Learn to breathe easy in a respiratory therapy training program being offered at schools near you.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory therapists work every day to evaluate, treat, and care for patients of all ages suffering from breathing attacks or disorders. Working closely with a trained physician, respiratory therapy professionals are responsible for all respiratory care therapy treatments and diagnostic procedures a patient receives.
Explore more information on respiratory therapist job duties, skills, demand and programs below.
- Job Duties
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Respiratory Therapist Job Duties
Working with a team of other healthcare professionals, respiratory therapists help to develop a patient care program and plan of action. Respiratory therapy programs also teach individuals to:
- Administer oxygen
- Monitor patients
- Supervise ventilators
- Administer drugs to the lungs
- Analyze lung function
- Career Skills
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Respiratory Therapist Skills
Certain skills and characteristics are necessary for students in respiratory therapy programs to deliver the best patient care possible. These may include:
- Stamina: During their shifts, these healthcare professionals may be required to remain on their feet for long periods of time. Respiratory therapy students should be prepared to work while standing often.
- Interpersonal Skills: Respiratory therapists are responsible for direct patient care and interaction. Understanding customer service and adapting to a patient’s needs is crucial. Being helpful and polite is also vital.
- Attention to Detail Skills: When dealing with patient care and well-being, even the smallest mistake can cause serious consequences. This also applies to respiratory therapy. Every detail matters and should not be overlooked.
- Demand
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Respiratory Therapist Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand for respiratory therapists to increase between now and 2020 by 28 percent. This is faster than the national average for all jobs, and amounts to 31,200 new respiratory therapist positions.*
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Respiratory Therapists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
- Programs
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Respiratory Therapy Programs & Training
It takes quality respiratory therapy programs to teach students the skills and knowledge used by these professionals every day. Students interested in a respiratory therapy program should choose a school that offers the most up-to-date, well-rounded education and courses. Respiratory therapy courses students can expect to encounter include:
- Human Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Mathematics
- And more
Can you picture yourself as a respiratory therapist? Make that dream a reality. Discover more information by locating respiratory therapy schools near you today.
Program availability and/or degree offerings subject to change. Employment and salary are not guaranteed.
Respiratory Therapy Schools
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