Respiratory Therapy Online Degree Programs

First, what is respiratory therapy? The main function of the respiratory system is to supply blood with oxygen so that the blood can deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through breathing, and respiration is achieved through the mouth, nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm. Respiratory therapy patients range from new born and premature babies born with underdeveloped lungs, elderly patients with different lung and heart conditions etc. Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic tests and procedures. They provide breathing treatments and respiratory care, and intensive care services, care for chronically ill patients and those on life support. They also train their patients to use respiratory equipment. In other cases they may be required to supervise other staff for example respiratory technicians and respiratory assistants.

Selected Respiratory Therapy Online Degree Programs

Grand Canyon University

• BS in Respiratory Care

• Online Respiratory Therapy Degree
• The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT)

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Respiratory Therapy Education and Training

To become a licensed respiratory therapist, you can work toward an associate degree in respiratory therapy. However, for career advancement bachelor's or master's degree is necessary. Respiratory therapy courses include human anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and microbiology.

Specific courses focus on diagnostic procedures, and patient assessment. Almost all states require respiratory therapists to be licensed. This means that you have to graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy program and pass a respiratory therapy licensing exam.

Advanced respiratory therapy certification is available for graduates of advanced respiratory therapy programs who successfully pass two additional licensing exams. In most cases, an advanced certification is required. To be respiratory therapists to work in supervisory positions and intensive care facilities or departments.

A respiratory therapy graduate from an respiratory therapy online degree program can become either a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) as required by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Respiratory therapy courses in a respiratory therapy online degree program may include:

• Cardiac and Renal Anatomy and Physiology
• Airway Management
• Arterial Blood Gases
• Medical Gas Therapy
• Respiratory Care Protocol
• Survey of Public Health and Epidemiology
• Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology
• Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology and Decontamination
• Lung Hyperinflation Therapy
• Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Polysomnography

To qualify for your state license, you must first graduate from an accredited respiratory therapist school and then take and pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam. Certified Respiratory Therapists who with advanced-level education and who meet experience requirements can take the exams for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license.

Respiratory Therapy Careers

With an respiratory therapy online degree you would work under the supervision of a medical doctor. They are responsible many therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures. They work with patients who have conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema.

To work as a respiratory therapy technician, an associate degree generally a requirement. Respiratory therapy technicians work under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians. They help to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.

Respiratory therapists also work with patients who have lung infections that result from chemical and smoke, as well as patients who are recovering from patients that have had strokes, heart attacks, shock, or drowning. Hence, a primary responsibility is to ensure that they maintaining the patients oxygen levels.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

About 80% of licensed respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others work in nursing homes, private practice, and home health care. The growth trends are influenced by a large aging baby boomer generation, as well as the need to have qualified respiratory therapists working in neo-natal care and cardiopulmonary care. As reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 21% between 2008 and 2018.

The BLS also reports that the median annual income for respiratory therapists was $52,200 in 2008. The middle 50% earned between $44,490 and $61,720. The lowest 10% earned below $37,920 while the highest 10% earned more than $69,800. The median annual income for respiratory therapy technicians was $42,430 in the same year. You can work toward your professional development by completing a respiratory therapy online degree.