Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

How To Become a Respiratory Therapist

If you are interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, you must enroll in an accredited college or technical school program. Most programs for becoming a respiratory therapist take two years to complete. The course load can seem very difficult, especially if math and science are not your strong points. Failure to keep your grades up can cost you your degree in becoming a respiratory therapist.

Respiratory therapy involves managing the care of those with lung or pulmonary disorders. Emphysema, infants born with undeveloped lungs, heart attack patients, lung cancer patients, those with pneumonia, or other lung diseases all need the help of skilled respiratory therapists. The starting salaries of respiratory therapists are generally appealing, so you should look at the required courses for becoming a respiratory therapist.

Throughout the United States, there are a number of excellent programs for those who dream of becoming a respiratory therapist. The course requirements usually take two years to complete and cover four semesters. During the first semester of your program for becoming a respiratory therapist, you must take anatomy, your arts requirements, English, Freshman orientation, physiology, and respiratory care. The second semester covers advanced anatomy, advanced physiology, advanced respiratory care, math for health workers, respiratory anatomy, respiratory physiology, and an internship with an area hospital or health center.

During the second year for becoming a respiratory therapist, you will take cardiopulmonary disease, microbiology, psychology, and then continue more advanced courses in respiratory care and continue your internship. These courses are all fun for those with a passion for health care, and within no time you will meet the necessary requirements for becoming a respiratory therapist.