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Our respiratory system is truly amazing. We tend to take our lungs for granted, but without their steady, reliable, and downright extraordinary contributions, life, as we know it, would not be possible, nor would some of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.
Whether singing, laughing, or exploring, we rely on our lungs every moment of every day. Unfortunately, not everyone navigates life with a healthy respiratory system. As a result, many people miss out on the spectacular opportunities supported by optimal lung function. Many issues stand in the way: smoking, for example, causes lasting damage, while others begin to struggle early on, perhaps due to pediatric asthma or cystic fibrosis.
These and other issues can leave sufferers feeling weak, fatigued, or downright discouraged. However, with the right regimens, improved function is possible, enabling individuals with lung concerns to breathe deeply and lead richer, more fulfilling lives. Respiratory therapists drive this effort and deserve a great deal of gratitude for providing much-needed practical and emotional support. They work with patients across nearly every age and care setting – from prenatal to senior care, and from ICUs to outpatient clinics – delivering tailored respiratory support wherever it’s needed most.
This field can be deeply rewarding, offering the chance to transform lives while embracing the day-to-day joys of interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Who Are Respiratory Therapists, and What Do They Do?
Respiratory therapists focus on health issues involving breathing, specifically the lungs. These hardworking professionals qualify as allied health workers, blending an evidence-based approach to care with specialized skills or knowledge that help them address complex medical concerns.
Respiratory therapy often means treating patients with chronic or acute respiratory concerns. However, respiratory therapists may also work with patients following surgery or responding to cardiac concerns involving respiratory challenges.
An Overview of the Respiratory Therapy Profession
While the importance of breathing has long been understood, respiratory therapy emerged as a formal practice during the 1940s and 1950s, when health challenges such as the polio epidemic prompted the need for greater expertise in managing ventilators and other advanced equipment and technologies.
Today, respiratory therapy is defined by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) as a specialized field meant to promote "optimum cardiopulmonary function, health, and wellness," with experts adding that RTs are trained and licensed so they can apply "scientific principles to identify, treat and prevent acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system."
Working Alongside Physicians, Nurses, and Emergency Teams
As deeply collaborative professionals, respiratory therapists work closely with many clinical experts, including physicians, nurses, pulmonologists, and even physical therapists. They strive for coordinated care, in which all members of these diverse healthcare teams work seamlessly together to achieve a common goal, which is helping patients improve their respiratory function and overall health.
RTs also promote a seamless transition to the hospital environment, working with emergency teams to ensure that recently transported patients remain stable. Patients form a key part of this collaborative effort, with RTs prioritizing patient-centric care. They demonstrate respect for their patients, adopting responsive strategies that take each patient's unique situation or preferences into account.
Combining Technical Expertise With Direct Patient Care
Working closely with patients, RTs may use a variety of tools and technologies to track respiratory function or administer treatments. These strategies can vary depending on the nature of the patient's respiratory challenges, but spirometers, nebulizers, or ventilators are often needed. Along the way, RTs talk patients through each step of their treatment plans, offering explanations or reassurance to keep patients confident.
A Day in the Life: Caring for Every Stage of Life and Illness
Every day presents new challenges for respiratory therapists, who must be prepared to work with patients from many backgrounds, including those dealing with various respiratory concerns. Their role is unique — not confined to one floor, specialty, or age group. RTs might start the day in the NICU supporting a premature infant and end it helping a senior patient manage chronic lung disease. In addition to operating critical equipment, they guide patients through important exercises or offer insight into how patients can continue to progress beyond the healthcare facility's confines. This constant movement across departments makes their work not only diverse but deeply integrated into nearly every aspect of patient care. Daily tasks may differ, but the following responsibilities are common:
Supporting Critically Ill Patients in the ICU and ER
Respiratory therapists are qualified to provide life-saving care, working, as the National Institutes of Health's Clinical Center explains, to handle "ventilator management, diagnostic blood sampling, bronchoscopy assistance, specialized gas administration such as nitric oxide and heliox therapy, and all aspects of hemodynamic monitoring." In this capacity, they actively partner with ICU physicians, nurses, and other emergency personnel to provide team-based care on behalf of critically ill patients.
Providing Life-Saving Therapy for Premature Infants and Pediatric Patients
Some respiratory therapists specialize as pediatric RTs, offering life-saving care for infants (frequently, premature infants) in neonatal wards. These RTs may offer supplemental oxygen or provide non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Neonatal respiratory therapists educate parents and caregivers about their infant's respiratory issues, preparing them for post-discharge care and to recognize future distress signs.
Managing Chronic Conditions in Geriatric and Long-Term Care Settings
Many chronic conditions involve respiratory challenges, and often, the individuals who deal with these symptoms reside in long-term care settings such as nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. In these facilities, the AARC recommends that RTs "provide ventilator care, monitor life support systems, administer medical gases and aerosol medications."
These RTs may work with pulmonologists or physicians to develop and administer customized care plans. They also ensure that other staff members understand the signs of respiratory distress or are prepared to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.
Responding to Code Blues and Stabilizing Patients in Crisis
The term 'code blue' describes medical emergencies in which patients' lives are at risk. This language is most frequently used to draw attention to cardiac or respiratory arrest cases. Code blues represent a major component of RTs' work, and, when these emergencies arise, RTs are expected to manage patients' airways or even assist with intubation. A swift and effective response can stabilize at-risk patients, who may then be transferred for ongoing monitoring and care.
Why Respiratory Therapy Appeals to Those Seeking Variety
To the outsider, respiratory therapy may seem like a highly targeted field with few opportunities for specialization. In reality, however, this field is far more versatile than it appears. We've already touched on a few of the many environments RTs may serve, along with the many types of patients they help, but there are many other ways to find personal meaning in this far-reaching field.
Treating a Wide Range of Conditions From Asthma to Trauma
A vast array of medical challenges involve respiratory symptoms, with many of these calling for specialized attention from respiratory therapists. Among the many conditions that RTs treat:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Pneumonia
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sleep apnea
- Chest trauma
Some RTs focus exclusively on just one of these illnesses or conditions, while others work with a wider variety of patients to provide comprehensive care.
Engaging in Both Acute Emergencies and Long-Term Care Plans
While many RTs respond to code blues, their knowledge also makes them well-suited to developing and administering long-term treatment plans that help patients make gradual, yet steady progress over a series of weeks, months, or even years.
Working in Diverse Settings: Hospitals, Clinics, and Homes
Respiratory therapists often work in hospitals (especially the ICU or ER). Still, they can be found in many other clinical environments, including long-term care settings such as skilled nursing facilities. Some even treat patients in their own homes, working, for example, in palliative care to help patients find comfort.
Essential Skills and Qualities of a Respiratory Therapist
RTs are highly skilled professionals who seek specialized training in hopes of gaining a wide array of clinical competencies and interpersonal qualities. They must integrate these diverse abilities, often during high-stakes situations.
Technical Proficiency With Ventilators, Nebulizers, and Monitoring Systems
Advanced technologies have brought powerful opportunities to the realm of respiratory therapy, allowing for real-time monitoring and accurate medication delivery. RTs must be capable of operating complex equipment and must also be willing to adapt to evolving technologies as new and more advanced solutions become available.
Calm Under Pressure During High-Stakes Emergencies
Emergency care is a critical component of respiratory therapy, and many RTs work directly in the ER. However, many other environments can prompt high-stakes medical situations, in which RTs must be able to remain calm and think critically while administering life-saving care.
Empathy and Communication Across All Age Groups
Interpersonal skills such as emotional intelligence (EQ) are vital to success in respiratory therapy and clinical care in general. That begins with empathy, which allows RTs to understand how patients feel. This ultimately makes it easier to foster trust among patients while helping them navigate potentially distressing situations. RTs may also need to adjust their communication style to reflect different environments, scenarios, or even patient demographics.
Educational Pathways and Certifications
There are many ways to prepare for a successful career in respiratory therapy, but it's increasingly clear that these specialized professionals require targeted training. The following are a few key steps that future RTs can expect to take on the path to professional success:
Earning an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy
Formal college programs introduce aspiring RTs to fundamental clinical concepts, providing an overview of pharmacology, cardiopulmonary physiology, and mechanical ventilation. Students are expected to participate in clinical rotations, which help them apply evidence-based insights while gaining hands-on skills. Bachelor's programs promote advanced clinical knowledge and may help RTs explore leadership opportunities.
When researching and applying for these programs, students should look for colleges accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Clinical Training Requirements and Licensing
Clinical rotations are not merely helpful for aspiring RTs, as they are crucial for meeting the strict licensing requirements. These clinical experiences introduce students to cardiopulmonary assessments, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic modalities.
Upon completing clinical rotations and graduating from accredited respiratory therapy programs, aspiring RTs are expected to pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam. This may be followed by the advanced practitioner exam, which is needed to obtain the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Available through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), the RRT is widely regarded as the "standard of excellence for respiratory care professionals."
Career Outlook and Industry Demand
Respiratory therapy represents one of the fastest-growing specializations within a field that already shows considerable growth across the board. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates a respiratory therapy job outlook of 13 percent between 2023 and 2033, outranking demand in areas such as registered nursing.
In addition, climate change and environmental shifts are increasing the need for respiratory care. Rising temperatures, extended allergy seasons, wildfire smoke, and changing agricultural harvesting patterns are all contributing to higher rates of respiratory distress across age groups. This growing exposure to air pollutants and irritants has made the role of respiratory therapists even more vital in both hospital and outpatient settings.
Occupational experts point to many factors driving this trend, including:
Growth Driven by Respiratory Illnesses and Aging Populations
As the US population ages, a greater share of patients face chronic conditions that involve respiratory challenges. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may come to mind, but there is often a respiratory element engaged in treatments for chronic issues such as diabetes or heart disease.
With more patients requiring respiratory-focused interventions, there is a stronger need for knowledgeable professionals who can respond to acute concerns and help patients manage chronic respiratory conditions over time.
Ongoing Demand in Critical Care, Pulmonary Rehab, and Home Health
Shortages are common in critical care nursing, leaving many professionals struggling to provide the consistent and focused care that their growing volumes of patients deserve. RTs can help bridge the gap, offering a much-needed source of practical support so that clinical professionals can focus on other aspects of critical or urgent care. Meanwhile, RTs also support pulmonary rehabilitation, which can improve not only their lung function, but also their quality of life.
Opportunities for Advancement, Specialization, and Leadership
Many aspiring clinical professionals are drawn to respiratory therapy because they recognize the long-term value of working in this field. Higher-level roles are beginning to emerge, including the promising opportunity to work as an advanced practice respiratory therapist (APRT).
The Expanding Role of Respiratory Therapists in Modern Medicine
While RTs command respect in the modern healthcare sector, many advocates believe they remain underutilized. That being said, RTs are beginning to attract more attention, with research confirming that they drive positive outcomes.
Meanwhile, healthcare professionals such as nurses and physicians speak to the growing value of respiratory therapy within the broader healthcare system. Many show respect for the advanced skill set of the modern RT and desire to incorporate respiratory therapy into many components of patient care.
Integral Members of Rapid Response and Code Teams
Groups of rapid response professionals known as code teams swiftly move into action when they encounter code blues. While these teams are diverse by design (often incorporating clinical professionals such as physicians, critical care nurses, or even paramedics), respiratory therapists have become key players, bringing a deeper understanding of lung function to the table.
Other team members have confidence in RTs' ability to handle urgent situations and provide crucial interventions, such as managing airways or providing oxygen therapy to ensure patient stabilization. They may be better capable of pinpointing sudden (and often difficult-to-understand) changes in respiratory function, ensuring that sudden declines are recognized and addressed immediately.
Leading Patient Education and Discharge Planning
Respiratory therapists offer not only acute care but also educational opportunities that can drive considerable differences in long-term patient outcomes. They educate patients on respiratory function and self-management strategies for improved lung health and well-being.
Often, this begins with guiding patients so they can learn to effectively carry out respiratory clearance techniques or complete pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. Instruction may also center around inhalers or nebulizers. Lifestyle concerns may also come into play, with RTs offering support for patients struggling to quit smoking or hoping to build aerobic exercise into their routines.
Breathing Life Into Careers: Why RTs Deserve the Spotlight
Respiratory therapists have much to offer in an ever-changing sector demonstrating an increased need for targeted, technical skills and empathetic patient care. RTs are uniquely poised to offer a few advantages. Rapid responses can not only save lives, but they also improve the overall quality of those lives and even empower patients and their loved ones.
Respiratory Therapy: Your Chance to Combine Lifesaving Skills and Human Connection
If you feel drawn to the healthcare landscape and hope to carve out a space for yourself in a rapidly growing specialization, you could be a solid fit for the promising field of respiratory therapy. Look to Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) for high-level training from a respected and accredited respiratory therapy program.
At Nebraska Methodist College, we offer many pathways to earning your Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy, including the chance to use our on-campus associate-level program as a stepping stone to earning your bachelor's. Reach out to learn more about this opportunity or apply now to take the next step toward becoming a respiratory therapist.
Sources
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/allied-health/respiratory-therapy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiyikxA29ck
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https://www.aarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/statement-of-definition-of-respiratory-care.pdf
https://www.aarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/delivery_of_services_in_snf.pdf
https://www.cc.nih.gov/ccmd/clinical-services/code-team
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/rapid-response-team
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8102079/
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