People with breathing problems are helped a respiratory care practitioner, also known as a respiratory therapist. Working with patients with chronic respiratory disorders, such as asthma or bronchitis, as well as patients whose breathing disorders are caused sudden events, such as heart attacks or strokes, is part of the job description. To help patients regain normal breathing, respiratory care practitioners use diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatments. They work under the supervision of physicians in a variety of settings, including hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units, as well as at home, monitoring life support and ventilation systems. To work as a respiratory care practitioner, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy and to meet certain licensing requirements.
A diagnostic process is part of a respiratory care practitioner’s responsibilities. To determine the extent of a patient’s breathing problems, these therapists conduct diagnostic tests and conduct interviews. Their tests determine how much oxygen is present in the patient’s blood. Patients are also asked to breathe into devices that measure the amount of oxygen flowing into and out of their lungs to determine lung capacity. These diagnostic tests are designed to give doctors information so they can prescribe a treatment plan.
Patients are treated respiratory care practitioners using a variety of techniques. When working with an asthmatic patient, the therapist will show him how to use the prescribed inhaler to help him breathe better. If the patient is having trouble breathing due to an emergency situation such as a heart attack or shock, the therapist may use an oxygen mask to help the patient breathe. A respiratory care practitioner connects a patient to a ventilator inserting a tube into his windpipe to increase the amount of oxygen entering the lungs.
Respiratory care practitioners can work in a variety of environments. The most common employers of these therapists are hospitals. The services of a respiratory care practitioner are frequently required in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. Some respiratory therapists travel in emergency vehicles to provide patients with immediate assistance. Respiratory care practitioners are also employed labs that work with patients who have sleep disorders or cardiac problems.
To work as a respiratory care practitioner, you must first earn an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy and, in most cases, meet the licensing requirements. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher. A master’s degree is usually required if the therapist is working as a supervisor. State licensing requirements vary, but most require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, exam passing, and other requirements specific to the area.