A respiratory therapist is a medical professional that cares for patients with breathing problems. They assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Respiratory therapists also work with patients who have sleep apnea, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. They may also work in the critical care unit of a hospital, helping patients who are on a ventilator to breathe. Working in respiratory therapy can be a rewarding and stable career, but you’ll need the right educational background if you want to qualify for a job in the field. If you’re interested, read on to find out how to get a degree in respiratory therapy.
How do you get a degree in respiratory therapy?
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There are a number of schools that offer a bachelors in respiratory therapy, you just need to find the best fit. You may be surprised to learn that you can even work towards your degree online. Perhaps the biggest advantage of earning an online degree is that students have the flexibility to study at their own pace. This is a huge plus for students who are working or have other commitments that prevent them from attending a traditional, on-campus program. Additionally, online degree programs are often more affordable than traditional programs, and some schools even offer scholarships specifically for online students.
Once you have graduated from an accredited respiratory therapy program, you will need to pass the NBRC exam. This is a computer-based exam that covers a range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Once you have passed the exam, you will be a certified respiratory therapist (CRT). To become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT), you will need to have a minimum of two years of clinical experience.
What should you know about working in medicine?
Lack of sleep can be a serious issue for healthcare workers. Not getting enough sleep can lead to decreased mental and physical performance, increased stress and anxiety, and can even increase the risk of injuries. In order to be able to provide the best possible care for their patients, healthcare workers need to be well-rested. Unfortunately, many workers are not getting the amount of sleep they need. If you’re going to go into the medical field, you should know that you need to develop your time management skills and ensure that you get a good night’s sleep. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, talk to your doctor about finding a solution.
As a respiratory therapist, you can expect to have reliable job security and above-average wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $61,940 in May 2022. Job opportunities are expected to grow by 23 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is primarily due to the increasing demand for respiratory therapy services from the elderly population.
There are a lot of reasons to go into respiratory therapy, from job security to the opportunity to do meaningful work with patients. However, being a respiratory therapist does require a specific educational background and proper licensure. The good news is that there are a wide range of educational programs out there, and some can even be completed from the comfort of your own home. There are unique challenges that those in the medical field face, but you can ask any healthcare professional, and they’ll tell you that the hard work is more than worth the reward.