Becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist requires minimum graduation requirements, but pursuing higher education can increase job prospects. Students must complete medical foundation courses and enroll in a training program, while possessing compassion, active listening skills, and patience. Continuing education is necessary for career advancement.
The requirements to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist can vary depending on the position and location of the job. There are minimum graduation requirements, and potential candidates should research specific education and training guidelines in their field. Most respiratory therapists work under the guidance of a physician. These therapists work with a variety of age groups, and communication skills are often important in becoming a certified respiratory therapist.
While an associate’s degree is the minimum requirement for most of these positions, a student can increase their chance of becoming a certified respiratory therapist by pursuing higher education. The student will need to determine which vocational program, college, or online course meets their needs. College programs are designed to meet the requirements needed to obtain the license needed to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist.
In addition to general math, English, and science courses, an extensive medical foundation course is also required to complete the program. Some of these classes include topics such as fundamentals of respiratory therapy, math for respiratory therapy, microbiology, clinical internship, fundamentals of clinical medicine, pharmacology, and pulmonary function testing. Most of these courses are offered in the associate degree program, and more advanced and additional courses are taught in higher degree programs. During this time, students should seek employment or internships in healthcare to gain experience.
In addition to a diploma, students will have to enroll in a training program. These programs provide hands-on training in areas that may include therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, patient assessment, respiratory health promotion and disease prevention, and all aspects of patient care. Training programs are critical to understanding all the procedures and methods required in respiratory care. Those who do not have the necessary certification can obtain entry-level assistant positions. Progress in the field depends on education, training and experience.
Students planning to become a certified respiratory therapist must possess certain personality traits, including compassion, active listening skills, and patience. Most of these patients may have chronic breathing problems that require extensive treatment and some patients may feel uncomfortable with certain treatment methods. Due to the various needs of patients, certain personality traits are a requirement to provide effective patient care. There is room for career advancement in this position, and a number of continuing education courses are available in the field. Employees must continuously research industrial innovations that can increase the efficiency of their work.
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