What is respiratory therapy and what they do? How to become a respiratory therapist?

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Respiratory therapy is a type of medical specialty that focuses on providing treatment for patients with breathing and related cardiovascular disorders. Respiratory therapists are responsible for assessing and treating respiratory conditions, such as COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and more. They provide emergency care to individuals suffering from acute respiratory distress; develop treatment plans; administer oxygen therapy; conduct diagnostic tests such as spirometry or peak flow measurements; teach patients on proper utilization of ventilators or other assistive devices; and collaborate with physicians to monitor patient progress.

To become a respiratory therapist one must first complete an Associate’s degree program in Respiratory Care at an accredited college or university. After earning the degree students must then pass an examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) in order to become certified as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Additionally some states may require students to take additional licensing exams after graduation depending on their local regulations. Once RRT certification has been attained many practitioners choose to pursue additional certifications in specialties such as pediatric care or sleep studies which can further enhance job prospects in this field.