Respiratory Therapist Essay Example
Respiratory therapists or commonly known as RTs, are professionals who obtain a degree in respiratory therapy upon completion of a learned skill and degree requirements—using diagnostic tools and other various tools to improve the lives of those who suffer from cardiopulmonary and respiratory disease and or trauma is the responsibility of respiratory therapist.
A respiratory therapist will need to obtain an Associate of Applied Science in respiratory care (AAS) from an accredited program. After completing general education courses focusing on biology, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. An accredited program entails the responsibility of a respiratory therapist with a heavy focus on critical thinking and the development of care plans and care procedures the respiratory therapist will encounter and administer to patients. As in most health care programs, a clinical portion is required. Clinical rotations allow the student to experience the hospital setting, apply what has been learned in the classroom, and use it to an actual patient scenario.
Very commonly, RTs will further education to obtain a Bachelor of Science in respiratory therapy (BSRC). Those who receive a bachelor’s degree have a wide field of clinical specializations. Registered respiratory therapist in neonatal/pediatric (RRT-NPS), Adult Critical Care Specialization (ACCS), and Pulmonary Function Testing (CPFT-RPFT). These are the more common specialization respiratory therapist. Like all medical professionals, respiratory therapists, whether they obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree. Must successfully pass the state-required board exam and the optional certification exams. Most are optional. However, the Certified Respiratory Therapy exam (CRT) and Therapist Multiple Choice examination (TMC) are exams that are required to obtain a state license. Other exams, for example, the Registered Respiratory Therapy exam (RRT), are not required.( UAMS Respiratory Care)
A respiratory therapist must obtain skills that allow what is best for the patient. Emergencies demand solid emotional skills, and lack of emotional skill as lack of empathy and awareness could result in a fatality, further damage, and jeopardize an RT’s license. More skills a respiratory therapist should acquire are critical thinking, quick thinking, assessment skill, and attention to detail. These skills are vital for any respiratory therapist. Emergencies arise in the daily life of a respiratory therapist; adrenaline is either a hero or a villain. Adrenaline can very quickly alter the thought process and could be life or death. A respiratory therapist must trust the knowledge obtained while in schooling and trust the ability to apply said knowledge. In an emergency, there is no room for questioning procedures.
Respiratory therapists require various skills, not just the ability to perform medical procedures. RTs develop emotional skills like compassion, empathy, and the ability to detach morals and feelings and put what is best for the patient. More skills a respiratory therapist should acquire are critical thinking, quick thinking, assessment skill, and attention to detail. These skills are vital for any respiratory therapist. RT’s handle a lot of emergency situations and without skill the patient’s life is greatly affected.
With the increased demand for medical professionals in the circulatory and respiratory field, additional certifications can also increase salary. For example, an RT will make around $55,480 annually if the respiratory therapist resides in Arkansas. The national average annual salary is $62,810. (Respiratory Therapy Zone and Respiratory Lifestyle). Another benefit is the job security of respiratory therapists; the field is predicted to double in numbers due to the spotlight put on respiratory therapists on the frontlines fighting the current pandemic of COVID-19
Respiratory therapists require little schooling but must obtain skills not incorporated in the classroom setting but by experience in the field. The respiratory therapist must show a stronghold of emotions, handle adrenaline, and be able to think of a plan of action in an emergency confidently. When these skills are obtained and incorporated into making medical decisions, respiratory therapists have an increased success rate. The benefits of being a respiratory therapist vary but have a very secure job outlook.
