Aspiring respiratory care professionals often wonder, “What kind of schooling and certification is needed to become a respiratory therapist?”
The quick response is that a two-year degree is minimally necessary while a four-year degree is optimal. To become what the National Board for Respiratory Care calls the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care practitioners, you will also need to pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) test and become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). In order to further their careers, many effective respiratory therapists go on to get a master’s degree.
Do you have experience in the medical profession and want to transition into a new job as a veteran? If so, you may wish to look into respiratory care as a career option. Patients who have difficulty breathing as a result of asthma, COPD, acute respiratory distress, or any other medical condition rely heavily on the assistance of respiratory care professionals.
This article will walk you through the steps necessary to become a respiratory care practitioner, with a special emphasis on how veterans may make use of VA educational benefits to offset the expenses of their studies. With our guidance, you may confidently enter your chosen field with the knowledge, experience, and credentials to succeed.
Now is the time to begin training for a career in respiratory care!
What does a respiratory therapist do?
One who specializes in pulmonary medicine is called a respiratory therapist. Most respiratory therapists do comparable daily responsibilities, however these might vary based on the patients they treat and the setting in which they operate. The following tasks may be part of a respiratory therapist’s everyday routine:
- Diagnosing and evaluating individuals with respiratory and lung diseases
- Using chest examinations as a diagnostic tool
- Interviewing patients to learn about their routines, routine difficulties, and complaints
- Formulating therapeutic strategies, such as drug administration and talk therapy
- Following patient examination, consulting with other members of the healthcare team to propose appropriate therapy modifications
- Providing oxygen and measuring gas concentrations in blood and breath using specialist equipment
- Taking care of and helping people who need the assistance of mechanical ventilators
- Providing immediate medical attention in an emergency and starting and controlling life support before, during, and after a patient’s arrival at the emergency room.
- Patients and their loved ones benefit greatly from the knowledge and guidance of respiratory therapists, who provide them with information about their diseases, treatments, and the lifestyle changes that can enhance their quality of life.
How to become a respiratory therapist
To provide the necessary skill and care to patients, a job as a respiratory therapist necessitates a number of credentials and a rigorous training program. Here are the first six things you need to do to become a respiratory therapist:
Enroll in an associate or bachelor's degree program-
If you want to work as a respiratory therapist, you might need to earn a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree in the field. Verify if the course has been granted approval by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. An associate degree can get you started in a profession, but most companies look favorably on individuals with a bachelor’s degree since they demonstrate a deeper familiarity with the field.
The American Association for Respiratory Care has compiled a list of recommended degree programs if you need guidance in your search. Both courses will help you learn the fundamentals of respiratory care through a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and clinical rotations. You could take courses in the following areas:
- Anatomy of a human
- Physiology of the Heart and Lungs
- Respiratory care for newborns, children, and adults
- Practical Medical Use in the Clinic
- Diagnostic and therapeutic measures
- Mechanical ventilation alternatives
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Theory of Respiratory Biochemistry
Make an effort to improve your marketable soft talents-
Since they spend so much time with patients, respiratory therapists need to have excellent interpersonal skills to provide the best treatment possible. Focus on honing the following soft skills throughout your academic career:
Analytical pondering
As a respiratory therapist, it is crucial that you accurately evaluate all of the available patient data. Applying rational thought to choose the best course of action about medicine, treatment, or emergency ventilation is required. Analyzing the patient’s priorities and arriving at a correct diagnosis both require the use of critical thinking abilities.
Compassion
A compassionate attitude may go a long way toward helping patients feel at ease in medical environments. This can help you provide the highest quality treatment to each of your patients, ensuring they leave your appointment in better health. Being an attentive listener is a form of empathy.
Focus on Specifics
Respiratory therapists often have to operate complex machinery with precise controls. It may be necessary, for instance, to administer a precise dose of medication or oxygen to a patient. Detailed patient treatment programs may be followed simultaneously.
Intentional hearing
Successful respiratory therapists make it a point to pay close attention to their patients’ needs. They inquire in the right ways and pay close attention to what the patient or family member has to say in response. Active listening can help you as a health care team member collaborate with others and absorb crucial information about patient care.
Pass the certification test-
The Therapist Multiple-Choice Exam is administered by the American Association for Respiratory Care. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) are the two available certifications for respiratory therapists.
For students who fall below the minimum passing score, the CRT is the lowest possible certificate. In order to take the Clinical Simulation Exam, you must first gain the CRT certificate. If you do well on this test, you may be able to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), a designation that indicates you have met rigorous professional requirements.
Obtain a license to practice in your state-
Respiratory therapists are normally required to hold a state license before entering the field. Except for Alaska, this is applicable nationwide. Since the specific license requirements might differ by state, you should research the needs of your own. Renewal may be required every other year in some states but every year in others. Some states need as much as 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
Get your resume and cover letter in order-
You should highlight your experience and expertise in the business in your resume. If your resume and cover letter are well-written, you may get a call for an interview. Think on your hard and soft abilities, as well as your work experience. Put everything that can make you stand out from the crowd on your resume.
Find relevant openings and learn what companies are looking for by perusing job postings online and in specialist industry magazines. Personalize your cover letter and CV for each position you apply for.
Get your credentials in order-
After gaining experience in the field, you might start studying for a certification as a respiratory therapist. Multiple credentials can be earned through the American Association for Respiratory Care. They aren’t mandated by law, but they can help show that you know what you’re doing. Some fields are so specialized that certificates are necessary for employment. The following are examples of possible certifications:
- This certification is for respiratory therapists who work with patients who have chronic conditions, such as those treated in a long-term care institution or rehabilitation center.
- Those who want to focus on neonatal-pediatrics generally work with preterm infants who require assistance breathing. Possible circumstances where you would provide assistance include assisting children born with lung issues and providing emergency treatment.
- The respiratory therapist provides care to patients in the air ambulance or helicopter while they are transported to the hospital’s emergency room in the event of a medical emergency. They assist the doctor or EMT in keeping the patient alive and breathing.
Common Services Provided by Respiratory Care Practitioners
To assist patients better manage their respiratory disorders and enhance their overall health and quality of life, respiratory care practitioners provide a wide variety of valuable services. Some of the most typical things that respiratory care professionals do include:
Administering Oxygen Therapy
Professionals in the field of respiratory care are educated to diagnose and treat individuals who are experiencing trouble breathing. Oxygen therapy is one of the most popular therapies they offer, and it consists of giving patients oxygen in order to improve their breathing.
Testing Respiratory Capacity
A patient’s lung function can be assessed in a number of ways by medical professionals who specialize in respiratory care. These evaluations can be used to identify respiratory disorders and monitor recovery.
Assisting with Mechanical Ventilation
Patients who are unable to breathe on their own may be given mechanical ventilation by medical professionals working in the field of respiratory care. A machine would be used to supply the patient with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from their lungs.
Educating Patients on Respiratory Health
Educating patients about respiratory diseases and how to manage them is another crucial part of a respiratory care provider’s job. Advice on breathing exercises, healthy habits, and medication administration could be provided.
Performing Chest Physiotherapy
Chest physiotherapy is a technique used by medical professionals in the field of respiratory care to aid in the removal of secretions from the lungs. This can help people breathe easier and protect them from illness.
In conclusion
Veterans can make greater use of VA schooling advantages to pursue a meaningful profession as a respiratory care practitioner. Vets interested in becoming respiratory care practitioners can follow the processes mentioned above to confirm their eligibility, select a VA-approved program, apply for educational benefits, and graduate with the necessary credentials.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Tuition Assistance are all available to service members and their families. Veterans interested in respiratory care education and training can choose from a number of financing choices.
Talk to your local VA office about the educational perks available to you if you are a veteran interested in a career as a respiratory care practitioner. You may become a successful respiratory care practitioner by committing yourself fully to your studies, working hard, and taking advantage of the VA’s educational benefits program.
