Respiratory Therapists
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
Respiratory Therapists
What comes to your mind when you hear this? Most people are not sure except that they probably wear scrubs. With our healthcare system going 
through massive changes, Respiratory Therapists (RT) have been identified as as growing segment in the healthcare industry.
With record unemployment in the most recent years, many adults went back to school. For some it was an opportunity to attain a degree for the first time, switch to an industry without the massive debt associated with being a physician. For some it was a wonderful distraction from being unemployed, avoiding all signs of depression and being able to focus on something they could control.
What kind of training do Respiratory Therapists receive?
Simply put, Respiratory Therapists are the “airway experts”. A certified program will allow graduates of at least a two year program to sit for their licensing exams. Currently, the two most common licenses recognized are
CRT, or certified respiratory therapist and R.R.T., registered respiratory therapist. Look at the difference as one most are familiar with, LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) versus a RN (Registered Nurse).
There are normally at least three rotations of clinical experience they must complete. Meaning, the student Respiratory Therapist under the supervision a of licensed and trained RT of the hospital staff, will perform hours of patient contact to master and explain bedside manners, how to work with the other allied health professionals.
During these rotations, they may have an opportunity to view an autopsy, visit a bronchoscopy suite, and provide hands on assistance during an emergency.
This experience is also experienced by writing patient evaluations from a Respiratory perspective. This allows the therapist to critically think about the patients they have seen, they culture of the facility and ask an experienced Respiratory Therapist anything about their experience.
They work in every segment of the hospital, from the N.I.C.U. (neonatal 
intensive care unit) to a geriatrics. Some therapists choose to work for an agency to provide care at the patient’s home.
Who are Respiratory Therapists?
These allied health professionals are commonly found in a hospital setting. Although they work autonomously, they work closely with physicians and nurses. The experienced Respiratory Therapist will work closely with a patient on a ventilator and may specialize with a particular portion of the population, as in pediatrics for example. They deliver respiratory medication and 
treatments and make recommendations based on their expertise. They also use a lot of equipment, from small items like metered dose inhalers or (MDI), hand held nebulizers to much larger items like an oxygen tank or ventilator.
While no segment of the population is at an advantage with any type of respiratory disease, this allied health professional is trained to see and hear changes in a way that only they would notice.
The work of a Respiratory Therapist does require a lot of walking and standing. Although they are never required to lift anyone, they should be strong and healthy enough to assist another colleague who may need assistance.
If you are currently in the healthcare field, or trying to decide on a new direction for yourself and your family, seriously consider a home based business. Just click the arrow below to get more information now!
