Among numerous career choice, respiratory therapist is demanding career in medical area. Respiratory care is a jobwise and personally satisfying career with a combination of technology and patient interaction. Patients with acute and chronic respiratory problems require direct care of Respiratory therapists. Candidates work in the respiratory care lab with the breathing equipment. The respiratory therapist is responsible for diagnosis, monitoring and treating patients with health care issues that affect the cardiopulmonary system such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, cardiovascular disorders, and trauma.

Candidates who want to choose career as respiratory therapist must complete Bachelor’s degree programs in Respiratory Therapy and must gain experience in the field. Candidates who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks can apply for bachelor’s degree course in respiratory therapy. Candidates can also complete postgraduate program in Respiratory Therapy to enhance their career. The minimum eligibility for M.Sc. Respiratory Therapy is B.Sc. in Respiratory Therapy degree with 50% marks.

A respiratory therapist helps patients who are having trouble breathing. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer drugs to the lungs.

Respiratory therapists work with doctors and nurses to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. In a typical day, respiratory therapists may:

Assist with diagnosing lung or breathing disorders

Evaluate patients and performing tests and studies

Determine appropriate therapy and treatment options with physicians

Analyze blood and sputum in the lab

Manage equipment and devices needed to help people that can’t breathe normally on their own

Educate patients and families about lung diseases and breathing disorders

There are many different areas that respiratory therapists can specialize in. Some areas require extra certification or experience. Respiratory therapists can specialize in:

Adult

Neonatal or paediatric

Geriatric

Pulmonary rehab

Polysomnography

Critical care

Home care

Pulmonary diagnostics

Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, and home health agencies; however, about 75% of respiratory therapists are employed by hospitals. They typically work 35–40-hour weeks. Depending on where they work, they may work nights, weekends, and holidays, especially if they do direct patient care in hospitals or nursing homes. Shifts can be long, and respiratory therapists typically spend most of their shift on their feet.

Individuals interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, should be detail oriented and well organized. It’s important to have strong problem solving and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. High school students can prepare for the role by taking advantage of science, math, and health courses. 

  Higher Education Requirements

Respiratory therapists can choose to get a two-year associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy; some employers do prefer a bachelor’s degree. Some programs may have entrance requirements that include documented volunteer or work experience in an environment with respiratory care, so it may be beneficial to work or volunteer in a hospital or vent center in high school.
Respiratory therapy courses in India

Advanced PG Diploma in Respiratory Therapy

B.Sc. Respiratory Therapy

Diploma in Respiratory Therapy Technician Course

Diploma in Respiratory Therapy Training

Fellowship Program in Respiratory Therapy

M.Sc. Respiratory Therapy

P.G Diploma in Respiratory Therapy

Post Graduate Program in Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapist Training

There are numerous institutes that recruit respiratory therapist. They can work in a number of work environments, from hospitals, to nursing care facilities, to private doctor offices, to out-patient care in the patient’s home.
Respiratory therapists who work in doctor’s offices tend to work regular hours, but those recruited in hospitals or nursing care facilities may work during night or vacation hours. Respiratory therapists are generally employed in Intensive care units, emergency departments, Operating rooms, Neonatal nurseries and critical care teams in hospitals. Nursing homes, clinics and health care centres, pulmonary rehab centres, pulmonary function testing labs also offer openings for respiratory therapists.

The prime duty of a respiratory therapist is to provide administration of oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, management of mechanical ventilators, administering drugs to the lungs, monitoring cardiopulmonary systems and measuring lung function.
In general, respiratory therapists perform following duties in medical settings:

Examine and interview patients with breathing/cardiopulmonary problems.

Conduct diagnostic tests.

Develop a treatment program after consultation with physicians.

Implement treatment programs.

Monitor and keep records of treatment progress.

Manage respiratory therapy technicians when they implement tests and evaluate the findings.

Provide emergency care.

Diagnose lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods.

Interview patients and perform chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.

Consult with doctors to recommend a change in therapy, based on an evaluation of the patient.

Analyse breath, tissue, and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.

Manage ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who cannot breathe normally on their own.

Educate patients and their families about lung disease for fast recovery.

Popular Job Profiles After BSc Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapists:  Help patients with cardiopulmonary problems. They evaluate, perform diagnoses on patients, assess the patient’s breathing, suggest exercises, and monitor the patient’s progress.

Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT):  Provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders including sleep testing, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, comprehensive patient care, and direct patient education.

Pulmonary Function Therapist: Conduct tests on patients to help physicians with the technical aspects of diagnosing and treating lung disease.

Consultant Pulmonologist: Specialized in the respiratory system and treat respiratory diseases

Health Care Manager:Responsible for various operational duties in the hospital like training and recruitment of new hospital staff, maintenance of budgets, making work schedules for healthcare providers, etc.

Product Trainer/ Specialist:Create informational training materials and give presentations about the products offered by a company.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist:Take care of patients diagnosed with asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, angina, coronary artery disease, and other conditions.