A respiratory therapist works closely with doctors and other medical staff to develop and maintain an appropriate plan of care for each patient. Their duties include evaluating patients using diagnostic tests, which measure lung and breathing capacity, blood gas analysis and overall physical condition. They administer treatment such as chest physiotherapy to clear mucus from lungs. They also educate patients on topics such as smoking cessation and disease prevention.
The Texas Department of State Health Services requires that respiratory care practitioners must apply for licensure before they may obtain employment in this field. To apply for a regular license certificate, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have graduated from an accredited respiratory care program, and received recognition as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). They must also pass an examination by the National Board of Respiratory Care, Inc.
The U.S. Department of Labor indicates that individuals wishing to practice respiratory therapy must have at least an associate degree, which is often a two-year program. These are available at many community colleges throughout Texas. Schools such as Alvin Community College in Alvin, Collin County Community College in Plano, and McLennan Community College in Waco offer an associate program in respiratory therapy. Community colleges fees are moderate and offer a cost-effective way to meet these educational requirements.
Many vocational institutes offer two-year associate degree programs in respiratory therapy. These programs are available at a higher cost, but are an alternative to students who do not live near a community college. Some vocational schools in Texas are ATI Career Training Center in Dallas and Virginia College in Austin.
Advanced respiratory therapy programs are available at many universities throughout Texas. These schools offer Bachelors of Science degree programs in Respiratory Care. Several universities also offer clinical experience after graduation. These clinical rotations allow graduates to work in a variety of hospital settings to get hands on experience with respiratory patients. Some Texas Universities offering a BSRC are Texas State University in San Marcos and University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.