What are some examples on how can you enhance your career as a Respiratory therapist.?

Most people take breathing for granted. It's second nature, an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. Those people include patients with chronic lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, but they also include heart attack and accident victims; premature infants; and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS. In each case, the person will most likely receive treatment from a respiratory therapist (RT) under the direction of a physician. Respiratory therapists work to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. The Role of The Respiratory Therapist 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. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals where they perform intensive care, critical care, and neonatal procedures. They are also typically a vital part of the hospital's lifesaving response team that handles patient emergencies. Of the more than 7,000 hospitals in this country, about 5,700 have separate respiratory care departments. An increasing number of respiratory therapists are now working in skilled nursing facilities, physicians' offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients' homes. Respiratory therapists perform procedures that are both diagnostic and therapeutic. Some of these activities include: Diagnosis Obtaining and analyzing sputum and breath specimens. They also take blood specimens and analyze them to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Interpreting the data obtained from these specimens. Measuring the capacity of a patient's lungs to determine if there is impaired function. Performing stress tests and other studies of the cardiopulmonary system. Studying disorders of people with disruptive sleep patterns. Treatment Operating and maintaining various types of highly sophisticated equipment to administer oxygen or to assist with breathing. Employing mechanical ventilation for treating patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own. Monitoring and managing therapy that will help a patient recover lung function. Administering medications in aerosol form to help alleviate breathing problems and to help prevent respiratory infections. Monitoring equipment and patient responses to therapy. Conducting rehabilitation activities, such as low-impact aerobic exercise classes, to help patients who suffer from chronic lung problems. Maintaining a patient's artificial airway, one that may be in place to help the patient who can't breathe through normal means. Conducting smoking cessation programs for both hospital patients and others in the community who want to kick the tobacco habit. Education and Training There are two levels of respiratory therapist: the certified respiratory therapist and the registered respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists are required to complete either a two-year associate's degree or a four-year baccalaureate degree. Upon graduation they are eligible to take a national voluntary examination that, upon passing, leads to the credential Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Subsequently they may take two more examinations that leads to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. More than 400 community colleges and universities nationwide offer respiratory care programs. All aspiring respiratory therapists must take courses in physics, mathematics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology. To help you learn more about accredited respiratory care educational programs, we have provided a list of such programs. Each of the program listings includes the name of the program director and address of the educational program. Inquiries regarding information about a specific educational program should be made directly to program officials.

Go for additional credentials. If you don't have ACLS, get it. Take classes online for your BS. If you have the opportunity to train for pulmonary function test, hyperbaric, sleep testing, etc, go for it. Never stop looking for chances to enhance your knowledge base. Serve on committee's and do community service if you have the time. All of this completes you as an individual and make you a more valuable employee.