Respiratory therapist training programs typically are available at colleges, universities, technical schools, and medical schools. A person who desires to enter the field will need at least a two-year associate’s degree. Some institutions offer four-year bachelor’s degrees, as well as master’s degrees. Prospective students should make sure the respiratory therapist training program they choose is accredited, offers the right mix of science and medical courses, and provides clinical experience.
A respiratory therapist works with patients who have breathing difficulties. Professionals in this medical field help control the blood-oxygen levels of patients, perform diagnostic respiratory tests, and monitor patients using cardiopulmonary equipment. Patients may include infants, as well as the elderly.
When searching for a respiratory therapist training program, students should first make sure they are looking at accredited schools. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) provide lists of accredited institutions. These programs must meet certain standards to maintain their accreditation status.
Accreditation not only ensures a quality education but also opens the way for employment in the field. Prospective respiratory therapists must be licensed in order to work. To sit for the licensing exam, students must have graduated from an accredited respiratory therapist training program.
Selecting between accredited schools can be difficult. Prospective students should look at the course schedule of possible training programs and select the program that offer the most medical and scientific instruction. Top respiratory therapist training programs typically include general courses in microbiology, anatomy, physics, pharmacology, chemistry, human anatomy, and mathematics. They will also include specific courses related to the field, such as medical recordkeeping, diagnostic procedures, clinical practice, cardiac rehabilitation, and patient assessment.
Programs that offer clinical experience in specialized areas typically will facilitate employment for students once they graduate. Students can specialize in neonatal respiratory care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and mechanical ventilation services. Graduates with experience in these areas may be in higher demand by employers and may be offered higher paying positions. Training programs that offer a wide range of education and experience may help graduates advance to management positions later in their career.
Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others work for physicians or in nursing care facilities. Some find work for companies that supply respiratory equipment for home use. The profession requires therapists to pay attention to detail, be able to work in a team environment, follow instructions, and use computers and other technical equipment. Some employers may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification as well.
