Why respiratory care

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of respiratory therapists to grow much faster than average. Respiratory therapists are in demand to care for the large aging population.

Older people are more likely to experience lung and heart conditions that may benefit from respiratory therapy. With additional training and experience, some therapists may advance to staff therapist or administrative positions.

Others start their own respiratory care companies or move into equipment marketing and sales. College of Medicine and Science. Academics Section Overview Academic programs. Admissions and Tuition Section Overview Residencies and fellowships. About Section Overview College profile. Patient Care College Research. What does a respiratory therapist do? Scope of practice Respiratory therapists work with doctors and nurses to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

Becoming a respiratory therapist Individuals interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, should be detail oriented and well organized. Respiratory Therapist Job Duties Respiratory therapists have a wide range of duties throughout their days. A typical day or shift can consist of: Meeting with and examining patients who have pulmonary diseases, disorders, or complications Conducting, performing, and analyzing diagnostic and function tests to assess lung capacity and capability Working with physicians and nurses to create treatment plans Treating patients with aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy Evaluating progress of treatment Administering inhalants Documenting care by updating charts and records Operating mechanical ventilators and other machines Completing discharge planning by working with other members of the medical team Training patients how to administer treatments and use equipment on their own Recommending equipment and treatment for outpatient or home health Protecting patients and other healthcare employees through stringent protocols How Much Do Respiratory Therapists Make?

Hospitals - By far the most common workplace environment for an RT, treating patients who have the most need. Additionally, they perform pulmonary function testing to determine disease state and course of treatment, drawing blood samples and performing chest physiotherapy to remove mucus from the lungs. They can also administer therapeutic gases and administer medications for asthmatics and patients suffering from COPD.

Finally, they institute, monitor, and maintain mechanical ventilators for patient on life support. Pulmonary Rehab Clinics - An outpatient respiratory therapy office is a place where patients with pulmonary complications can go for check ups, treatment, and breathing therapy. Respiratory therapists there could perform a range of duties, including counseling, educating, and rehabilitating to help patients breathe more easily. In-Home Care - RTs can do at-home care for patients who have a difficult time or are unable to get to a physical location.

They can help train patients and families on machines and equipment for breathing assistance. Sleep Disorder Centers - Respiratory therapists who work at sleep disorder centers can help diagnose and prepare treatment plans for those with sleep disorders. They run in-lab sleep studies and work with patients who may have pulmonary disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.

Ideal Skills for a Respiratory Therapist Like most jobs in the healthcare profession, respiratory therapists need to have a unique skill set that allows them to multitask while remaining hyper-focused on the needs and conditions of their patients.

All respiratory therapists should have the following skills: Verbal communication skills Calm bedside manner Compassion Deep understanding of infectious control Ability to work with a medical team Good judgment and quick decision-making ability Time management skills Physiological knowledge Patience and ability to teach and train patients Detail oriented Science and math skills How to Become a Respiratory Therapist Making the decision to go into respiratory care is exciting.

Please select Spring Fall First Time Freshman Transfer Readmit. Please enter your legal first name. I am truly blessed to join them in their journey through life! I am thankful to be an RT because it has given me the opportunity to help the respiratory impaired patient.

More importantly, as an RT educator, I am given the awesome responsibility and opportunity to mold and shape young and aspiring RT students. I also had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the best and most interesting and intelligent RTs ever!

I am thankful to be an RT because I love what I do. I love to see my patient smile after liberation of a life support, or alleviation of respiratory distress. I play a vital role on the interdisciplinary team, and am respected in my workplace. I am thankful to be an RT because I have finally found my dream job. I enjoy all aspects of my job, the people I have met, the students I teach, and most importantly, the patients I help!

I am thankful to be an RT because I continue to learn and be challenged. I am thankful to be an RT because it is a very rewarding career. I am thankful to be an RT because I get the privilege of witnessing miracles each day.

I am thankful to be an RT because everyone needs to breathe! I truly love my job. I am thankful to be an RRT because it has provided me with many different, challenging, exciting, and fun career opportunities. I love the field of respiratory therapy and enjoy every day of work as both a professor and a therapist. I am thankful to be an RT because it has provided me with a meaningful career in which I have been able to help struggling patients and their families through life-threatening challenges.

As an educator it has allowed me to work with students who choose to have a career that can help change their lives, hopefully for the better.

I have transitioned through several of the career paths that the profession has to offer. So, as I began to lose the love in one path, there was always another opportunity available for me to pursue. Happiness is loving what you do. I am thankful to be an RT because this profession has provided me and my family with a wonderful livelihood.

We are a much respected profession by everyone from other health care providers to the patients themselves.