Respiratory therapy is the practice of examining patients who are experiencing issues with their breathing. A respiratory therapist is responsible for performing chest exams and creating a treatment plan to resolve problems and illnesses within the lungs. Diagnosing lung disease and breathing disorders are the main priority for respiratory therapists, as well as managing breathing equipment and evaluating blood oxygen levels. Becoming a respiratory therapist provides opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those with breathing problems and enjoy the benefits of an in-demand career in the medical field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as a respiratory therapist you will provide a number of services for patients with breathing difficulties, including the following:
Measure lung capacity to determine a patient’s condition, Educate patients about their conditions and the proper use of therapeutic equipment, Provide basic treatments for diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and COPD, and take notes and keep records of patients’ treatments and prognoses. Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career, but you also need to understand that it is fast-paced, physically enduring, and often requires you to carry a beeper and respond to emergencies in the emergency department, ventilator alarms in the intensive care unit, or codes throughout the hospital.
