Cardio Respiratory Therapist - Essay Example

Cardio respiratory therapists take care of patients who have problems with their respiratory system, for instance, patients with chronic respiratory diseases like emphysema or asthma. Cardio respiratory therapists work with patients in a bid to improve the functioning of the lungs, training and supervision of patients on how to use oxygen, aerosol inhalants and chest physiotherapy. They also avail emergency care to those who require it, especially patients that are suffering from heart attacks, shock, drowning or strokes (Engelstad 20).

For a person to get enrolled in the multi disciplinary and multi credentialed program that is cardio respiratory therapy bachelors or associate, they must at least have a grade point average of 2.50, and a minimum of score of 60% in Mathematics, 80% in Reading, 60% in Science, and 60% in English on the ATI test of essential academic skills exam. Students enrolled in these programs specifically take up classes in Respiratory therapy, Microbiology, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary evaluation, medical terminology, pulmonary functioning testing, diagnostic procedures and cardiopulmonary path physiology.

Many employers hire cardio respiratory therapists that possess certification. Cardio respiratory therapists get licensed in all states apart from the state of Alaska. Certification gets obtained only after graduating from a recognized program and passing certification exams, and is required so as to obtain a state license. Licensing requirements in most states involve taking a professional certification test. The main certifying entity for respiratory therapists is the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

This board offers two different certification levels that is Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and certified respiratory Therapist (CRT). Under Certified Respiratory Therapy certification, applicants must have obtained an associate degree or achieved the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree program coursework. Under the Registered Respiratory Therapist, applicants must have obtained a certified respiratory therapy certification and pass an exam (Reid 43). Cardio respiratory therapists work in a wide array of settings.

They operate in hospitals, laboratories, businesses and home based care. Cardio respiratory therapists in hospital setting and clinics offer treatments, undertake diagnostic procedures, administer medication and operate the technical life support equipment. They also work in the intensive care units with all sorts of patients ranging from premature infants to adults, offer breathing treatments to asthmatic patients and are members of the CPR team. Majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals though many other opportunities keep developing outside the hospital turf (MacIntyre 55) Employment opportunities for cardio respiratory therapists are expected to increase by over 28% between 2010 and 2020, way faster than other professions.

The growth of the middle aged and senior citizens will lead to increased occurrence of respiratory conditions like pneumonia, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The effect of this will be increased demand for respiratory therapy treatments and services in health care centers. Advancements in disease prevention and detection, improved medication, and sophisticated treatments will also heighten the demand for respiratory therapists. Conditions that affect the demographic such as smoking,