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:
- tracheostomy tubes
(a special type of breathing tube for patients
unable to breathe through their mouth and nose)
and oxygen therapy
- ventilators (machines
that breathe for patients with certain conditions,
such as spinal cord injuries, who are unable
to breathe on their own)
- 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:
- hospitals
- inpatient rehabilitation
centers
- home health settings
- long-term care facilities
- private practice
Respiratory
therapists may have either an Associate or undergraduate
degree in respiratory therapy, and many are either
registered or certified in their specialty.
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