What is Respiratory Care?
Respiratory Care is a health care profession specialty that offers unique challenges in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people with lung disorders.
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Respiratory Care PowerPoint Presentation
Who are Respiratory Therapists?
Respiratory Therapists are graduates of two-year or four-year programs based in vocational/technical schools, community colleges, or universities with a minimum of an associate degree. These programs require a minimum of 62 semester hours with a concentration in science, math and respiratory course work.
The field of Respiratory Care has two level of practitioners:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
The Certified Respiratory Therapists responsibilities are primarily in the delivery of patient care. In addition to these duties, the Registered Respiratory Therapist may provide leadership in diagnostic and therapeutic patient management.
What is the Role of the Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory Therapists work in life saving and life-supporting situations, treating patients ranging from newborns to senior citizens. Working side by side with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, Respiratory Therapists frequently are employed in hospitals, administering daily treatment for such lung disorders as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia and bronchitis. They also treat patient with severe chest or head injuries and other patient emergencies. Respiratory Therapists also work in other settings, such as clinics, physicians' offices or home care. They may specialize in areas such as newborn care and pediatrics, cardiopulmonary technology, research and management, health education and sales. There are about 100,000 respiratory therapists in the United States. They work with patients of all ages and in many different care settings. Respiratory Therapists are members of the health care team that provide respiratory care for patients with heart and lung disorders.
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