Having difficulty breathing denies your body the oxygen it needs to survive. It can cause an array of health problems and even lead to death. That's where respiratory therapists come in! Not being able to take a deep breath is a real, terrifying fear for many people. A respiratory therapist can help these people overcome their paranoia and offer them some relief.

Do you want to make a positive impact on someone's life? You can, as a respiratory therapist.

Respiratory therapy is a dynamic career. Respiratory therapist essentially work towards providing comfort to those patients who have trouble breathing. These therapists care for patients with respiratory diseases and illnesses that restrict their airways. Some give emergency care to people suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. Therapists also help counsel people with sleep apnea and cigarette addition.¹

The two most common lung diseases, asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), affect millions of people in the United States. That's exactly why respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the healthcare system. COPD encompasses two serious lung diseases, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Others suffer from illnesses that also cause shortness of breath including cystic fibrosis, respiratory distress syndromes, upper airway conditions, and lung cancer.²

As a respiratory therapist, you would use high-tech medical equipment to help provide relief to people who suffer from breathing problems. You might perform diagnostic tests to measure lung capacity, perform chest physiotherapy to remove mucus from the lungs, or set up ventilator equipment to make sure the patient receives enough oxygen.¹

You could work in a variety of settings such as nursing facilities, pulmonary rehabilitation clinics, and long term care hospitals. In a hospital, you could work in the intensive care unit, pediatric unit, or emergency room. You might even make visits to patients' homes.

To get started as a respiratory therapist, you'll need a hands-on learning environment with knowledgeable instructors. With the right skills and proper training, you could have a career helping others to breathe just a bit easier. Men, women, children, and even infants can suffer from breathing difficulties; and you could be the one who comes to the rescue!

Are you looking for a rewarding healthcare career? At YTI Career Institute, we offer a Respiratory Therapy program that'll teach you the skills to provide patients with the care they need. At YTI, you could complete your Respiratory Therapy career training in as little as 21 months. Get started today!

Resources:
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-2 (visited January 21, 2015)
2. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/respiratory-d... (visited January 21, 2015)