When Respiratory Therapist Needed?

The respiratory therapists are also known as inhalation therapists. They treat patients who have difficulty breathing and work with all types of patients, from premature infants to stroke victims to elderly patients with lung disease. They operate equipment such as respirators and ventilators. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals under the supervision of physicians, but a growing number are contracted outside of hospitals in home health agencies and nursing homes.

Respiratory therapists often work in emergency situations resulting from injury or illness. They also work in ongoing treatment programs for patients with breathing disorders, such as emphysema. Respiratory therapists operate machines that provide oxygen. Some kinds of equipment provide medicine in the form of a mist or gas. Usually physicians give respiratory therapists prescriptions stating the medicine and dosage to be given to the patient. It is generally up to the therapist to decide what equipment should be used. Respiratory therapists must be aware of the dangers and hazards involved in each kind of treatment. They observe patients during treatment and report any adverse reactions to the doctor.

In most hospitals respiratory therapists are responsible for having faulty equipment repaired. They may make small repairs themselves. Respiratory therapists are often called on to explain the equipment to nurses. Therapists must also know how to work in a sterile environment. Respiratory Therapy is a healthcare specialty that focuses on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. As a Respiratory Therapist, you’ll provide treatment that may range from giving emergency relief to patients with asthma to long-term care for chronic conditions such as emphysema.

Whenever breath of life is at risk, the Respiratory Therapist is called upon to assist. At Pima Medical Institute (PMI), our Respiratory Therapy degree will train you to be part of this rewarding and life-giving career. Graduates of PMI’s Respiratory Therapist program receive an Associate degree and may sit for all National Board for Respiratory Care credentialing exams.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics, employment of Respiratory Therapists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Professionals in this growing career field are in demand. Older Americans suffer most from respiratory ailments and cardiopulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and heart disease. As their numbers increase, the need for Respiratory Therapists will increase as well. In addition, advances in treating victims of heart attacks, accident victims, and premature infants (many of whom are dependent on a ventilator during part of their treatment) will increase the demand for the services of respiratory therapists.

Although hospitals will continue to employ the vast majority of Respiratory Therapists, a growing number can expect to work outside of hospitals in home healthcare services, offices of physicians or other health practitioners or consumer goods rental firms. Home healthcare in particular is a bright spot on the horizon due to technological advances that permit complex respiratory therapy care to be administered in the home.