Respiratory Therapist Career Resources
Respiratory Therapist Career Options and Outlook
Respiratory therapists are trained medical professionals who work with the respiratory and cardiopulmonary systems of the body. Although they are not qualified to operate with the same kind of authority as physicians, they do evaluate and treat patients with a fairly high level of autonomy. This makes the career ideal for those interested in nursing, but desirous of more authority and leadership within their daily roles.
A Day in the Life of a Respiratory Therapist
The responsibilities of a respiratory therapist vary depending on where employment is located and what the job category is. In most cases, there are three job levels: respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, and respiratory care practitioners. Respiratory therapists work directly under physicians, and may do anything from evaluating patient conditions to working on a team of other emergency care providers. Respiratory technicians typically work under therapists in an assistant capacity. Respiratory care practitioners are usually more involved in routine care (much like a nurse or in-home caregiver).
Respiratory care workers perform tasks ranging from evaluating respiration in premature babies to providing emergency care to victims of cardiopulmonary disorders. They work in a variety of settings, including individual patient homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and as part of rapid-response teams.
As with nursing and other health-care fields, most respiratory therapists can expect a wide range of hours. Day shifts, evening shifts, and graveyard shifts are all open, and some therapists may also be required to work weekends and holidays. It can also be a physically demanding role, depending on where you work.
Respiratory Therapy Job Outlook
As with most health care careers, respiratory therapy is expected to remain one of the top areas for job growth and opportunities. The career is expected to increase by almost 20 percent over a ten-year period, thanks primarily to the aging Baby Boomer generation, which will see an increased need for health care practitioners trained to treat age-related heart and lung diseases.
Most respiratory therapist jobs are in hospitals (about 80 percent) or private medical facilities. Those who don't work directly with patients typically focus on medical sales or marketing, especially as it relates to cardiopulmonary technology.
The average pay for respiratory therapists is $47,000. Higher wages (in the $65,000 range) are usually earned by those in high-intensity positions and those with Bachelor or Master degrees. Even higher wages can occur in the sales field, although this takes the professional much further away from patient care.
Respiratory Therapist Education Requirements
Respiratory therapists must have at least an Associate degree in most states before they can receive a license, which is required to work in the field. Positions in hospitals and as part of emergency response teams typically require a Bachelor's degree, and working as an independent therapist or in administration may require as much as a Master's degree. A complete directory of schools offering training in respiratory therapy can be found online at healthcarebuilder.com. Sites like these give students the chance to compare costs and education requirements in one convenient location.
Students looking to enter the field are encouraged to explore a range of educational options, including community colleges, universities, and vocational training facilities. However, it is important to note that not all Associate and entry-level programs are recognized by employers. It is important to choose an accredited school (recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) in order to graduate with the license necessary to work in the field.
Students in all programs can expect their studies to focus primarily on science-based classes, including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, and pharmacology. Almost all programs also require a certain number of clinical hours and additional courses related specifically to the respiratory therapy, including patient care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory health promotion, disease prevention, and medical administration and insurance.
Respiratory Therapy Certification Requirements
With the exception of those living in Hawaii and Alaska, every practicing respiratory therapist must be licensed. Respiratory therapists are expected to have basic CPR certification and certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). For entry-level or Associate-level work, certification from the NBRC is awarded as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) license. A higher license, the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certificate, is required for many promotions and administrative positions.
Choosing a Respiratory Therapy Career
Respiratory therapy is a great career for those looking to move beyond traditional nursing to a more specialized care field. It requires a strong scientific background and no squeamishness when it comes to the lungs and sinuses.
Professionals in the field often get to work as part of team of experts, sought for their advice and expertise. This makes it ideal for students seeking a fast-paced, slightly autonomous career that still falls within the standard medical care field.
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