Respiratory Therapist Career Path

Respiratory Therapists are qualified healthcare professionals involved in the assessment and management of adults with respiratory diseases. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute or chronic respiratory failures. To provide relief to patients, they assess the patients’ respiratory status, then recommend, implement and evaluate appropriate therapies. They are required to exercise critical thinking and independent judgement. For patients who require chronic care, Respiratory Therapists educate the patients and their family on how to continue care at home safely, to prevent frequent readmissions to the hospital.

Respiratory Therapists are part of multi-disciplinary medical teams, consisting of doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals, working together to provide the best care for patients. There are prospects for specialisation. Some work in the Intensive Care Unit with patients on life support, others work with patients suffering from specific problems, e.g. sleep disorders. Opportunities are available for those who wish to move into education, research or management positions.