The ability to perform a patient assessment is essential for respiratory therapists. This includes taking a patient’s medical history, evaluating their current condition, and assessing their risk for future problems. This topic is important for respiratory therapists...
Cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology is a study of the heart and lungs and their respective functions within the body. The heart is responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system, while the lungs take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. This topic is...
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a set of diagnostic tests that are used to assess a patient’s lung and identify the severity of pulmonary impairment. They measure how well the lungs are able to perform gas exchange by moving air in and out during a breathing...
Cardiopulmonary pathology is the study of diseases that affect the heart and lungs. As a respiratory therapist, it’s essential that you have a solid understanding of this area of medicine. After all, the respiratory system is responsible for exchanging oxygen...
Respiratory therapists are well known for treating and providing care for adult patients. However, they also play a vital role in caring for neonatal and pediatric patients. Neonatal care is a specialized area of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of...
The respiratory system refers to the lungs and structures within the body that are involved in the process of breathing. This guide provides a brief overview of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, including the structures that help make breathing...
Mechanical ventilation is the therapeutic process of using a machine to provide breathing support to patients who are unable to do so on their own. It uses positive pressure to move air into the lungs so that gas exchange can occur. Respiratory therapists are...
A registered respiratory therapist (RRT) is an RT that has obtained the high-level credential granted by the NBRC. This is the highest standard requirement a respiratory therapist needs to apply for a license to practice respiratory care. The first step in earning the...
A certified respiratory therapist (CRT) is an RT that has obtained the entry-level credential granted by the NBRC. This is the minimum requirement a respiratory therapist needs to apply for a license to practice respiratory care. After earning the CRT credential and...
Mechanical ventilation is the therapeutic process of using a machine to deliver positive pressure to a patient’s lungs. This necessary when a patient is unable to breathe on their own. Respiratory therapists are responsible for initiating and managing patients...
