Respiratory Therapy is the health care discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health.
Most people take breathing for granted. It's second nature, an involuntary reflex. Yet, millions of Americans suffer with chronic and temporary breathing problems; for them, each breath is a major accomplishment. These people rely on respiratory therapists and the profession of respiratory care to improve their breathing and to help make a real difference in their lives.
Respiratory therapists apply scientific principles to prevent, identify, and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. Their knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as biomedical engineering and technology, enable them to effectively assess, educate, and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. As a health care profession, Respiratory therapy is practiced under medical direction.
Respiratory Care is specifically focused on the prevention, assessment, treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, education, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Critical thinking, patient/environment assessment skills, and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines enable respiratory therapists to develop and implement effective care plans, protocols, and disease management programs.
To Whom and Where are Respiratory Care Services Provided?
Because Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 4th leading killer of adults, people with asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema need respiratory therapy. However, other people who have had heart attacks, suffered trauma, are born prematurely, or have sleep disorders might also need respiratory therapy to help them breathe easier. People of every age need respiratory care - from premature infants to the elderly,respiratory therapy is provided in nearly all health care venues including, but not limited to: acute care hospitals (where about 75% of respiratory therapists are employed), diagnostic laboratories, sleep disorder centers, rehabilitation, long term acute care and skilled nursing facilities, patients' homes, patient transport systems, physician offices, convalescent and retirement centers, educational institutions, and wellness centers. Some respiratory therapists also find employment with medical device manufacturers
What professional preparation is required to become a respiratory therapist?
Respiratory therapists must demonstrate entry level competency by passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care This is required to satisfy the legal requirements of the 48 states that regulate the practice of respiratory therapy. A minimum of an associate’s degree and a certificate of completion from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care is required to take this examination. Programs are offered in schools that award associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees. Graduates of these programs can voluntarily demonstrate their advanced level of competency by passing the voluntary Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examination (also administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care). In addition to entry level skills, advanced level therapists participate in clinical decision-making and patient education, the development and implementation of protocols and treatment plans, health promotion, disease prevention and disease management. Although they practice under the supervision of a physician, they and are required to exercise considerable independent judgment in providing respiratory therapy to patients.
The Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations and that job opportunities are expected to be very good. Additional occupational outlook information for respiratory therapists is available on the BLS website at https://bls.gov/oco/ocos084.htm#outlook. According to the AARC 2009 Human Resource Study reported that half of respiratory therapists with an RRT credential reported earning $60,000 or more in 2008. 25% reported earning $48,000 or less and 25% reported earning $73,000 or more Depending on the area of the country, therapists just beginning their careers reported average annual earnings ranging from $42,078-$47,297.
Career opportunities will remain good in the foreseeable future because of the substantial projected growth of the middle-aged and elderly population. As this population grows, the incidence of lung disease will also increase requiring more services from respiratory therapists. Many therapists can still expect to work in the hospital setting. However, opportunities outside the hospital will continue to grow in respiratory therapy clinics, diagnostic clinics, physician offices, nursing homes, and patient homes.
If you're interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, visit the American Association for Respiratory Care's Web site and click on "Be An RT."
American Association for Respiratory Care 9425 N. MacArthur Drive Suite 100 Irving, TX 75063 Phone: 972.243.2272 Fax: 972.484.2720 www.aarc.org info@aarc.org
National Association for Associate Degree in Respiratory Care www.nn2rc.org
Useful Links
U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://bls.gov/oco/ocos084.htm#outlook
Media Contact: Sherry Milligan 972-243-2272 milligan@aarc.org
Last updated: December 2009