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

Feb 18, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals that specialize in diagnosing and treating respiratory system conditions. Through a variety of techniques, they help patients breathe better, improve their quality of life, and manage chronic respiratory conditions. The primary cause of the need for respiratory therapists is the growing prevalence of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.

As a result, respiratory therapists are increasingly in demand to provide specialized care to those suffering from these illnesses. technological advances have allowed respiratory therapists to use more sophisticated equipment to diagnose and treat their patients, which has increased their importance in the healthcare field. Consequently, respiratory therapists have become essential members of healthcare teams, helping to improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of care.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The first step in becoming a respiratory therapist is to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent, the General Education Development (GED) certificate.
Earn an Associate's Degree. The majority of respiratory therapists hold an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. Courses may include anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, microbiology and pharmacology.
Obtain Licensure. All states require licensing for respiratory therapists. To become licensed, aspirants must graduate from an accredited program and pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Obtain Certification. Employers usually prefer to hire respiratory therapists who have received certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care. Certification is voluntary, but it is often required for advancement or higher pay.
Consider Additional Training or Education. Respiratory therapists can specialize in areas like neonatal care or pulmonary function testing. Additional training may be needed to become certified in these areas. In some states, respiratory therapists may go on to become registered nurses by completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

The success of a respiratory therapist depends on their ability to provide reliable and efficient care. To do this, they must stay up to date with the latest treatments and technologies, develop strong communication skills, and maintain a good rapport with patients and their families. Furthermore, they must possess strong problem-solving skills, be organized, and be able to work under pressure.

By taking advantage of continuing education courses, networking opportunities, and staying abreast of the latest developments in respiratory therapy, they can ensure they provide the best care possible to their patients. having a positive attitude, being flexible and open to change, and keeping an open mind when it comes to new treatments can help ensure that the respiratory therapist is capable of providing optimal care.

You may want to check Kinesiologist, Nutritionist, and Chiropractor for alternative.

Job Description

Perform chest physiotherapy and other aerosol treatments
Monitor patient progress and make necessary adjustments to treatment plan
Assist with intubation, mechanical ventilation, and oxygen therapy
Administer breathing exercises, breathing treatments, and medications for the respiratory system
Evaluate patient status and provide appropriate care
Educate patients and family about respiratory care and use of medical equipment
Keep up to date with advancements and changes in the field
Collaborate with other medical professionals and staff
Develop and implement patient care plans
Maintain accurate patient records and document all treatments

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques and procedures
Ability to assess cardiopulmonary status and initiate appropriate interventions
Ability to provide instruction to patients and families in regards to respiratory care
Ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress
Ability to use various types of respiratory equipment such as ventilators and oxygen delivery systems
Ability to perform various types of pulmonary function tests
Knowledge of common pulmonary diseases and treatments
Knowledge of medications used in respiratory care
Ability to effectively communicate with other healthcare professionals
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to problem solve and make decisions quickly in critical situations
Ability to maintain patient records accurately
Knowledge of safety practices in the workplace

Respiratory therapists are highly skilled health care professionals that provide a vital service to those who suffer from breathing problems. Respiratory therapists are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating a variety of lung and breathing disorders. To do this, they must possess a wide range of skills, from strong medical knowledge to communication and interpersonal skills.

Medical knowledge is essential for respiratory therapists in order to accurately diagnose and treat a variety of respiratory disorders. respiratory therapists must have a thorough understanding of how to use various medical equipment, such as ventilators, oxygen tanks, and suction machines. Communication and interpersonal skills are also an important attribute of respiratory therapists, as they must be able to effectively communicate with patients and their families in order to provide the best possible care.

Furthermore, they must be able to work as part of a team in order to coordinate the care of the patient. These skills all combine to create a respiratory therapist who is able to provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Radiologic Technologist, and Dietitian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What do you think are the most important skills for a successful respiratory therapist?
What experience do you have with providing respiratory therapy to critically ill patients?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with multiple patients?
What methods do you use to stay up to date on the latest developments in respiratory therapy?
What challenges have you faced while providing respiratory therapy?
How do you handle stressful situations while providing respiratory therapy?
What do you think sets you apart from other respiratory therapists?
How do you ensure patient safety when providing respiratory therapy?
What is your experience working with various medical equipment used in respiratory therapy?
How do you handle patient confidentiality when providing respiratory therapy?

Common Tools in Industry

Ventilators. Device used to mechanically move breathable air into and out of the lungs, to provide respiration for a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently (eg: Philips Respironics Trilogy Evo).
Oxygen Concentrators. Device that concentrates oxygen from ambient air for medical use (eg: Invacare PerfectO2 5LPM).
Peak Flow Meters. Device used to measure the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which is the maximum speed at which air can be blown out of the lungs (eg: Microlife PF 100).
Spirometers. Device used to measure the amount and rate of air inhaled and exhaled (eg: NDD EasyOne Spirometer).
Medical Gas Cylinders. Containers filled with pressurized medical gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide (eg: Scott Specialty Gases).
Nebulizers. Device used to convert liquid medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled directly into the lungs for treatment of respiratory diseases (eg: Omron NE C28 Compressor Nebulizer).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
American Thoracic Society (ATS)
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
American Lung Association (ALA)
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)
National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care (NAMDRC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)

We also have Naturopathic Health Practitioner, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Rehabilitation Therapist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ventilation. The process of moving air in and out of the lungs to provide oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon dioxide.
Oxygen Therapy. A type of therapy that provides extra oxygen to the body for medical purposes.
Respiratory Care. The treatment, management, and care of patients with breathing disorders.
Pneumonia. An infection of the lungs that can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, fever, and chest pain.
Asthma. A chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation of the airways, increased mucus production, and constriction of the airways.
COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe due to narrowing and obstruction of the airways.
Bronchoscopy. An endoscopic procedure used to examine the airways to diagnose or treat respiratory problems.
Pulmonary Function Testing. A test used to measure how well the lungs are working.
Mechanical Ventilation. The use of a machine to assist with breathing in cases of respiratory failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for Respiratory Therapists?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in employment for Respiratory Therapists from 2018-2028, making it one of the fastest growing occupations in the country.

What qualifications are required to become a Respiratory Therapist?

Most employers require applicants to have at least an associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program. Additional certifications may also be required depending on the state and the employer.

What type of environment do Respiratory Therapists typically work in?

Respiratory Therapists typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home healthcare services, and other healthcare settings.

What are some of the duties of a Respiratory Therapist?

The duties of a Respiratory Therapist include evaluating and treating patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders, administering bronchodilator medications and other treatments, monitoring patient progress, and providing education to patients and their families.