Career Profiles Respiratory Therapists
In the growing world of health care profession, respiratory therapists play a vital role with regard to the management of patients with respiratory or cardiac issues. Their main role is to assist the physicians in managing such patients although some respiratory therapist takes on the role of home care therapists for patients requiring long-term care. As a profession where more and more technologies are incorporated in providing its services, being a respiratory therapist is an interesting and rewarding career for any person who seeks self-satisfaction.
What are thepre-requisitesfor becoming a respiratory therapist?
In order to become a respiratory therapist, a person should complete a recognized training program at University or College level following a High School Diploma or preferably a Bachelors degree or Postgraduate qualification. However, a person obtaining a degree in respiratory therapy would not be able to practice as a respiratory therapist in most states until they successfully complete the National Certification Exam for respiratory therapists conducted by theNational Board of Respiratory Carein the U.S. or else through similar organizations in other parts of the world. During their training, respiratory therapists can branch off to many different specialities including anesthesia, critical care, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, respiratory home care for example. In addition to the core training received by respiratory therapists, they would also receive training in monitoring, using and maintaining respiratory support equipment such as ventilators, resuscitation equipment and other tools as well.
What are theduties of a respiratory therapist(RT)?
When discussing the specific duties undertaken by respiratory therapists, performing diagnostics tests such as blood gas analysis should be highlighted. Operating and monitoring respiratory equipment, which are used to deliver oxygen and medications, as well as operating, maintaining and testing equipment that are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, should also be considered important duties of a respiratory therapist. RTs also provide assistance or perform the same by themselves with regard to line insertions and tube insertions following assessing such patients. They also provide support for patients who find it difficult to breathe as a result of cardio-pulmonary problems.
Performing CPR or Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation on specialized groups of patients such as newborns, trauma victims as well as in patients with heart and lung diseases should also be noted as an important duty performed by the respiratory therapists. In addition, respiratory therapists also play a role in transporting high-risk patients, assisting in the delivery of high-risk babies as well as by assisting anesthetists in the operating room. Providing respiratory care at home is another service rendered by these professionals, which can sometimes branch into many other niche areas.
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapists?
The demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow in the future as the number of middle aged and elderly population increase in the United States and in many parts of the world. At present, the annual income of a respiratory therapist is around $40,000 to $56,000 although it can change substantially depending on the place of work, workload and the responsibility that has to be undertaken.
