Top Study Tips for Respiratory Therapy School

A student studying for their RT classes.

February 8th, 2024

Respiratory Therapy School is both challenging and rewarding. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for success in this dynamic field. Here are some tailored back-to-school study tips and organization strategies to help you excel in your respiratory therapy education.

How to Prepare for Respiratory Therapy School

The first step in your respiratory therapy education is building a strong foundation and developing effective organizational skills. These initial steps are important in shaping your approach to the curriculum ahead:

  • Foundation in Medical Basics: Begin by mastering basic medical terminology and human anatomy. Utilize resources like Khan Academy for anatomy overviews, and apps like Medical Dictionary by Farlex and Complete Anatomy to familiarize yourself with key terms. These foundational skills are essential for understanding advanced topics like pulmonary function testing and ventilatory support in your RT classes.
  • Effective Organization: Develop a study schedule that aligns with your RT classes, ensuring you cover all topics and include time for review. Consider using a planner to help keep you organized and on track.

Elevate Your Learning Experience

As you dive deeper into your studies, it’s important to refine your study habits and organizational strategies to match the rigor of the respiratory therapy program:

  • Dedicated Study Space: Set up a space specifically for studying to help you focus and minimize distractions. Make sure that it is comfortable and has all the necessary supplies you’ll need.
  • Group Study Sessions: Collaborating with your classmates can help you gain diverse insights and deepen your understanding of complex subjects. Use Google Meet or Zoom to have virtual study groups if in-person meetings aren’t easy to coordinate.
  • Regular Review: Consistently go over previous lessons to reinforce knowledge. Use tools like Quizlet for flashcards on specialized therapeutic procedures like Humidity and Aerosol Therapy to aid in this process, ensuring you’re always building upon a solid foundation of understanding.
  • Digital Organization Tools: Implement digital tools like Evernote for note-taking or Trello for task management. These can help keep your study materials and schedules organized and easily accessible.

How to Study for Respiratory Therapy

Successfully studying for respiratory therapy involves a multifaceted approach that engages with the material in various ways to solidify your understanding:

  • Breaking Down Complex Topics: Tackle subjects like Mechanical Ventilation and Respiratory Care Pathology by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts. This approach will help in understanding the intricate aspects of respiratory therapy.
  • Diverse Study Materials: Use a variety of study methods like respiratory therapy study guides available online for classes like Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Care, visual aids, and interactive tools, to cater to different learning styles and increase comprehension.
  • Active Participation in Classes: Engage in discussions during your RT classes and practical sessions. This active involvement is key to applying theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios and solidifying your learning.

Excelling in Exams: Practice Makes Perfect

Preparation for exams in respiratory therapy is about more than just understanding the material; it’s about being able to apply knowledge under exam conditions:

  • Realistic Exam Preparation: Use respiratory therapy practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and style of actual exams, which will help identify areas that need more focus. 
  • Building Confidence: Regular practice with these exams boosts confidence and reinforces your knowledge, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the actual assessments.

Join Us at St. Augustine College

Begin your rewarding career in respiratory therapy with St. Augustine College. Our comprehensive programs, experienced faculty, and supportive community are here to guide you every step of the way. Explore our offerings, connect with our faculty, and join a community of aspiring healthcare professionals. Click here to learn more and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in respiratory therapy.