Respiratory Medicine involves the study of the respiratory system. The respiratory system encompasses the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The upper respiratory tract includes: the nasal passages, larynx and pharynx. The lower respiratory tract includes: the trachea, bronchi and lungs.
The current job outlook for a career in respiratory medicine is excellent because this area of medicine involves many overlapping diseases and conditions.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in respiratory medicine must follow some guidelines in order to gain a better understanding of this type of medical field.
The field of respiratory medicine needs caregivers with the following characteristics:
- good understanding of medicine
- compassion towards patients
- up to date on current respiratory diseases and conditions
There are several different career options:
- Technician
- Respiratory therapist
- Respiratory physician
Respiratory technicians help medical personnel perform tests in either a hospital or an outpatient clincial setting.
Individuals can attend schools to receive training in respiratory medicine. Technicians to use specialized equipment for patients with respiratory conditions like Cystic Fibrosis or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder.
Respiratory Therapists monitor pulmonary function testing on patients, operate ventilator systems and educate patients on respiratory care. In order to become a certified respiratory therapist, individuals have to:
- attend an accredited school for respiratory therapy-either two or 4 year degree(most employers will require a 4 year degree)
- encouraged to take the exam for a certificate in respiratory therapy(need this for a license in respiratory therapy)
- another exam-the registered respiratory therapist is required to practice respiratory therapy.
Respiratory Physicians treat patients with respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic cough, sleep medicine, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, etc. Most respiratory physicians work in the outpatient clinical setting. Respiratory physicians may also work in the hospitals engaging in surgical procedures as well as providing care to critical patients.
Educational requirements for Respiratory Physicians
- completion of a 5 year training program
- clinical hospital training in specialized procedures-anesthesia and bronchoscopy