How to Be Registered Respiratory Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 17, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Respiratory Therapy is an important role in the healthcare field, and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) play a vital part in providing care to patients who suffer from breathing problems. The demand for RRTs has grown significantly as the number of people with pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer has increased. RRTs are responsible for diagnosing and treating these conditions, as well as providing preventative care and education to patients, families, and the general public.

The cause for this increased demand is the rise in respiratory diseases, which are caused by a combination of factors such as air pollution, smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. The effect of having qualified RRTs available to provide care is that these respiratory diseases can be better managed and treated, which in turn can lead to improved quality of life and a decrease in mortality rates.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a Registered Respiratory Therapist, the first step is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is necessary to be eligible for admission into a respiratory care program.
Enroll in a Respiratory Care Program. Once a high school diploma or GED has been obtained, the next step is to enroll in a respiratory care program. Programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools and universities.
Complete the Program. After enrolling in a respiratory care program, the next step is to complete the program. The program typically consists of classroom instruction, laboratory training and clinical experience.
Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Exam. After completing the respiratory care program, the next step is to pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam. This exam is required for certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state, licensure may also be required. Licensure requirements vary from state to state and may include additional coursework or examinations.
Maintain Certification. After becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist, it is important to maintain certification. This can be done by completing continuing education courses and renewing certification every two years.

Becoming an ideal and qualified Registered Respiratory Therapist requires dedication and hard work. To start, one must obtain a post-secondary degree from an accredited college or university. This degree should include courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, and medical terminology.

students must pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams in order to achieve the highest level of certification. Once these requirements are met, aspiring respiratory therapists must then gain hands-on experience through practical training in a clinical setting. This experience helps them to learn how to operate and maintain respiratory equipment properly, as well as gain proficiency in patient assessment and monitoring.

Finally, Respiratory Therapists must stay up to date on the latest medical developments, which requires continuous education and professional development. By following these steps, one can become an ideal and qualified Registered Respiratory Therapist.

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Job Description

Monitor patient progress and adjust treatments accordingly
Perform diagnostic tests and evaluate results
Administer oxygen, aerosol and humidity therapy
Perform bronchial hygiene and airway clearance techniques
Administer medications via inhalation and nebulizers
Educate patients on respiratory care and disease prevention
Develop and implement respiratory care plans
Monitor ventilator and other life support systems
Manage the ventilator weaning process
Consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
Knowledge of bronchopulmonary diseases and other respiratory conditions
Knowledge of pharmacology and use of pulmonary medications
Knowledge of mechanical ventilation principles and techniques
Ability to perform advanced airway management techniques
Ability to assess and monitor patient's respiratory status
Ability to provide basic and advanced life support
Ability to perform pulmonary function tests
Knowledge of oxygen therapy and home care equipment
Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Ability to perform aerosol therapy
Ability to develop and implement patient care plans
Ability to educate patients and family members on pulmonary health
Ability to work in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals

Good communication skills are essential for any Registered Respiratory Therapist as they need to be able to explain medical procedures and treatments to their patients, as well as listen to any questions or concerns they may have. Being organized and detail-oriented is also important as RTs need to be able to keep track of patient records and medication schedules, as well as monitor and adjust treatments as necessary. In addition, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential for RTs, as they need to be able to quickly assess a patients condition and develop a plan of action.

Lastly, having strong physical stamina is necessary for a Registered Respiratory Therapist, as they spend a lot of time walking around the hospital and tending to patients. These skills are all necessary for an RT to be successful in providing the best care possible for their patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in providing respiratory care services?
How do you prioritize tasks when working in a fast-paced medical environment?
What techniques do you use to ensure accurate documentation of patient care?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to patient care.
How would you handle a difficult situation with a patient?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths as a registered respiratory therapist?
What safety protocols do you follow when administering aerosolized medications?
How do you keep up with the latest developments in respiratory therapy?
What makes you well-suited for this role as a registered respiratory therapist?
How do you maintain positive relationships with other healthcare providers?

Common Tools in Industry

Pulse Oximeters. Used to measure the oxygen saturation levels in the blood. (e. g. Masimo Radical-7 Pulse Oximeter)
Ventilation Monitors. Devices used to monitor patients breathing rates and other vital signs. (e. g. Philips V60 Ventilation Monitor)
Nebulizers. Devices used to deliver medication in the form of a mist that can be inhaled. (e. g. Philips Respironics Innospire Elegance Nebulizer)
Peak Flow Meters. Devices used to measure the peak expiratory flow rate of a patient. (e. g. Monaghan Peak Flow Meter)
Spirometers. Devices used to measure lung capacity and airflow. (e. g. Micro Direct MiniSpir Spirometer)
Suction Machines. Machines used to clear the airways of mucus and other secretions. (e. g. Drive Medical Suction Machine)
Respiratory Therapy Software. Software used to track and manage patient data and respiratory treatments. (e. g. R-Tech Respiratory Care Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care (NAMDRC)
American Thoracic Society (ATS)
American Lung Association (ALA)
Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
Association of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Program Directors (APSPD)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP)

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Common Important Terms

Ventilator. A device that helps a person breathe by delivering a controlled flow of air into the lungs.
Oxygen Therapy. The use of oxygen to help people with breathing problems.
Pulmonary Function Tests. Tests that measure how well the lungs are working.
Bronchoscopy. A procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end to look inside the airways.
Aerosol Therapy. The delivery of medication to the lungs through a mist or spray form.
Chest Physiotherapy. The use of physical techniques to help remove secretions from the lungs.
Mechanical Ventilation. The use of machines to assist with breathing.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). A life-saving procedure that helps a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.
Respiratory System. The body's system that is responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide from the body.
Asthma. A chronic condition that affects the airways and makes it difficult to breathe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea.

What qualifications are required to become an RRT?

To become an RRT, one must have an associate's degree in respiratory therapy, pass a national exam, and obtain a state license.

What types of treatments do RRTs provide?

RRTs provide a variety of treatments, including administering medications, using mechanical ventilators, and providing oxygen therapy.

How many states require licensure of RRTs?

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico require licensure of RRTs.

What organizations oversee the practice of RRTs?

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) are two organizations that oversee the practice of RRTs.