoARC-accredited A.O.S. in RC program will be eligible to sit for a board exam as administered by the Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB). Upon successful completion and licensure, one may practice.
These graduates can also most often enroll in Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (B.S. in RT) programs should they wish to pursue their education further.
For more information about this program and a course overview, go here.~
See a video on how the lungs work from NHLBI National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
By Cindy R. Chamberlin.
Citations:
1 Staff. “How the Lungs Work—The Lungs|NHLBI, NIH.” Www.nhlbi.nih.gov, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2022. (Accessed January 9, 2024.)
2 Whitlock, RN, MSN, FN, Jennifer. “Pulmonary: The Medical Definition.” Verywell Health, Dotdash Meredith Publishing. March 3, 2023. (Accessed January 9, 2024.)
3^a, b “What Is an RT?” AARC.ORG, American Association for Respiratory Care. (Accessed January 9, 2024.)
4^a, b Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists. (Accessed December 28, 2023.)
