Respiratory Therapist

Your Fit

Income

$80K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

12.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a healthcare professional specialized in providing care and treatment for patients with respiratory disorders. They work with a range of patients from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with diseased lungs.

Sample job titles:

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Respiratory Therapist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Respiratory Therapist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$62K per year	$68K per year	$80K per year	$96K per year	$109K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $31K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

Work environment

Respiratory Therapists are typically found in hospitals, including emergency rooms and intensive care units, but also work in outpatient clinics and home health care settings. Their role often requires them to work in fast-paced and emotionally demanding environments.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and treats patients with respiratory diseases.
Operates and maintains respiratory equipment.
Performs tests to measure lung capacity.
Educates patients and families about respiratory health.
Collaborates with healthcare teams to develop treatment plans.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Respiratory Therapy: Specializing in treating infants and children.
Geriatric Respiratory Care: Focused on the respiratory health of elderly patients.
Critical Care Respiratory Therapy: Working in intensive care units with critically ill patients.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Assisting patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
Sleep Disorder Therapy: Specializing in treating sleep-related breathing disorders.

Description

Respiratory Therapy is a dynamic and essential field within healthcare, focusing on patients who have trouble breathing. Respiratory Therapists must have a strong foundation in human anatomy, particularly the cardiopulmonary system, and be skilled in using various medical devices and technologies for respiratory care. They play a critical role in emergency rooms, helping to stabilize patients with life-threatening conditions, and in long-term care, managing chronic respiratory illnesses.

The job requires both technical skills and compassion. Therapists must be able to make quick decisions in emergencies and possess the patience to educate and assist patients over longer periods. They often work closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to provide comprehensive care.

Continuous learning is a significant part of the job, as medical technology and treatment methods are constantly evolving. Respiratory Therapists must stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field to provide the best care for their patients.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in the lives of patients struggling with breathing.
The variety and challenge of working in different healthcare settings.
The opportunity for continual learning and professional growth.

You might make a good Respiratory Therapist if you are...

Compassionate and patient, with a desire to help those in distress.
Detail-oriented, ensuring accurate operation of medical equipment.
Able to think critically and act quickly in emergency situations.
Interested in human physiology, especially the cardiopulmonary system.
Comfortable working in a team and communicating with other healthcare professionals.

Pros:

High demand in various healthcare settings.
Rewarding interactions with patients.
Opportunities for specialization and advancement.

Cons:

Emotionally and physically demanding work.
Working long or irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
Exposure to illnesses and high-stress situations.

How to become a Respiratory Therapist

Typical education

To become a Respiratory Therapist, an individual usually needs to complete a 2-year associate's degree program in respiratory therapy. Some choose to pursue a 4-year bachelor's degree, and most states require licensure.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand basic human physiology and health.
Physics to grasp the principles behind respiratory equipment.
Mathematics for accurate calculations in medication dosages and equipment settings.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at hospitals or healthcare facilities.
Joining health science clubs or participating in science fairs.
First aid and CPR training for basic healthcare skills.

Preparation after high school

Completing an associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy.
Gaining certification and state licensure, which may require passing a national exam.
Seeking internships or entry-level positions in healthcare settings for practical experience.

More resources

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) - Professional organization offering resources, education, and certification details.
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) - Provides credentialing for Respiratory Therapists.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) - Accrediting body for respiratory care education programs.
Respiratory Therapy Zone - Educational resources and study guides for students and professionals.

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