What does a Registered Respiratory Therapist do?
Published 4 min read
A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a highly trained professional who provides care to patients with breathing or other pulmonary disorders. RRTs work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They use a variety of equipment and techniques to help patients breathe more easily and improve their overall health.
Registered Respiratory Therapist job duties include:
- Assess patients' respiratory status and design and implement respiratory care plans to maintain or improve patients' respiratory function
- Administer inhaled medications and gases, measure patients' lung function, and perform chest physiotherapy
- Educate patients and their families about respiratory diseases and how to manage them
- Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
- Keep detailed records of patients' respiratory status and care plans
- Communicate with other members of the healthcare team to coordinate care
- Respond to emergency situations, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest, by providing life-saving interventions
- Perform quality control checks on equipment and supplies
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment
Registered Respiratory Therapist Job Requirements
A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) must have at least an Associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. In addition, they must pass a credentialing exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. RRTs must also have valid state licensure. Some states require continuing education credits to maintain licensure. Many employers also require RRTs to have CPR certification. Some respiratory therapists may choose to specialize in a certain area, such as critical care, neonatal care, or sleep disorders.
Registered Respiratory Therapist Skills
- Assess patients
- Obtain patient histories
- Perform physical examinations
- Develop patient treatment plans
- Educate patients and families
- Monitor patients during procedures
- Administer respiratory therapies
- Interpret diagnostic tests
- Modify treatments according to patient response
- Keep detailed patient records
- Consult with other medical professionals
Related: Top Registered Respiratory Therapist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist
A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a highly trained professional who provides care to patients with respiratory disorders. RRTs work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, and often collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to provide the best possible care for patients.
To become an RRT, one must first complete an accredited respiratory therapy program. Respiratory therapy programs are typically two-year associate’s degree programs, although some four-year bachelor’s degree programs are also available. Upon completion of a respiratory therapy program, graduates must then pass a national board exam to earn their RRT credential.
Once credentialed, RRTs can pursue a variety of career paths. Many RRTs work in hospitals, providing care to patients with a wide range of respiratory disorders. Others may work in clinics or other outpatient settings, providing care to patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. Some RRTs may also choose to specialize in a particular area of respiratory care, such as pediatrics or critical care.
No matter what career path they choose, all RRTs share a commitment to providing high-quality care to their patients. If you are interested in helping others and have a passion for respiratory care, becoming an RRT may be the perfect career for you!
Related: Registered Respiratory Therapist Resume Example
Related: Registered Respiratory Therapist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)