To obtain a respiratory therapy degree, you must meet three requirements: meet the application criteria, choose the appropriate school, and complete the coursework. A respiratory therapy degree can be obtained from a variety of universities, community colleges, and technical schools. This degree prepares you to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist® (CRT®) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist® (RRT®) in the United States. The RRT® program is for university graduates, while the CRT® program is for community college graduates.
Patients with chronic lung problems, birth defects, and other airway management issues are treated by respiratory therapists. They’ve received specialized training in the use of mechanical ventilation equipment, as well as long-term health issues related to respiratory illnesses and how to improve airway management. This position is an important part of the health-care team, assisting patients, doctors, nurses, and physical therapists with information and expertise.
There are specific application criteria that must be met in order to be accepted into a respiratory therapy degree program. Candidates must have completed biology, math, and English courses in high school. Because there are so many people applying for a respiratory therapy degree, the requirements for admission are also quite high. Although not required, many people take courses in first aid, personal counseling, and physical therapy to improve their chances of admission.
When choosing a school for a respiratory therapy degree, three factors should be considered: reputation, program breadth, and internship opportunities. A reputable school has invested a significant amount of money, time, and resources in the program over a long period of time. Examine the professors’ credentials, as well as their areas of expertise and research. Examine recent academic journal articles to learn more about their philosophies and methods. Biographies can be found on the school’s website.
Internships are extremely important for gaining valuable experience. This may be the most important factor to consider when choosing a school. Without an internship or clinic placement, you will not be able to gain the necessary experience in this field. The vast majority of schools include this in their curriculum, and graduation requires a passing grade.
A respiratory therapy degree consists of two streams of study: theory and application. Human anatomy, biology, and math are all covered in depth in the theory-based courses. All of these topics are crucial for respiratory therapists. In this role, the ability to comprehend calculated values from tests and equipment is critical.
Internships and working with human mannequins and computer simulation programs are among the application-based courses. These tools are required to learn how to help clients in distress, troubleshoot respiratory equipment, and assist patients with breathing functions.