Respiratory Therapist
What is a respiratory therapist?
Respiratory therapists are specially trained healthcare professionals who help treat and restore function for patients with airway and breathing problems. They often assess and treat patients with the following conditions:
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tracheostomy tubes (a special type of breathing tube for patients unable to breathe through their mouth and nose) and oxygen therapy
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ventilators (machines that breathe for patients with certain conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, who are unable to breathe on their own)
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chronic heart or lung problems that require breathing treatments and assistance
They may work in various settings in rehabilitation, including neurological (nervous system), cardiac (heart), and pulmonary (lungs) settings. Respiratory therapists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:
Respiratory therapists may have either an Associate or undergraduate degree in respiratory therapy, and many are either registered or certified in their specialty.
Online Editor:
Andrew Bailey RN BSN M.Ed.
Online Editor:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith MSN FNP RN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joy Fincannon RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Kelley Gaskin RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Louise Akin RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Nancy Bowers RN MPH RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lee Jenkins
Date Last Reviewed:
3/31/2009
Date Last Modified:
9/30/2002