A registered respiratory therapist is a highly regarded member of any medical team, having undergone years of training in order to be able to assess and diagnose a patient’s breathing problems and instigate the proper treatment.
Registered respiratory therapist jobs consist of working in intensive care units, emergency rooms and operating theatres, although their work covers all types of care, i.e., cardiac units, laboratories etc.
Respiratory therapists provide the necessary care and treatment to patients who are having breathing difficulties. In order to be able to give the best treatment available, a therapist has to be knowledgeable in all aspects of respiratory care. This involves paying particular attention to any details that may be relevant to a person’s condition, working well with a healthcare team, and using a computer.
As a member of a team, a respiratory therapist must be able to treat patients from the extremely young, as in premature babies, to the elderly. A therapist will need to consult with physicians and other healthcare staff in order to evaluate any given situation. Measuring lung capacity, testing acidity and alkalinity in the blood, as well as blood gases, are all part of the day to day work a respiratory therapist will undertake.
The opportunity for advancement in the field of respiratory therapy is rising every year. A therapist with an advanced degree can go on to work in a supervisory capacity or as a teacher. Those who work for healthcare agencies can eventually become managers.
Salary
To become a respiratory therapist you require an Associate’s degree, but if you want to aim higher then you will need a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in order to earn a high salary.
A respiratory therapist salary will depend upon which sector you’re working in, for instance in the healthcare sector your hourly rate is likely to be in the region of $19-$26. Hospitals, acute care hospitals, medical services and long term care will offer higher salaries, depending upon your experience.
On average, a newly trained therapist can earn between $32,537- $49,38l per year. With experience and the right qualifications this would most likely increase to $67,982 and above.
Working in sectors such as an acute care hospital will often mean you will be able to attain a high salary. In this area patients are particularly vulnerable and need a great deal of care and attention from the respiratory therapist. For this reason, their services are invaluable.
Registered respiratory therapists are in constant in demand, and the demand is likely to increase in the years to come. An RRT is more likely to work in a hospital or nursing home where they will be in constant communication with a physician. Their duties include inserting chest tubes and direct lines, carrying out testing procedures and helping to maintain life support. Their advanced skills obviously afford them a greater chance of earning a high salary.
The job of a registered respiratory therapist is an interesting and highly skilled one. Being unable to breathe is a frightening experience, and the comfort and confidence a fully trained therapist can give at this time is invaluable. Being part of a team and administering the correct treatment can make a great deal of difference to a patient who is frightened.
The salary of a registered respiratory therapist will reflect their abilities, skills and qualifications attained. There is no substitute for experience, and once qualifications have been attained the work experience and an ability to work well with others, will increase a respiratory therapist’s opportunity to acquire a higher salary.
Other Duties
Respiratory therapists are constantly taking on new roles. For instance they will counsel patients who are trying to stop smoking. As smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and therefore breathing difficulties, it’s very important to get patients to understand the effect smoking has on their well being.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing for several seconds whilst asleep. Whilst it’s a common disorder, it can lead to sleep deprivation and a respiratory therapist often consults and advises in such cases.
There are many hospitals and private clinics who advertise online for registered respiratory therapists, so once you have all the qualifications necessary, there is always an opportunity for employment.