19 October 2023CXO INSIGHTSCXO INSIGHTSWith the most recent global pandemic, respiratory therapists came to the forefront of the healthcare line. Do you know what a respiratory therapist (RT) is? According to the American Association for respiratory care, "A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare professional that is trained in the cardiopulmonary system, working therapeutically with patients suffering from cardiopulmonary diseases." After completing an accredited Respiratory Therapy program, RTs obtain their credentials by sitting for board exams administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care. They can obtain multiple certifications such as the standard of practice, "Registered Respiratory Therapist" (RRT). They can also specialize in specific fields: pulmonary function testing, adult critical care, neonatal/pediatric, sleep disorders, and asthma educators. Once a credential is obtained, the practitioner must become licensed in each state of practice.There are respiratory therapists in multiple settings. RTs work closely with nurses and physicians to take excellent care of patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary disorders. They work in acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health, physician offices, rehabilitation centers, and insurance and pharmaceutical companies for around 8-12 hours. When working in the hospital setting, they work all over the hospital. They administer nebulized medication, set up monitoring equipment and work cardiac arrest emergencies. Many provide patient education regarding medication, disease processes, and equipment use. Respiratory therapists play an important We NEED More Respiratory TherapistBy Dawn Ayala, BS, RRT, AE-C, Director of Respiratory Therapy Services, Bethany Children's Health Center. Dawn Ayala
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