When most people picture healthcare, they think of doctors and nurses. But there’s a vital professional often working quietly behind the scenes of every successful recovery from illness, trauma, or surgery: the respiratory therapist (RT).
RTs are the breathing experts, they make sure patients can do the one thing most of us take for granted: breathe. Despite this critical role, the profession is still not well known.
Sabrina Addotey, a practicing respiratory therapist at Sick Kids and Unity Health, explains,
“Many people are unfamiliar with the profession. We’re rarely represented in media or TV shows, but our work is vital.”
This post explores what respiratory therapy is, why it’s so important for patient care, and what makes it a rewarding career. It features direct insights from Sabrina Addotey, who shares her firsthand experiences and perspective.
What Exactly Is Respiratory Therapy?
Respiratory therapy is a specialized healthcare field that helps patients who have trouble breathing. RTs are highly trained experts in the heart and lungs. They understand how these two systems work together to keep the body alive and functioning.
“We’re responsible for the airway and breathing, especially in emergencies,” says Sabrina. “We provide oxygen therapy, assess lungs, and manage ventilators. We help initiate, manage, and remove breathing tubes for patients on life support, and respond to acute situations to ensure effective ventilation.
Whether we use equipment or manual techniques, we get the job done. We work with everyone, from newborns to the elderly, in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and community care.”
Simply put, respiratory therapists are the go-to professionals whenever a person’s breathing is at risk. They work everywhere, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Room, Neonatal ICU (NICU), and the Operating Room.
Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work?
RTs are essential in almost every area of healthcare, covering a person’s entire lifespan.
- Hospitals (Inpatient/Acute Care): Respiratory Therapists manage ventilators, assist during complex surgeries, and support patients in critical care.
- Neonatal and Pediatric Care: They help premature babies and children with breathing difficulties take their first healthy breaths.
- Rehabilitation, Home Care, and Outpatient Settings: They support patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions like COPD, working in home care and community settings.
- Breathing Clinics (PFT Clinics) and Simulation Teaching: They conduct lung function tests, educate patients and students, and help train future healthcare professionals.
Sabrina summarizes it perfectly:
“We make a significant difference across the lifespan, from newborns to end-of-life care.”
Why Is Respiratory Therapy So Important?
When a patient can’t breathe correctly, everything else in their body is affected. Respiratory therapists are trained to react quickly and effectively to restore oxygen flow, reduce distress, and prevent serious complications.
“RTs support patients with acute injuries or trauma by managing their breathing,” explains Sabrina.
“We help the body heal through airway support, mucus management, and proper ventilation strategies. We optimize recovery after injury or surgery and provide follow-up care in the community.”
Without expert respiratory care, recovery slows down, and complications are more likely. RTs ensure that the healing process can happen safely and efficiently.
Considering a Career as an RT?
Respiratory therapy offers diverse career paths. Sabrina shares,
“RT offers diverse career paths: high-adrenaline acute care in the ICU or ER, or more routine, structured work in community settings.”
If you’re interested in becoming an RT in Canada, you’ll need both academic training and hands-on clinical experience.
The Path to Becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT):
- Preparation: Start with college-level science courses like biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.
- Education: Apply to an accredited Respiratory Therapy program (typically a 3-year college diploma or 4-year degree). This includes classroom learning and clinical placements in hospitals.
- Certification: Pass the national certification exam through the Canadian Board for Respiratory Care (CBRC) to earn the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
- Professional Maintenance: Maintain professional registration with your provincial body (like the CRTO in Ontario).
Advanced Opportunities
For those pursuing advanced roles, options include:
- Specialization in Critical Care or Neonatal Care.
- Roles in Education and Research.
- Leadership and Management positions.
- Advanced Practice or Anesthesia Assistant programs.
Sabrina’s advice?
“My biggest advice to students is to give it a try. Healthcare is a special yet critical place to work; you make a difference in people’s lives despite the outcome.
Respiratory Therapy challenges you to think and act critically, and you become the expert of the cardiopulmonary system. It’s a rewarding profession, so if you’re interested, go explore it! Shadow an RT or attend an open house to see it in action!”
Spreading Awareness About This Profession
Despite their importance, respiratory therapists often remain behind the scenes. Sabrina hopes to change that:
“Respiratory therapy is still a growing profession, but it’s vital and impactful.”
Every safe breath a patient takes, every life supported through a critical illness, and every recovery made possible through expert oxygen management is a testament to their skill.
The next time you or someone you love takes a deep breath after an illness or surgery, remember, a respiratory therapist likely made that moment possible.
Connect with Healthcare’s Innovators
Are you a healthcare professional or interested in the future of medicine? Follow the conversation about improving communication and supporting frontline workers.
Follow HosTalky on LinkedIn for more insights, career highlights, and healthcare news!
