What Is a Respiratory Therapist? Career Overview:
Respiratory therapists help patients who have difficulty breathing due to cardiopulmonary disorders, lung disease, and a variety of causes. Tasks include administering oxygen or other aerosol mixtures, mists and inhalants. Therapists also perform physiotherapy on patients' chests to help remove mucous from their lungs. Additionally, for patients who become unable to breathe on their own, respiratory therapists will help connect the patient to a ventilator which will automate breathing for the patient.
Respiratory therapists may work with patients of all ages, from newborns whose lungs are not fully developed, to geriatric patients.
Educational Requirements for Respiratory Therapists:
How do you become a respiratory therapist? For an entry level job, a minimum of an associate's degree is required, from a community college, technical school, or vocational program. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor's degree or master's degree may be required for more advanced positions.
There are 31 entry-level training programs and 346 advanced training programs in respiratory therapy. In order to be sure that a program would qualify you to work as a respiratory therapist, be sure to attend one that is accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).
Licensing and Certification Requirements for Respiratory Therapists:
All states require a license to practice as a respiratory therapist, except for Hawaii and Alaska. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) awards two certifications. The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is for entry-level and some advanced positions. The RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) is required for any supervisory roles or positions in intensive care. The RRT requires completion of an advanced training program, plus passing two separate tests.
A CPR course (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) is also typically required for employment as well.
Job Outlook for Respiratory Therapists:
The BLS projects job growth to be "much faster than average" for respiratory therapists. The field is expected to grow by about 21 percent from 2008-2018, which equates to an additional 22,000 positions added to the field of 105,900 respiratory therapists already practicing.
The growth is said to be caused by the aging population, in addition to the expanded role of respiratory therapists in patient care.
Job prospects will be more plentiful for respiratory therapists with at least a bachelor's degree. Experience working with infants also is a plus.
Average Salary for Respiratory Therapists:
The average annual salary for respiratory therapists is about $52,200, as of 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle 50% earned between $44,400 and $61,700, with the top 10% of earners making $69,800.
Other Skill Requirements:
As with most clinical positions, strong interpersonal skills are very important for ultimate success as a respiratory therapist. As such you will be dealing with sick patients of all ages, and also working as part of a medical care team that will include doctors, nurses, and other therapists.
Technical skills are also important, including operating medical equipment and computer skills.
Work Environment - Where the Jobs Are:
Most of the jobs will be in hospitals. About 80 percent of respiratory therapists are currently employed in hospitals. However, home health care, nursing homes, medical offices, and sleep clinics will also be an area of growth for respiratory therapy jobs.
A typical work week is about 35-40 hours. The hours are shift-based and can include nights and weekends if employed by a hospital or other 24-hour facility.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Respiratory Therapists, on the Internet (visited August 22, 2010)
