Respiratory therapists are best-practice healthcare providers that specialize in taking care of patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary issues. The practice of respiratory therapy occurs in a variety of settings; Emergency rooms, acute intensive care, neonatal intensive care, rehabilitation centers, and even home care. The life-saving work involves ventilator management, oxygen therapy, diagnostic tests, and care for chronic lung disease patients. Respiratory therapists are an important healthcare profession; due to the examples mentioned above, formal education will include a curriculum and mentoring process to enter into practice as a competent and authorized health care provider. Education provides a foundation for having the advanced medical knowledge, equipment, and ability to manage patient emergencies competently. The educational pathway usually involves some post-secondary education learning experience, a clinical learning component, and national certification. Some respiratory therapists will seek additional education to create opportunities for advancement. The time spent in school depends on the education level and goals of the student, but all pathways will combine an adequate amount of education along with clinical education to prepare competent and confident practitioners. The educational pathway provides an understanding of how extensive the preparation is for this important health care profession, and demonstrates why respiratory therapists are imperative members of the health care team.
The educational pathway to respiratory therapy
The pathway to becoming a respiratory therapist begins with enrollment in an accredited respiratory therapy program at a community college, university, or medical center. Most programs incorporate introductory sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, in addition to training in specific areas like mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, and critical care. The typical program is founded on theory, mixed with laboratory training and clinical rotations under supervision, allowing students to learn theory and practice simultaneously. The structure of a respiratory therapy program mirrors the reality of the work of a respiratory therapist, which is applied science and patient care, and allows graduates to transition directly into the workforce
Bachelor’s degree programs
Baccalaureate-level programs in respiratory therapy offer a more extensive education than associate programs and, in general, take four years to complete. Baccalaureate programs contain all of the content found in associates level training, along with additional coursework on research methods, leadership, healthcare management, and advanced clinical practice. Due to the baccalaureate level, students will also obtain practice experience in subspecialty settings (e.g., neonatal, pediatrics, pulmonary rehabilitation). Employers view graduates of baccalaureate programs as better prepared to handle more complex care needs involving critical patients and being in leadership roles. The added education also trains therapists for some long-term career options, training opportunities, and administration roles in health institutions. Over time, the profession as a whole has moved toward a future in which bachelor’s-level preparation is increasingly seen as important and the preferred entry level for new respiratory therapists in some regions.
Master’s degree and advanced studies
A master’s degree in respiratory care or in a related field usually requires an additional total of two years beyond the bachelor’s degree. Graduate preparation for respiratory care focuses on advanced practice, research, and leadership. Students may conduct clinical research, or create new treatment protocols, and all graduate students should be prepared for roles in education and administration. With the development of advanced degree positions, there will inevitably be a need for health-care policy development and change in order to continue to improve patient care standards for all levels of healthcare practitioners. This education level is this most suitable for individuals wanting a broader influence on the profession.
Clinical training and practical experience
Clinical training plays an essential role in all accredited programs. During supervised clinical rotations, students interact with patients in a professional practice, in a hospital, clinic, or other healthcare setting. They engage in managing ventilators, responding to emergencies, interacting with patients, performing diagnostic tests, working with a team, and providing information to patients and their families. Clinical training develops confidence and ensures that the graduate is knowledgeable; he/she is now capable of applying their knowledge in practice. Clinical training is usually a good predictor of how prepared a graduate will be when demands of full time clinical practice occur.
Continuing education and professional growth
The pursuit of education goes on after you begin working. Respiratory therapists are required to complete continuing education courses to keep their certifications and Licenses current. Continuing education keeps practitioners abreast of the latest techniques, methods and clinical practices presented in the education readings. Some other therapists may choose to be specialized and consider an area like neonatal intensive care medicine, sleep medicine, or pulmonary rehabilitation which will require education and professional development in that area of specialty as well. Continuing education is a constant in this profession and fits well with the constant changes in the healthcare area.
Conclusion
Respiratory therapy is a profession that requires training through education, clinical experiences, and professional certification. Education is required, but there is variability in how much education you will require based on your choice for how much schooling you are interested in. You can reduce your total education to as low as two years to obtain an associate’s degree, or more than six years if you have extended schooling. Each aspect of the process builds knowledge, skills in practice, and professional responsibility.