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Respiratory therapists dedicate their lives to helping people breathe more comfortably and normally. They usually work in hospitals alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and care for patients with breathing problems and cardiopulmonary disorders. Job prospects for this career are very good, and this site will help students interested in respiratory therapy pursue a field that is expected to grow substantially in the next decade.

Quick Facts About Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

  • In school, students take courses such as cardiopulmonary sciences, anatomy, physiology, respiratory therapy procedures, pathology, mechanical ventilation, diagnostics, assessment, and more. (Missouri Southern State University)
  • In order to become a CRT, or Certified Respiratory Therapist, graduates need to get certified and registered through the National Board for Respiratory Care. (NBRC)
  • Respiratory therapists with in-depth knowledge and experience working with young children and the elderly are especially in demand currently. (Med Travelers)
  • The median expected salary is $56,353. (Salary.com)
  • The skills needed to be a successful respiratory therapist include advanced technical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and effective communication skills. Respiratory therapists also need to be compassionate, flexible, people-oriented, and self-directed. (University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey)
  • Job prospects for people in this field are incredibly good. The field is supposed to grow much faster than average, with employment growing 21 percent by 2018. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Industries with the highest levels of employment for respiratory therapists are currently general medical and surgical hospitals, specialty hospitals, nursing care facilities, employment services, and the offices of health practitioners. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)