How To Identify The Best Respiratory Therapists Schools

Now is a great time for students looking to become a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists are in demand and that demand is expected to outpace most other careers through 2018. To keep pace colleges, universities, medical schools, and trade schools have offered over 379 accredited programs with degrees in respiratory therapy since 2006.

Although a bachelor’s degree is strongly recommended, in the U.S. a 2 year associates degree is the minimum requirement to practice respiratory therapy (except Alaska and Hawaii).

If you are looking for more earning potential or the ability to move into administrative areas of hospital management you can purse a master degree. The first step to becoming a respiratory therapist is understanding what to look for before enrolling in respiratory therapist schools.

Tips For Choosing A Good Respiratory Therapist Program

Your school’s accreditation is its key to the foundation of solid career. A schools accreditation means that it has met the standards of the Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and/or the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Respiratory care is a demanding field that manages the treatment of two of the body’s most vital organs,: the heart and lungs. As a result these standards are in place to ensure that students receive courses that meet the requirements for the respiratory care field and that the level of academic excellence is high enough to ensure that future patients receive competent care from students who have graduated from the program.

This means making sure that your school’s respiratory program is accredited is key to both your success and to the health and safety of your patients. Be sure to check your school’s accreditation before enrolling in any respiratory therapy program.

Upon completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program, you will be be prepared for licensing and certification the the Certified Respiratory Therapist exam (CRT) and can begin your career upon passing.

Standard Respiratory Care Courses

As a respiratory therapy student, many of your courses will include mathematics along with life science courses. These courses will help give you a solid foundation in understanding basic health related terms and functions.

In preparation for your career, respiratory therapists schools will offer courses in the following subjects:

- mathematics
- biology
- microbiology
- human anatomy
- physics
- chemistry
- pharmacology

Respiratory Therapist Career Specific Courses

As you move into your career specific curriculum, respiratory therapists schools will begin to give you a more practical understanding of your field.

The following courses will help you to begin to understand the practical aspects of patient care along with the importance of maintaining proper medical records.

- clinical procedures and practices
- performing and understanding diagnostic tests and procedures
- cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
- respiratory therapies and practices
- performing patient assessments
- managing and using medical equipment
- conducting diagnostic tests and procedures
- keeping medical records and reimbursement

Respiratory therapists schools are meeting the demands of an aging population. As more patients begin to need access to respiratory care both in medical centers and at home, the demand for respiratory care practitioners continues to grow.

Finding an accredited school is your first step to entering this rewarding field.

Resources:

1. Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

2. Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

3. Certified Respiratory Therapist exam (CRT)