Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists work under the supervision of a medical doctor. They are responsible many therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures. They work with patients who have conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. They also work with patients who have lung infections that result from chemical and smoke, as well as patients who are recovering from patients that have had strokes, heart attacks, shock, or drowning. Hence, a primary responsibility is to ensure that they maintaining the patients oxygen levels.

Respiratory therapists also perform diagnostic tests and procedures. They provide breathing treatments and respiratory care, and intensive care services, care for chronically ill patients and those on life support. They also train their patients to use respiratory equipment. In other cases they may be required to supervise other staff for example respiratory technicians and respiratory assistants.

Respiratory Therapist Salary and Projected Career Growth

About 80% of licensed respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others work in nursing homes, private practice, and home health care. Career prospects in respiratory therapy are looking quite positive, with the employment market expected to grow by about 19% in the United States. The growth trends are influenced by a large aging baby boomer generation, as well as the need to have qualified respiratory therapists working in neo-natal care and cardiopulmonary care.

The United States Department of Labor reports the median average annual salary for respiratory therapists to be around $48,000. The median registered respiratory therapist salary ranges from about $51,000 to $58,000 a year. Certified and licensed respiratory therapists earn an annual median income ranging from 43,400 to $48,800. You can work toward your professional development by completing a respiratory therapy online degree.

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