Are you interested in a rewarding career in healthcare that involves helping patients breathe and live healthier lives? If so, becoming a respiratory therapist may be the perfect fit for you. At Ivy Tech, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist, also known as a respiratory care practitioner, is a healthcare professional who specializes in the care of patients with breathing disorders or cardiopulmonary problems. Respiratory therapists work under the guidance of physicians to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis.
Job Responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist
As a respiratory therapist, your job responsibilities may include:
- Conducting diagnostic tests and procedures to assess patients' lung function and respiratory health
- Developing and implementing treatment plans to help patients manage their respiratory conditions
- Administering oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and other medications to help patients breathe easier
- Providing education and support to patients and their families on how to manage respiratory conditions
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care
Skills and Qualities Required to be a Respiratory Therapist
To be a successful respiratory therapist, you should possess certain skills and qualities, including:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams
- Ability to work well under pressure and make sound decisions in emergency situations
- Compassion and empathy to provide emotional support to patients and their families
- Physical stamina to lift and move equipment, as well as to stand for long periods
- Analytical skills to interpret diagnostic test results and develop treatment plans
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
To become a respiratory therapist, you typically need to complete an associate's degree program in respiratory therapy from an accredited institution, such as Ivy Tech. These programs typically take two years to complete and include both classroom and clinical training.
Coursework in respiratory therapy programs may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Respiratory physiology
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory disease management
- Diagnostic testing and procedures
- Patient assessment and treatment planning
Certification and Licensure
After graduating from a respiratory therapy program, you can obtain certification by passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam. Certification is not always required, but it is highly recommended to increase your job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
In some states, respiratory therapists may also need to obtain licensure to practice. Requirements for licensure vary by state, so be sure to check with your state's licensing authority for specific requirements.
Salary and Job Outlook for Respiratory Therapists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for respiratory therapists was $62,810 in May 2020. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, employer, level of experience, and certification.
The BLS also reports that employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and an increased demand for healthcare services.
Why Choose Ivy Tech for Respiratory Therapy Training?
Ivy Tech is a great choice for respiratory therapy training because of its:
- Accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
- Experienced faculty with expertise in respiratory therapy
- State-of-the-art equipment and facilities for hands-on training
- Clinical partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare organizations for real-world experience
- Affordable tuition rates and financial aid options
Get Started on Your Career as a Respiratory Therapist
If you're interested in a rewarding career as a respiratory therapist, apply to Ivy Tech's respiratory therapy program today. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, Ivy Tech can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this in-demand field.
We invite you to comment below and share your thoughts on this article. Have you considered a career as a respiratory therapist? What questions do you have about this field?
Gallery of Respiratory Therapy
What is the average salary for a respiratory therapist?
+The average salary for a respiratory therapist is around $62,810 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do respiratory therapists need to be certified?
+While certification is not always required, it is highly recommended to increase job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapists?
+Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.