What Does an Respiratory Therapist Do?
A respiratory therapist is an indispensable part of the health care team, both in hospital and in home care settings. The primary goal of any respiratory therapist is to help a patient improve their ability to breathe comfortably, through a variety of medications, extensive equipment and through training or education of patients. There are diverse fields into which the respiratory therapist can enter, with most being employed by hospitals for in-hospital care. Many other therapists of this type may work in home care settings to help set up, maintain, and instruct people on using needed equipment or medications. There are actually two types of respiratory therapists, and at minimum, a therapist of this type will have an associate degree, at least two years of college training in their field, prior to being employable. After completing an associate degree, the respiratory therapist takes an examination to become a certified respiratory therapist (CRT). This exam may be taken too if the t
