There were approximately 122,000 respiratory therapist jobs in 2006. But this figure is expected to grow substantially. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that respiratory therapist jobs will increase by 19 percent within the decade from 2006-2016. There is a reason for this growth. The aging population—those from middle aged to the elderly—are increasing in numbers and are living longer. This age group is more likely to suffer from cardiopulmonary diseases and breathing disorders—the specialties of respiratory therapists.

Job Description

A respiratory therapist’s job is to treat those who suffer with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. But this brief job description does not express the real depth or variety of responsibilities of respiratory therapists.

Respiratory therapists treat all age groups, from babies to the elderly. They help relive the suffering of those with chronic emphysema. They give emergency respiratory treatments to heart attack and stroke victims.

Working under the supervision of physicians, respiratory therapists evaluate, diagnose, and treat cardiopulmonary disorders. In many cases, they are given substantial freedom to use their own judgment in treating many disorders.

To do their jobs well, respiratory therapists are trained in the use of oxygen (and oxygen mixtures), chest physiotherapy, and aerosol asthma inhalers.

Some of their job duties include:

• Interviewing and examining patients
• Teaching asthma patients how to properly inhale the aerosols
• Monitoring the oxygen levels in patient’s blood and adjusting treatment accordingly.
• Administering proper amounts of oxygen to patients
• Providing artificial breathing—in the form of ventilators—to patients who cannot breathe on their own.
• Analyzing the amounts of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in a patient’s blood
• Testing individual lung capacities of patients
• Draining mucus from patient’s lungs using chest physiotherapy
• Adjusting medical machinery, as needed, to appropriately treat the patient
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Running diagnostic tests

…and much, much more.

Qualities You’ll Need as a Respiratory Therapist

To be a good respiratory therapist, you must be responsive to patient’s needs. In addition, you should:

• Work well under pressure and in emergencies
• Be detail-oriented
• Follow exact instructions
• Work well in a team or alone
• Have considerable computer proficiency

Educational Requirements

To become a respiratory therapist, you must have a minimum of an associate’s degree. You can obtain an associate’s degree in this field from colleges and universities, medical schools, technical schools, and the military.

But an associate’s degree may limit you to the position of a respiratory therapy technician. Respiratory therapy technician’s jobs are similar to those of respiratory therapist’s, but they do not have the same level of responsibility. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, reports that some candidates with associate’s degrees have been able to obtain entry-level jobs as respiratory therapists.

But your best chance of becoming a full respiratory therapist upon graduation is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field. Many schools also offer master’s degrees, which will further your chances of career advancement in the future.

Career Options

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals. The rest work in physician’s offices, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities. Some also work for companies that supply respiratory equipment for home healthcare.