Respiratory Care is an allied health specialty concerned with the performance of diagnostic cardiopulmonary evaluation and respiratory therapy treatment applied to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. It includes related education of the patient, family and public. 

Cardiopulmonary evaluation includes the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data obtained from physiologic specimens, performance of diagnostic tests including pulmonary function and sleep studies, research of the cardiopulmonary system, as well as neurophysiological studies related to respiratory care. 

Specific testing techniques are employed in respiratory care to assist in diagnosis, monitoring treatment and research. This is understood to include measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures, flows, blood gas analysis and other related physiologic monitoring. Respiratory therapy techniques include the application and monitoring of medical gases and related administration apparatus, environmental control systems, humidification systems, aerosols, inhaled medications, ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary drainage, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway management, which may include emergency endotracheal intubation.

A day in the life of a Respiratory Therapist might include…

• Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods.
• Interviewing patients and doing chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.
• Consulting with physicians to recommend a change in therapy, based on your evaluation of the patient.
• Analyzing breath, tissue and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.
• Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.
• Responding to Code Blue or other urgent calls for care.
• Educating patients and families about lung disease so they can maximize their recovery.