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Health Care Career Profiles: Respiratory Therapy
Crystal Huebner (RRT, CRT) is a respiratory therapist, or RT, employed in a Wisconsin hospital's cardiopulmonary services department. She describes her daily -- or more accurately, nightly -- duties and the critical care environments she works in.
"I have a two-year associate degree in respiratory therapy from a technical college in Wisconsin. My education included classes in medical terminology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and psychology. Our core classes were in mechanical ventilation, respiratory disease process, calculations and pharmacology, which is the study of medications. Some of our classes were lecture-style classes. We also did clinical rotations at various health care sites to practice our skills.
After graduation, I had to pass a test before I could work as a respiratory therapist. I took the CRT -- the Certified Respiratory Therapist -- test through the National Board for Respiratory Care. I later took a two-part, advanced exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist, or RRT. I'm now a board-certified respiratory therapist.
I currently work the night shift at a community hospital, so my job is somewhat different from an RT who works during the day. I work with patients in the intensive care unit, or ICU, who are being mechanically ventilated. I also administer therapies and respiratory medications. I work with patients who have COPD, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, and teach them about their disease and how to manage their medications and activity. I'm part of the Code Team, too. That means that I run to the scene if someone 'codes' -- if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing -- and help the medical team restart their heart and breathing.
I'm really fortunate to work with talented health care providers. I enjoy educating patients and building relationships with them to help them reach their health and lifestyle goals."
Additional Information for Individuals Interested in a Career in Respiratory Therapy Found on Health-Care-Careers.org
Accredited Respiratory Therapy Training Programs
Additional Resources for Individuals Beginning a Respiratory Therapist Career
Bureau of Labor Statistics Data for Respiratory Therapists
RT Magazine: For Decision Makers in Respiratory Care
- Salida
- Vista
- Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Therapy
- Diploma: Therapeutic Health Technician
- Diploma: Healthcare and Rehab Therapy Technician
- Alhambra
- Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
- Anaheim
- Ontario
- Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California.
- San Marcos
- San Diego
- Bachelor Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Scranton
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Physical Therapy Aide
- Certified Personal Trainer
Southern California Health Institute
- North Hollywood
- Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab Program
- Physical Therapy Aide
- Pleasant Hill
- Certificate in Fitness Training
- San Diego
- Personal Fitness Trainer
- Los Angeles
- Rancho Cordova
- Advanced Health and Fitness Training
- Norcross
- Fitness and Exercise
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