We can survive for several days without water and for several weeks without food. But without oxygen, we'll die within only a few minutes. Respiratory therapists, or respiratory care practitioners as they are also called, keep the oxygen flowing. Under the direction of a physician, they evaluate and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.
Varied Patients, Many Settings
"We take care of lung health," says Laurie Tomaszewski, president of the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care. Respiratory therapists care for individuals of all ages - from infants to elders.
Although most therapists work in hospitals, a growing number are employed in home care; sleep and other specialty clinics; air and surface patient transport; pulmonary rehabilitation; research and medical equipment sales. Many are also involved in programs such as smoking cessation and asthma education.
Career Variety
Like many respiratory therapists, Tomaszewski has a varied career. She cared for ventilator-dependent children and worked in homecare before going into medical service sales. She's currently an account manager at Handi Medical Supply in St. Paul, where she's involved in sales and contract negotiation with insurance and homecare agencies.
Patient care is still part of her job, too. She often sets up and demonstrates equipment in clients' homes. And she also sees many clients on an on-going basis.
More Rigorous Education
