How Difficult is Math in Respiratory Therapy School? (2025)

Believe it or not, math is an essential part of the curriculum in respiratory therapy school. Now, I know what you’re thinking:

 “Math? In respiratory therapy?”

It’s true, and while the idea might seem daunting at first, the reality is far less intimidating. The math involved isn’t about solving complex equations or delving into theoretical concepts.

Instead, it’s focused on practical, real-world applications that are crucial for patient care.

This article explains how the math in respiratory therapy school is actually more manageable than you might think and how it directly impacts the well-being of your patients. 

Is Math Hard in Respiratory Therapy School?

In respiratory therapy school, math is more about mastering formulas than tackling tough equations. Once you learn these formulas, applying them becomes straightforward. The focus is on practical applications essential for patient care, making the math aspect of the program far less daunting than it initially appears.

Types of Math Used in Respiratory Therapy

The math skills required for respiratory therapists are practical and directly tied to patient care. Here are some examples of the types of math used in the field of respiratory care:

• Dosage Calculations: Respiratory therapists must calculate the correct dosages of medications to be administered via inhalers or nebulizers. This involves understanding concentrations and volumes to ensure that patients receive the correct amount of medication for their condition.
• Conversion of Units: Respiratory therapists frequently convert between different units of measurement, such as milliliters to liters or kilograms to pounds. Accurate conversions are crucial for medication dosages, equipment settings, and interpreting patient data.
• Oxygen Flow Rates: Calculating the correct flow rate of oxygen to be delivered to patients is a common task. Respiratory therapists must understand how to adjust flow rates based on patient needs and the type of delivery device being used (e.g., nasal cannula or mask).
• A-a Gradient Calculation: The alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient calculation is used to assess how well oxygen is being transferred from the lungs to the blood. It involves using the partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which requires an understanding of gas laws.
• Oxygen Cylinder Duration: Understanding how long an oxygen cylinder will last is crucial, especially in settings where a patient is being transported or when there’s no immediate access to a central oxygen supply. This calculation takes into account the cylinder size, the current pressure (in psi), and the flow rate at which oxygen is being delivered (in liters per minute).
• Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR): This measurement is used to monitor a patient’s ability to exhale forcefully. It’s a direct reflection of lung function and is especially useful in managing and monitoring conditions like asthma. Math comes into play when comparing a patient’s measured PEFR values against predicted normal values based on age, height, and gender, allowing for accurate assessment and treatment adjustments.
• Minute Ventilation Calculation: Minute ventilation is the total volume of air a person inhales or exhales per minute. It’s calculated by multiplying the tidal volume (the volume of air moved into or out of the lungs during each respiratory cycle) by the respiratory rate (breaths per minute). This calculation is vital for assessing a patient’s ventilatory status and adjusting ventilator settings accordingly to meet their needs.
• Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2) Adjustment: Respiratory therapists often need to adjust the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), which is the percentage of oxygen a patient is inhaling. Calculating the appropriate FiO2 involves understanding the patient’s oxygenation status through blood gas analyses and making adjustments to the ventilator or oxygen delivery system to achieve desired oxygen levels in the bloodstream.
• Ideal Body Weight (IBW) for Ventilator Settings: Calculating a patient’s ideal body weight is crucial for setting appropriate ventilator parameters, especially tidal volume. This calculation helps prevent lung injury from overdistention or inadequate ventilation by ensuring the tidal volume is appropriate for the patient’s lung size, which is inferred from their ideal body weight based on height and gender.

These types of math are integral to the day-to-day responsibilities of a respiratory therapist. They enable them to provide precise, individualized care, directly impacting patient recovery and health outcomes.

While the math involved in respiratory therapy can seem challenging, it is learnable and deeply rooted in real-world application, making it more approachable for students and practitioners.

Tips for Someone Who is Not Good at Math

If math isn’t your strong suit but you’re entering a field like respiratory therapy where it plays a role, don’t let that deter you.

Here are some tips to help you navigate and improve your math skills:

• Understand the ‘Why’: Start with understanding why certain mathematical concepts are used in respiratory therapy. Knowing the practical application of these concepts can make them more interesting and meaningful, which can enhance your motivation to learn.
• Practice Regularly: Math skills improve with practice. Dedicate time each day to work on problems, especially those you find challenging. Regular practice helps reinforce learning and gradually increases your confidence.
• Use Online Resources: There are countless online resources, including our formulas and calculations guide and YouTube Channel, which offer explanations and practice problems that cater to all levels of proficiency.
• Form Study Groups: Studying with peers can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to share strategies, solve problems together, and learn from each other. Sometimes, explaining a concept to someone else can also help you understand it better.
• Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling with a concept. This could be from your instructors, tutors, or classmates. There’s no shame in asking for assistance and doing so can help you overcome obstacles more quickly than struggling on your own.
• Relate Math to Real-Life Scenarios: Try to relate mathematical concepts to real-life situations in respiratory therapy. This can help make abstract concepts more concrete and understandable. For example, when learning about oxygen flow rates, think about how adjusting the flow rate would affect a real patient’s oxygen saturation levels.
• Use Practice Problems: Utilizing practice problems and calculations is a proven method for solidifying the required information in your brain. This can help you prepare for your exams and real-world applications.
• Apply Memorization Techniques: For formulas that you need to remember, use mnemonics, flashcards, or other memorization techniques. Repetition is key to retaining this information.
• Maintain a Positive Attitude: Believe in your ability to improve your math skills. A positive attitude can significantly impact your learning process. Remember, proficiency in math is not an innate talent but a skill that can be developed over time with patience and practice.

Note: Improving your math skills is a journey, and with persistence and the right strategies, you can enhance your proficiency and confidence. This will not only benefit your studies in respiratory therapy but also your future professional practice.

FAQs About Math in Respiratory Therapy School

Is There Math in Respiratory Therapy?

Yes, math is an integral part of respiratory therapy. It is used for various purposes, such as calculating medication dosages, oxygen flow rates, and ventilator settings.

These calculations are crucial for providing accurate and effective patient care.

How Much Math is Involved in Respiratory Therapy?

Respiratory therapy involves a significant amount of math, but it’s focused on practical, real-world applications.

Students learn to perform dosage calculations, convert units, and calculate oxygen flow rates and ventilator settings, among other mathematical tasks.

Is Respiratory Therapy School Hard?

The difficulty of respiratory therapy school varies for each individual, but it can be challenging due to the comprehensive curriculum that includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and mathematics.

However, with dedication, good study habits, and the use of available resources, many students find it manageable and rewarding.

What are the Equations for Breathing?

Breathing involves several physiological processes, but from a mathematical perspective, key equations include calculating tidal volume (the amount of air moved per breath), minute ventilation (the total volume of air breathed in one minute), and the alveolar gas equation, which helps assess the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the lungs.

Note: These calculations are fundamental in respiratory therapy for assessing and adjusting patient ventilation needs.

What is the Formula of What We Breathe in?

The air we breathe in is primarily composed of nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%), and small amounts of other gases, including carbon dioxide, argon, and trace gases.

While there isn’t a “formula” in the traditional chemical sense, the composition can be represented by the volumetric or molar concentration of these gases in atmospheric air.

The most crucial component for respiratory function is oxygen, which is essential for the process of cellular respiration in the body.

Do Respiratory Therapists Use Chemistry?

Yes, respiratory therapists use chemistry, particularly when it comes to understanding gas laws, pharmacology, and the biochemical reactions involved in breathing and medication interactions.

Knowledge of chemistry is essential for interpreting blood gas analyses, understanding how medications affect the respiratory system, and managing ventilator settings to optimize patient care.

Final Thoughts

The mathematical component of respiratory therapy school is far from the insurmountable challenge it might initially seem.

It’s all about applying practical, real-world calculations that directly impact patient care, from dosage calculations to oxygen flow rates.

With the right approach, including regular practice, seeking help when needed, and applying concepts to real-life scenarios, mastering these mathematical skills becomes not only feasible but also rewarding.

Remember, the goal is to provide the best possible care for your patients, and these mathematical calculations are a vital tool in achieving that objective.