What is the job outlook for a respiratory therapist?

12\% (2014)
Respiratory therapist/Projected 10-year growth

Why did you choose to be a respiratory therapist?

You Can Save Lives The first, most obvious reason to consider becoming a respiratory therapist is the ability to save lives each and every day. Doctors and nurses don’t have the specialized understanding of respiratory care in the same way that respiratory therapists do, making this a valuable role to take on.

Will respiratory therapy be phased out?

As part of the certification elimination in 1999, by design, the Respiratory Therapy Technician is naturally phasing out. In fact, the position is not listed in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook index. The Respiratory Therapist career, however, is robust and growing strong.

Can you make a good living as a respiratory therapist?

Highest Paying States to Work as a Respiratory Therapist: As you can see, California offers the highest wages for Respiratory Therapists with New York, Hawaii, Nevada, and Massachusetts offering higher salaries on average as well.

What is respiratory therapist job description?

Respiratory therapists interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. 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.

Is RT a good career?

According to the U.S. News & World Report, respiratory therapy is ranked as the 21st best job in the United States, which is based on factors such as median salary, future job prospects and more. Respiratory therapy is also ranked as the 16th best healthcare job in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Is Respiratory Therapy competitive?

Success = Career Connections Demand for respiratory therapists is projected to increase 54\% in California during the next three years. Salaries are excellent and are competitive with other health professions.

How can I further my career as a respiratory therapist?

Some respiratory therapists find advancement as product representatives or marketing specialists with respiratory equipment manufacturers. Therapists can also advance to teaching or research positions in colleges and universities. These academic positions often require a higher degree, such as a master’s.

What are the skills of a respiratory therapist?

Respiratory therapists should also possess the following specific qualities:

• Compassion. Respiratory therapists should be able to provide emotional support to patients undergoing treatment and be sympathetic to their needs.
• Detail oriented.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Patience.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Science and math skills.