There are three requirements to obtain a respiratory therapy degree: meet the application criteria, select the appropriate school, and complete the coursework. A respiratory therapy degree is widely available from a broad range of universities, community and career colleges. This type of degree provides the training required to become either a Certified Respiratory Therapist® (CRT®) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist® (RRT®). The CRT® certification is suitable for community college graduates and the RRT® program is for university graduates.
Respiratory therapists work with patients who have chronic lung problems, birth defects, and other airway management issues. They are specially trained in the use of mechanical ventilation equipment, long-term health issues related to respiratory ailments, and how to improve airway management. This position is a valuable member of the health services team, providing assistance and expertise to patients, doctors, nurses, and physical therapists.
In order to gain acceptance in a respiratory therapy degree program, there are specific application criteria that must be met. Candidates must have successfully completed high school courses in biology, math, and English. The number of applicants for a respiratory therapy degree is quite high, which in turn makes the marks required to gain admissions also quite high. Many people also take courses in first aid, personal counseling, and physical therapy to improve their admission chances, although these programs are not required.
When selecting a school for a respiratory therapy degree, it is important to review three main items: reputation, breadth of program offerings, and internship opportunities. A school with an excellent reputation has dedicated significant money, time, and resources to the program over a period of years. Look at the qualifications of the professors, their areas of expertise and research. Review recent publications in academic journals to learn more about their philosophies and approach. Read the school website for detailed biographies.
Internship opportunities are critical to gaining valuable experience. When selecting a school, this may be the most important item to consider. It is not possible to gain the experience required in this field without an internship or clinic placement. The vast majority of schools include this in their program, and a passing mark is required for graduation.
The coursework in a respiratory therapy degree is divided into two streams: theory and application. The theory-based courses include a significant amount of human anatomy, biology, and math. These subjects are all critical for respiratory therapists. The ability to understand the calculated values from tests and equipment is very important in this role.
The application-based courses include the internship and working with human mannequins and computer simulation programs. These tools are necessary to learn the steps required to assist clients in distress, resolve respiratory equipment issues, and assist the patient with breathing functions.