Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.  Respiratory therapists interact with a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatrics to adults and the elderly.  Respiratory therapists work closely with physicians and nurses at the bedside of patients.  Respiratory Therapists are called upon in these and other situations to implement their problem-solving and decision-making skills.  They perform a vital role as a member of the health care delivery team.
 

Diseases/conditions
often requiring respiratory care

asthma
post operative complications
pulmonary emphysema
adult respiratory distress syndrome
chronic bronchitis
near-drowning
acute bronchitis
smoke inhalation
pneumonia
shock
trauma
aspiration of gastric contents
cystic fibrosis
infant respiratory distress syndrome
asbestosis (pneumoconioses)
meconium aspiration

Respiratory therapists are involved in many specialty areas of the hospital:

newborn labor and delivery
pulmonary function laboratory
neonatal intensive care unit
hyperbaric oxygenation unit
pediatric intensive care unit
sleep laboratory
adult intensive care unit
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
burn unit
cardiovascular diagnostic laboratory

Cardiorespiratory Care students at the University of South Alabama study theory and develop skills in the following medical areas

physical assessment of the patient
echocardiography
oxygen therapy
cardiac catheterization
aerosol and humidity therapy
neonatal/pediatric cardiorespiratory care
lung expansion therapy
hyperbaric oxygenation
advanced cardiac life support
pulmonary rehabilitation and home care
airway management
arterial blood gas analysis
cardiorespiratory pharmacology
pulmonary function testing
mechanical ventilation
sleep studies
hemodynamic monitoring
cardiorespiratory management/education
electrocardiography
clinical research