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Respiratory Therapy is the assessment and treatment of patients with acute and chronic diseases of the cardiopulmonary system.

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The minimum requirement for entering this profession is an associates degree but, to advance in your field and work in the hospital, you will need either a bachelors or masters degree which will take 4-6 yrs. You can make anywhere between $57,000-$75,000 as a respiratory therapist. To become licensed as a respiratory therapist, candidates must complete a respiratory therapy education program at the associate’s or bachelor’s level that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

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Respiratory therapists are required to diagnose lung disease and breathing disorders, and then recommend the most appropriate treatment methods. Their work often includes examining patients, performing chest exams, and analyzing tissue specimens a few of the responsibilities of respiratory therapists include:

Managing life support mechanical ventilation systems

Administering aerosol-based medications

Monitoring equipment related to cardiopulmonary therapy

Analyzing blood samples to determine levels of oxygen and other gases

Managing artificial airways

Assessing lung capacity to determine impairment

Analyzing chest x-rays and sputum specimens

Assessing vital signs

Performing tests and studies related to the cardiopulmonary system (e.g., examinations, stress tests, etc.)

Performing studies related to the cardiopulmonary system

Conducting rehabilitation activities

Counseling individuals in cardiopulmonary health (e.g., asthma education, smoking cessation, etc.)

Consulting with physicians and members of the medical team to recommend a change in therapy

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There are many different opportunities for work in the health care field. These areas include:

General medical and surgical hospitals

Specialty hospitals

Skilled nursing care facilities

Physician offices