Respiratory therapists can work in ambulatory care, acute care, teaching, or management. They must pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam and often begin in outpatient care. Communication and teamwork skills are important for success in this role.
There are four different careers for respiratory therapists: ambulatory care, acute care, teaching, and department manager. A respiratory therapist is a member of the health services team specially trained in respiratory diseases and conditions. In the United States, all therapists must pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Exam. This written exam is organized by the National Council for Respiratory Care and tests candidates’ knowledge of the respiratory system, treatments, and their assessment skills.
Most respiratory therapist careers begin in outpatient care. A health agency or government in the country employs respiratory therapists to treat patients with long-term chronic respiratory illnesses. These patients may live in their own homes, long-term care facilities or rehabilitation centers. A driver’s license is very helpful for this first career opportunity as it requires the therapist to travel to the client’s location.
Acute care respiratory therapists work in the emergency departments of large hospitals. They are called in to evaluate patients with chronic respiratory distress, difficulty breathing, or a breathing-related injury. As a specialist in the respiratory system, she is able to quickly assess the situation and determine if there are immediate steps that can be taken to reduce discomfort and help the patient.
After a minimum of ten years of professional experience, many people expand their careers from respiratory therapists into teaching. Instructor opportunities are available at community and career colleges. To qualify for these opportunities, it’s a good idea to complete a certificate in adult education. This additional training provides you with the skills you need to become an effective instructor.
Additional training is often required to advance respiratory therapist careers to management-level positions. Relevant programs include an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a certificate in management. Both training opportunities can be completed part-time, during evening hours and on weekends. There are many opportunities to expand and enhance your career, but it is important to realize that all careers will have a patient interaction aspect. People who report the highest degree of satisfaction with respiratory therapist careers enjoy helping others, are responsible, and have a deep commitment to service.
Although many of their tasks are carried out independently, the physiotherapist is part of the health services team. It is important to have strong communication and teamwork skills to succeed in this role. Patients who rely on respiratory therapy are medically frail or suffer from a variety of conditions. Coordination and communication help the patient and the rest of the team to ensure that the appropriate level of care is provided.
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