Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists care for patients with cardiopulmonary problems, under the supervision of physicians. The job of respiratory therapist is similar to that of respiratory therapy technician, albeit with more responsibility. Respiratory therapists collaborate with other healthcare staff to treat individual patients.

Respiratory therapists need to have excellent attention to detail. They follow instructions well and are able to work in a group environment. Additionally, they need strong mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Proficiency with computers is also extremely useful.

Education and Credentials Required
Respiratory therapists must have, at minimum, an associate degree. Training can be obtained from colleges, universities or trade schools, others are veterans of the armed forces, and still others are trained by hospitals. There are approximately 59 entry-level and 319 advanced programs in the US. Respiratory therapists must be licensed in over 40 states.

Over 40 States require licenses. Respiratory therapists can pursue further credentials such as the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or the Certified respiratory Therapist (CRT) designations from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) by graduating from an accredited program. Entry-level jobs typically require a CRT and supervisory positions the RRT designation.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for respiratory therapists are expected to rise faster than average. The ageing of the baby boomers drives the increase in demand. While hospitals will continue to be the main type of employer, most new jobs will arise in offices of physicians and clinics. Those specializing in care of premature infants or possessing CPR skills will be the most in demand.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for respiratory therapists was $40,220. Self-employed Respiratory therapists can expect to earn significantly more than salaried Respiratory therapists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Respiratory therapists rarely pay for their own health benefits and retirement benefits, as they are rarely self-employed.