Respiratory therapists (respiratory therapy technicians) who have proper medical training can diagnose and administer respiratory care to patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. Respiratory therapy schools will teach the future respiratory therapist (RT) to abide by definitive care procedures and work directly under the supervision of a physician.
Respiratory therapy courses include mathematics, chemistry, physics, human anatomy, human physiology, pharmacology, and microbiology. Therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, implementation of various tests, and equipment will also be part of the RT curriculum. Students taking respiratory therapy training will study patient assessment, patient care, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, CPR and first aid techniques, clinical guidelines, and medical record maintenance.
Respiratory therapy training imparts skills for working with pressurized gases, and students learn about safety precautions that must be taken with these hazardous materials. Students will also study maintenance of equipment, as well as the risks infectious diseases and methods to control them.
Qualified respiratory therapy technicians often find employment in medical and surgical hospitals. Entry into the field generally requires an Associate of Science (AS) degree from an accredited school. Most states require those who have completed respiratory therapy training to obtain professional certification prior to employment.
Entry-level respiratory therapists can anticipate an annual income around $30,000; experienced respiratory therapy technicians who have gained advance respiratory therapy training and hold a higher degree can earn upwards of $60,000 annually.
If you would like to learn more about Respiratory Therapy Training and Respiratory Therapy Schools, you can find more in-depth information and resources on our website.
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