The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO RESPIRATORY THERAPY DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS DO
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $63,950
Top 5 States
1. California
$83,920
2. Nevada
$77,760
3. New York
$76,990
4. Hawaiʻi
$76,610
5. Massachusetts
$74,280
Bottom 5 States
50. Mississippi
$49,790
49. Kentucky
$50,150
48. West Virginia
$51,510
47. Alabama
$52,110
46. Tennessee
$52,150
STEPS TO BECOME A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Before enrolling in a respiratory therapy program, there likely are pre-requisites in Human Anatomy and other science courses.
Usually jobs will require a respiratory therapist to have an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy, though some will require you to go through a bachelor’s program.
After completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the entry-level examination to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). The CRT credential is required in most states. There is a second exam that you are eligible to take to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
1. Take Pre-Requisite Science Courses
Courses may include human anatomy
2. Enter a Respiratory Therapy Program
An associate’s degree program is about 3 years
3. Take the Exam to be a CRT
The exam is given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to be a Certified Respiratory Therapist.
4. Find a Job as a Respiratory Therapist
5. Advance Career: Take Exam to be an RRT
After becoming a CRT, you will be able to take the Advanced-Practitioner Examinations of the NBRC to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
QUALITIES OF RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS
Compassion
Respiratory therapists should be able to provide emotional support to patients undergoing treatment and be sympathetic to their needs.
Interpersonal Skills
Respiratory therapists interact with patients and often work as part of a team. They must be able to follow instructions from a supervising physician.
Patience
Respiratory therapists may work for long periods with patients who need special attention.
Problem-Solving Skills
Respiratory therapists must evaluate patients’ symptoms, consult with other healthcare professionals, and recommend and administer the appropriate treatments.
Science and Math Skills
Respiratory therapists must understand anatomy, physiology, and other sciences and be able to calculate the right dose of a patient’s medicine.
Detail Oriented
Respiratory therapists must be detail oriented to ensure that patients are receiving the appropriate treatments and medications in a timely manner. They must also monitor and record various pieces of information related to patient care.