RCPs are the front line providers of care for a multitude of pulmonary ailments and conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, and tuberculosis to name just a few. Areas where the expertise of an RCP is considered indispensable are Adult, Pediatric, and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Advanced Adult and Neonatal Units employ highly advanced life support, monitoring, and diagnostic equipment. It's generally accepted that Respiratory Therapist is by far the best trained to operate these devices. Except the possible exception nursing, no one spends more time with patients in direct patient care than a Respiratory Therapist.
Patient education is a very important and integral part of health care and respiratory care.
Asthma management, smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, basic and advanced CPR, and disease information on the Internet are places you'll find Respiratory Therapist contributing with their unique training and knowledge. If you're interested in pursueing a career in Respiratory Care check with your local community college of training programs. These programs usually take longer than some of those offered by the technical schools, but the advantages are cost, the quality of instruction, and college credit for the classes you take. The AARC site includes information on community, resources, patient education, and more. The AARC also offers a very important resource in Respiratory Care Online , the online version of the Respiratory Care Journal.