Respiratory therapists are vital in healthcare teams to ensure patients' optimal respiratory health. They assess lung function, administer treatments like oxygen therapy, and educate patients. Collaborating closely with physicians, they contribute to effective patient management and treatment strategies.
This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to promoting wellness. Opportunities for career advancement include specialization in neonatal care or pulmonary rehabilitation.
Explore the pathways below to learn more.
Pathways refer to the various job options available within a career that share common skills, knowledge, and interests. Respiratory Therapy has several pathways: clinical practice, specialization, management/administration, education/training, research, home care/telemedicine, and industry/sales. In addition to the popular pathways below, respiratory therapy pathways include:
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
- Respiratory Therapy Technician
Here is a snapshot of popular Respiratory Therapy pathways in the Charlotte metro area. Click on the titles for more details.
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are crucial in respiratory care within healthcare settings. Their responsibilities include providing respiratory therapies such as oxygen, aerosol, or chest physiotherapy, monitoring patients' respiratory status, assisting with patient mobility, and maintaining respiratory equipment.
Common titles for RRTs include Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Critical Care Respiratory Therapist, and Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist.
Certifications*
- Core: Certified Respiratory Therapist
- Specialty: Certified Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorders
- Specialty: Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist
*Certifications vary depending on chosen specialty.
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are crucial in respiratory care within healthcare settings. Their responsibilities include providing respiratory therapies such as oxygen, aerosol, or chest physiotherapy, monitoring patients' respiratory status, assisting with patient mobility, and maintaining respiratory equipment.
Common titles for RRTs include Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Critical Care Respiratory Therapist, and Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist.
Certifications*
- Core: Certified Respiratory Therapist
- Specialty: Certified Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorders
- Specialty: Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist
*Certifications vary depending on chosen specialty.
