Training to become a respiratory therapist is not designed in the same way at all schools and educational institutions, but is generallypart-timeand lasts2 to 3 years.

For later registrationat the ErfahrungsmedizinischesRegister (EMR) the training must include at least 600 hours of training in respiratory therapy and at least 150 hours of training in basic medical principles; subsequent registration with theASCArequires at least 500 learning hours in respiratory therapy and also at least 150 learning hours in medical basics.

Short seminars and coursesThese courses, which last a few weeks or a few months, are not suitable for a solid basic training, but serve as additional qualifications for therapists who are already working and would like to receive further training on specific topics, or as continuing education, further training for people who would like to gain an insight into this field of complementary medicine for purely personal purposes.

The platform Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch surveyed people interested in respiratory therapy. The results of the survey showed that 82% of school inquiries were triggered by online reviews. 15 % enquired about schools recommended to them for more details on further training as a respiratory therapist. 3 % already knew the school they were interested in attending beforehand. However, the online presence of schools is also becoming increasingly important, as shown by answers that survey participants optionally used: "Because I came across these training centers through a Google search", "found via Google search", "Internet", "interesting homepage", "I did some research and came across it", "start date is suitable", "I listen to my gut feeling", "spontaneously", "saw on SRF1" and "I want to check the offers". Many schools improve their online visibility by listing themselves on our platform. Other answers show the importance of location: "your school is near me" and "because it is close to where I live". Someone gave the following reason: "Because the school has decades of experience and was the first school to be recognized.".

The knowledge and skills that respiratory therapy graduates acquire during their training can vary greatly depending on the training program. In general, however, respiratory therapists receive extensive training in practical methods, methodological theory and various subject-specific areas. These include, for example

• Applied breathing theory
• Breath and movement
• Vowel breathing space formation
• Tone and sound
• Psychosomatics
• Anatomy, physiology and pathology
• Psychology
• Ethics
• Communication and interaction
• Understanding health
• Quality assurance and professional identity

Please contact the individual schools for detailed information.

People are interested in a course on respiratory therapy for a variety of reasons. This is also shown by a survey conducted by the education platform Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch. This revealed that 95% of respondents are still comparing the course content and further training with their own needs. 4 % of survey participants show interest on the basis of a recommendation. For 1% of those interested in the respiratory therapist course, interest was triggered by mentions in job advertisements. Someone gave a very specific and personal reason for their interest in the respiratory therapy course: "As an opera/jazz singer and teacher, I would finally like to realize my desire to learn this profession as well". Other people stated "Professional interest", "I work in singing bowls and yoga", "I would like it as an addition to my physiotherapy work in the hospice", "Because I am incredibly interested in the subject, breathing is our origin, our source of strength", "I have learned about the positive effects through self-awareness", "Professional reorientation", "I wonder how breathing affects the whole person", "I have the feeling that it is very helpful to me personally and in my work with my patients." and "Because I can help a lot of people with this training and also do it for myself. It is an opportunity that I would like to take" as reasons. This person seems to have really found their calling: "Respiratory therapy incorporates all my interests and strengths. I know the important and extensive effects of breathing. It was mentioned to me in my meditation. I already work a lot with breathing, meditation, relaxation... it suits me!"

Patients who decide to undergo respiratory therapy do not necessarily have to be physically ill, because in addition to physical complaints, it is often emotional stress that motivates patients to choose this form of therapy in order to improve their situation. Breath therapy can alleviate and treat many different complaints and disorders, but can also positively change the attitude of those affected towards their life and their body. This method is used by respiratory therapists to achieve a healthy body awareness and to make people aware that all their actions, every breath they take, has an impact on their life and health. Breath therapy is therefore used for the following areas, but also for many more:

• Psychosomatic diseases
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Respiratory diseases
• Tension in the muscles
• Posture errors
• Hormonal disorders and changes (pregnancy, puberty, menopause)
• Insomnia
• Eating disorders
• Quit smoking
• Physical pain
• Cardiovascular complaints
• Burnout and stress
• Depression and mood swings
• Health promotion

As there is no one true breathing therapy, but many different variants are used and taught, you will also find very different contents at the schools and training centers, depending on the orientation, such as Experiential Breathwork according to Ilse Middendorf, Breathwork according to Cornelis Veening, Breath and Body Therapy according to Count Dürckheim and many more. For this reason, it is extremely important that you familiarize yourself comprehensively with the individual methods and focuses of breath therapy and select the most suitable variant for you. Then find out which schools follow exactly this approach and let them inform you about the exact content. Use our contact form to get in touch with the relevant schools quickly and easily.