Become A Respiratory Therapist

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Working As A Respiratory Therapist

Documenting/Recording Information
Assisting and Caring for Others
Getting Information
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Deal with People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Stressful
Make Decisions
$68,360
Average Salary

What Does A Respiratory Therapist Do

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. 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.

Duties

Respiratory therapists typically do the following:

Interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
Consult with physicians to develop patient treatment plans
Perform diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity
Treat patients by using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications
Monitor and record patients’ progress
Teach patients how to use treatments and equipment, such as ventilators

Respiratory therapists use various tests to evaluate patients. For example, therapists test lung capacity by having patients breathe into an instrument that measures the volume and flow of oxygen when they inhale and exhale. Respiratory therapists also may take blood samples and use a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Respiratory therapists perform chest physiotherapy on patients to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe. Removing mucus is necessary for patients suffering from lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, and involves the therapist vibrating the patient’s rib cage, often by tapping the patient’s chest and encouraging him or her to cough.

Respiratory therapists may connect patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators that deliver oxygen to the lungs. Therapists insert a tube in the patient’s windpipe (trachea) and connect the tube to ventilator equipment. They set up and monitor the equipment to ensure that the patient is receiving the correct amount of oxygen at the correct rate.

Respiratory therapists who work in home care teach patients and their families to use ventilators and other life-support systems in their homes. During these visits, they may inspect and clean equipment, check the home for environmental hazards, and ensure that patients know how to use their medications. Therapists also make emergency home visits when necessary.

In some hospitals, respiratory therapists are involved in related areas, such as diagnosing breathing problems for people with sleep apnea and counseling people on how to stop smoking.

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How To Become A Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists typically need an associate’s degree, but some have bachelor’s degrees. Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska; requirements vary by state.

Education

Respiratory therapists need at least an associate’s degree, but employers may prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree. Educational programs are offered by colleges and universities, vocational–technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. Completion of a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care may be required for licensure.

Respiratory therapy programs typically include courses in human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and math. Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In addition to coursework, programs have clinical components that allow therapists to gain supervised, practical experience in treating patients.

High school students interested in applying to respiratory therapy programs should take courses in health, biology, math, chemistry, and physics.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska, although requirements vary by state. Licensure requirements in most states include passing a state or professional certification exam. For specific state requirements, contact the state’s health board.

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is the main certifying body for respiratory therapists. The Board offers two levels of certification: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

CRT is the first-level certification. Applicants must have earned an associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program, or completed the equivalent coursework in a bachelor’s degree program, and pass an exam.

The second-level certification is RRT certification. Applicants must already have CRT certification, meet other education or experience requirements, and pass an exam.

Important Qualities

Compassion. Respiratory therapists should be able to provide emotional support to patients undergoing treatment and be sympathetic to their needs.

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.

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 need strong problem-solving skills. They 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.

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Respiratory Therapist jobs

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Respiratory Therapist Career Paths

Respiratory Therapist

Registered Nurse Staff Nurse

House Supervisor

6 Yearsyrs

Registered Nurse Nurse

Nurse Educator

10 Yearsyrs

Respiratory Supervisor

6 Yearsyrs

Respiratory Therapy Director

8 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Staff Respiratory Therapist 7.5 years
Respiratory Therapist 7.0 years
Respiratory Care Practitioner 6.5 years
Respiratory Therapy Technician 5.1 years
Certified Respiratory Therapist 4.7 years
Respiratory Technician 3.8 years
Respiratory Therapy Aide 1.9 years

Top Careers Before Respiratory Therapist

Top Careers After Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist Demographics

Gender

Female
63.1%
Male
35.0%
Unknown
1.9%

Ethnicity

White
79.2%
Hispanic or Latino
10.6%
Asian
7.8%
Unknown
1.7%
Black or African American
0.7%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
57.7%
French
6.8%
Russian
5.4%
Hindi
3.6%
Vietnamese
2.7%
German
2.7%
Tagalog
2.3%
Portuguese
2.3%
Chinese
2.3%
Arabic
2.3%
Mandarin
1.8%
Cantonese
1.8%
Yoruba
1.4%
Malayalam
1.4%
Italian
1.4%
Swedish
0.9%
Gujarati
0.9%
Bulgarian
0.9%
Ukrainian
0.9%
Dari
0.9%

Respiratory Therapist

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Respiratory Therapist Education

Schools

Concorde Career College
10.3%
Independence University
10.0%
University of Phoenix
9.9%
Grand Canyon University
8.4%
Weber State University
7.0%
San Joaquin Valley College
5.7%
Boise State University
5.3%
Tennessee State University
4.1%
Thomas Edison State University
3.9%
Ferris State University
3.7%
Community College of Allegheny County
3.5%
Onondaga Community College
3.3%
Georgia State University
3.2%
Youngstown State University
3.2%
University of Alabama at Birmingham
3.1%
Orange Coast College
3.1%
College of DuPage
3.1%
Bergen Community College
3.1%
Indiana Wesleyan University
3.1%
California College-San Diego
3.0%

Majors

Degrees

Associate
44.6%
Bachelors
24.5%
Other
12.9%
Masters
12.2%
Certificate
3.4%
Doctorate
1.2%
Diploma
1.0%
License
0.2%

Respiratory Therapist

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Real Respiratory Therapist Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Respiratory Therapist	Sutter Health East Bay Region	Berkeley, CA	Aug 12, 2011	$86,736
Respiratory Therapist	New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation	Roosevelt, NY	Jun 25, 2013	$69,338
Respiratory Therapist	Emilia Assisted Living Home Inc.	Alexandria, VA	Mar 11, 2016	$68,120
Respiratory Therapist	New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation	Roosevelt, NY	Jun 25, 2010	$67,051
Respiratory Therapist	Alta Bates Summit Medical Center	Berkeley, CA	Mar 15, 2016	$63,111
Respiratory Therapist	Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center	New York, NY	Sep 30, 2012	$62,000
Respiratory Therapist II	Rush University Medical Center	Chicago, IL	Nov 06, 2016	$60,944
Respiratory Therapist	RCM Technologies, Inc.	Rockville, MD	Feb 15, 2008	$59,480
Respiratory Therapist	Suburban Hospital	Bethesda, MD	Jan 20, 2009	$59,187
Respiratory Therapist	Children's Specialized Hospital	New Brunswick, NJ	Jul 31, 2011	$58,519
Respiratory Therapist	GVR Services Center Inc.	Houston, TX	Sep 18, 2015	$58,436
Respiratory Therapist	New York Community Hospital	New York, NY	Sep 01, 2010	$57,179
Respiratory Therapist	Rush University Medical Center	Chicago, IL	Jun 11, 2013	$56,451
Respiratory Therapist	Clear Lake Rehabilitation Hospital LLC	Webster, TX	Oct 01, 2012	$50,610
Respiratory Therapist	Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers	Bryan, OH	May 23, 2008	$46,331
Respiratory Therapist	Providence Hospital	Washington, DC	Feb 27, 2009	$45,914
Respiratory Therapists	Providence Hospital	Washington, DC	Jan 29, 2010	$45,914
Respiratory Therapist	Providence Hospital	Washington, DC	Dec 17, 2009	$45,914
Respiratory Therapist II	Rush University Medical Center	Oak Park, IL	Jun 17, 2016	$45,714
Respiratory Therapists	Lubbock I Enterprises LLC/DBA Southern Specialty	Lubbock, TX	Jul 21, 2014	$45,219
Respiratory Therapist	Lubbock I Enterprises, L.L.C.	Lubbock, TX	Mar 17, 2015	$43,764 - $44,871
Respiratory Therapist	Miller County Hospital	Colquitt, GA	Feb 28, 2011	$43,680
Registered Respiratory Therapist	Covenant Healthcare	Saginaw, MI	Jan 01, 2010	$43,331
Respiratory Therapist	Terrick Properties, Inc.	Lubbock, TX	Sep 02, 2010	$43,077
Respiratory Therapist	Surgery Specialty Hospital of America	Pasadena, TX	Jul 10, 2008	$41,500
Respiratory Therapist	Terrick Properties, Inc.	Lubbock, TX	Oct 02, 2010	$38,880
Respiratory Therapist	Terrick Properties, Inc.	Lubbock, TX	Sep 02, 2010	$38,880
Registered Respiratory Therapist	Medical Center Hospital	Odessa, TX	Jul 02, 2013	$38,296

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Top Skills for A Respiratory Therapist

Top Respiratory Therapist Skills

Oxygen Therapy
Respiratory Care
Ventilator Management

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Performed all areas of Respiratory Care, including oxygen therapy and nebulizer therapy.
Delivered comprehensive respiratory care within clinic and in patient homes.
Introduced new weaning protocols for ventilator management that improved quality of services.
General hospital respiratory areas include the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Units, and floor coverage.
Assist in setup & monitoring ventilators, bipap/cpap.