Thinking about a career as a respiratory therapist

What does a day in the life of a respiratory therapist look like, and what kind of education or certification is needed? I'm interested in healthcare, and this seems like an interesting field. Any insights into job satisfaction and career growth?

A respiratory therapist (RT) is a specialized healthcare professional, who provides care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Certainly, a career as an RT is rewarding and offers continuous learning opportunities, especially given the advancements in healthcare.

A typical day for a respiratory therapist is varied but is generally patient-centric. Expect several duties such as assessing patients' breathing, administering oxygen or prescribed medications, operating and maintaining respiratory equipment, educating patients and families about lung conditions, and responding to emergencies like cardiac arrests or premature births. The tasks are hands-on, and RTs frequently work alongside doctors and nurses in intensive care units, neonatal or pediatric units, or general hospital floors.

In terms of education, you’d need at least an associate degree, but a bachelor's degree will provide more opportunities for advancement. The curriculum is likely to feature courses in cardiopulmonary physiology, respiratory healthcare techniques, pharmacology, and patient assessment.

Upon graduation, you'll need to gain certification via a standard exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Passing this test grants you the title of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). From there, you can choose to specialize by becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), which can open doors to leadership and specialized clinical roles. Make a note that licensure is mandatory in almost all states, and the requirements include graduation from an accredited program and CRT certification.

Job satisfaction among respiratory therapists is often high due to helping patients and impacting lives directly. The recent pandemic has brought increased visibility and urgency to their role.

For career growth, RTs can become supervisors or department managers, pivot to academia as teachers or researchers, or specialize in pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep medicine, neonatal pediatrics, or critical care. However, remember that healthcare jobs can be demanding, involving odd hours including nights, weekends, or holidays, and sometimes dealing with emotional scenarios. Nonetheless, the rewards of helping others breathe easier are unparalleled.