Respiratory therapy is a growing career field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapy is expected to grow faster than average in the coming decade.

As our population ages, and lives longer, they become more susceptible to such diseases as pneumonia, chronic emphysema, chronic asthma, and heart disease—all specialties of a respiratory therapist.

…and we are living longer.

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the life expectancy of the average American in 2010 will be 78.3 years.

A large percentage of these people will need the services of a respiratory therapist at some time in their lives. If you are considering a respiratory therapy career, this is good news for you.

Respiratory Therapy Job Description

Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing or cardiovascular problems. Some of their job duties include running diagnostic tests, administering oxygen to patients, measuring lung function, monitoring cardiopulmonary functions, hooking patients up to incubators, and respiratory rehabilitation.

They treat all ages of patients, from newborn babies to the elderly. They can work in hospitals, nursing homes, physician’s offices, home health care agencies, and respiratory equipment retailers. At times, he or she may be the only person that stands between the patient and death.

But before they are permitted to assume such responsibilities, respiratory therapists must receive sufficient training.

Associate Degree Programs

An associate’s degree, at the very minimum, is required to enter the respiratory therapist field. Although there are some diploma or certificate degree programs that might allow you to participate in this field, this option is fading away. More and more employers today require that you have an associate’s degree before they will hire you.

Many medical colleges, vocational schools, universities, community colleges, and the Armed forces offer respiratory therapy programs.

These associate’s degree programs last for 2-years and include such science-oriented courses as:

• Microbiology
• Physics
• Human Anatomy
• Pathophysiology
• Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Mathematics

You will also learn:

• Patient assessment
• Diagnostic procedures and tests
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Clinical practice procedures
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Medical recordkeeping and reimbursement
• Medical equipment usage
• Patient care outside of hospitals
• Respiratory health promotion

After Graduation

After graduation, you must become licensed in order to work as a respiratory therapist. A license is required to practice respiratory therapy in all states except Alaska and Hawaii.

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) determines the licensing procedures for respiratory therapists. They award this license—called the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential—based on two factors:

• Your graduation from an entry-level (associate’s) or an advanced (bachelor’s or master’s) respiratory therapy program that has been accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Your passing of a comprehensive exam

You may also receive a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential if you:

• Have graduated from an advanced respiratory therapy program
• Are a Certified Respiratory Therapist
• Have passed two separate exams

Top Respiratory Therapist Schools

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  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

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  American Career College

  American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.

  Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

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  Platt College

  Find out where the future can take you with an outstanding college education. At Platt College, you’ll find the career-specific programs and training for the careers you really want. Come explore a variety of career paths that fit your lifestyle in a positive learning environment that combines real-world experience with small, private college instruction.

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  Carrington College

  Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.

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  American Institute College of Health Professions

  A career in Respiratory Therapy is an excellent career choice for people who want a career in the growing field of healthcare and prefer a fast paced diversified environment.

  American Institute College of Health Professions offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree using a blended online format that includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities as well as on-ground laboratory and clinical experiences.

  Our Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy program is 80 weeks in length (20 months) and focuses on the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and behaviors suitable to obtain an entry-level position in Respiratory Therapy.

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  Carrington College California

  Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

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  Kaplan Career Institute

  At Kaplan Career Institute, we provide affordable, career-focused programs that not only meet the demands of the market, but also the demands of your busy life. We offer day and evening classes to accommodate your busy schedule. Our accelerated curricula give you the opportunity to earn a diploma in as little as 9 to 15 months or an associate’s degree in less than 2 years. Our instructors have professional experience and provide an inside look into some of today’s hottest careers.

  Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

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  YTI Career Institute

  Why YTI Career Institute? We offer fast and affordable hands-on training that will prepare you for a rewarding career in the fields of trades and technical, computer, medical, business, criminal justice or culinary arts. At YTI Career Institute, getting the training you need to succeed doesn’t have to take four years of your life. With our accelerated programs, we make it possible for you to be career-ready in as few as 12 months*.

  *Program lengths vary.

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  Kaplan College

  A college education is important in today’s workforce. Kaplan College gives you the right mix of professional experience and classroom instruction in our accelerated programs to help you succeed in your new career!

  Kaplan College can help you train for a new career with diploma programs ranging in just a few months.. Take advantage of all the benefits Kaplan College offers today!

  Kaplan College is pleased to offer discounts on tuition for qualifying active military personnel, veterans and military spouses. Please ask for more information on these discount opportunities.

  Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

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  New England Institute of Technology

  New England Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit, co-educational technical college offering over 30 Associate in Science, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree programs. As a leader in Technical Career Education in southern New England, New England Tech is committed to providing hands-on technological programs that prepare graduates for positions of leadership in the technical, industrial, business, and allied health communities. Most of our associate degree programs can be completed in as little as 18 months, and bachelor’s degree programs in as little as three years. Every year over 2,000 students choose New England Tech for the hands-on laboratory and classroom training that provides the necessary skills to begin their technical careers.