(BPT) - If you've been in a hospital or other healthcare setting, you've likely encountered a Respiratory Therapist (RT) and not even realized it. Yet the work of an RT has never been more critical to people's health worldwide. Respiratory care is now one of the fastest-growing professions, and the need for more RTs keeps rising.
However, despite growing demand, RTs have been facing a workforce shortage. Now more than ever, it's important to know how the respiratory care profession not only brings value to patients and care teams but can be a rewarding, life-long career path.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory Therapists are trained to care for people with conditions that impact the lungs and respiratory system.
"If you're struggling to breathe, a respiratory therapist is your best friend," said Dana Evans, MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP, Respiratory Therapist and President of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), a professional organization that supports and advocates for the respiratory care profession and its members.
From the first breath and beyond, RTs help patients at all stages of life.
"It's a tremendously rewarding career with so many diverse opportunities," said Evans. "A Respiratory Therapist might start their day in the emergency department caring for a toddler with croup, then spend the next hour in labor and delivery helping a new baby take their first breaths. They end their day caring for a patient with COPD in the intensive care unit. Respiratory Therapists are vital to the care of patients of all ages. Many RTs choose to specialize and may focus all of their time in one area too."
You can breathe easy knowing you have a Respiratory Therapist at your side
The respiratory care profession is built on consistent, high-quality patient care, especially during high-stress times like flu season, when cases of respiratory illness are at their highest. RTs spend years refining their skills and establishing themselves as critical components of any patient care team.
Evans explains that RTs have a wide array of professional opportunities, and their roles are constantly expanding.
"Respiratory Therapists are the people that are at the bedside with that clinical expertise and specialty in respiratory and pulmonary illness that help you breathe easy when it counts," said Evans.
The need for more respiratory professionals
Despite the increasing need, the U.S. is currently experiencing a shortage of RTs. According to MoreRTs, the number of current and aspiring RTs is decreasing. This shortage has raised concerns about meeting the high demand for respiratory care now and in the future.
How you can make a difference one breath at a time
If you're searching for a career that makes a lasting and meaningful impact, consider training as an RT. Respiratory therapy is an art and a science that allows you to learn and develop precise skills to deliver consistent, high-quality patient care. Every day as an RT presents new challenges, making this a rewarding career path.
To learn about respiratory therapy and how to start your journey, visit AARC.org.
