A career as a respiratory therapist is often very rewarding. These respected allied health professionals help people of all ages by providing life-changing – or even life-saving – care to patients with chronic or acute breathing problems. Respiratory therapy can be a great career opportunity for those who enjoy helping others and are interested in the healthcare field. Respiratory therapists typically work on teams and interact directly with patients, so interpersonal and communications skills are important. Respiratory therapists must also be detail-oriented, compassionate and patient due to the nature of the work.
Respiratory Therapist Job Description
Respiratory therapists work with patients ranging in age from premature infants to the elderly, who may suffer from underdeveloped lungs, asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, pneumonia or other diseases and disorders that cause breathing problems. They may also provide emergency care to accident victims, drowning victims and patients who have had heart attacks.
Respiratory therapists examine patients and confer with physicians to develop appropriate treatment plans. They also perform diagnostic tests, treat patients and monitor patient progress. They may assess lung capacity, test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels by drawing arterial blood and perform chest physiotherapy on patients to make it easier for them to breathe. For patients who are unable to breathe on their own, respiratory therapists connect them to ventilators and monitor them to ensure that the patient receives the correct amount of oxygen.
Respiratory Therapist Career Outlook and Salary Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook published in April 2012, jobs for respiratory therapists are expected to grow by 28 percent nationally between 2010 and 2020. Respiratory conditions, such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia are likely to increase as the population ages, which will lead to the increased need for medical services and respiratory therapy.
The same BLS study lists the median annual salary of respiratory therapists at $54,280 as of May 2010. Those who are interested in this career opportunity are encouraged to conduct independent research as employment opportunities and salary may vary depending on location, experience, education and other factors.
Respiratory Therapist Education and Training
Most employers require an absolute minimum of an associate’s degree for respiratory therapist positions, but they tend to give preference to candidates who have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many colleges and universities offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in respiratory therapy. These degree programs allow students to gain experience treating patients under appropriate supervision while they complete their education. Courses typically include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology pharmacology and math. Additional coursework may cover diagnostic procedures and tests, patient assessment, equipment and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
In addition to educational requirements, many employers also look for respiratory therapists who are certified. Certification bodies, such as the National Board for Respiratory Care, usually require applicants to hold a degree from an accredited program and pass a certification exam. The two main professional certifications available through the NBRC are the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
All states except Alaska require respiratory therapists to be licensed. Requirements vary from state to state but most states require candidates to complete a state professional certification exam. As with many professions, higher-level degrees and professional certifications can often lead to improved career opportunities and higher salaries.
