Respiratory Therapy

Contact: Marlene Doan
Office Manager/PROJECT coordinator

Respiratory care practitioners, such as respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians, perform diagnotic tests, provide treatments, and maintain life-support systems for patients with heart and breathing problems. Respiratory therapists are knowledgeable about these conditions and are trained to perform tests and treatments under physician supervision. They must also use independent judgment as to the appropriate techniques and treatments. Respiratory therapy technicians are trained to administer specific treatments under the supervision of respiratory therapists and physicians.

Work Environment:

Respiratory care practitioners work at hospitals, nursing care facilities, clinics, home care agencies, educational facilities, research centers, in private industry, and in special medical services.

Training:

Most employers prefer to hire respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians who are credentialed. To be credentialed, respiratory practitioners must complete a training program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation. The training for respiratory therspists is usually two-years in length, leading to an associate's degree. Technicians usually receive one year of training.

Certification/Licensing:

In Pennsylvania, respiratory care practitioners must pass a credentialing examination. Graduates of two-year programs are eligible for the examination for the advanced level, the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Technicians may take the entry-level examination for Certified Respiratory Therapist Technicians (CTTs). Both credentials are awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Average Salaries:

Respiratory Therapist: $33,000

Respiratory Technician: $22,000

Suggested High School Course of Study:

Respiratory Therapist: College preparatory curriculum.

Respiratory Technician: General high school curriculum, including courses in science and math.

Educational Programs:

Respiratory Therapist:


Respiratory Technician:


Professional Associations:

American Association for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane
Dallas, TX 75229-4593
(972) 243-2272
(972) 484-2720 fax
www.aarc.org

National Board for Respiratory Care
8310 Nieman Rd.
Lenexa, KS 66214
(913) 599-4200
(9113) 541-0156 fax
www.nbrc.org

State Board of Medicine
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
(717) 783-1400
(717) 787-7769 fax
www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/medbd/mainpage.htm

Job opportunities are expected to remain good. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average (21% to 35%) for all occupations through the year 2010, because of substantial growth of the middle-aged and elderly populations - a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease.

Older Americans suffer most from respiratory ailments and cardiopulmonary disease such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and heart disease. As their numbers increase, the need for respiratory therapists will increase, as well. In addition, advances in treating victims of heart attacks, accident victims, and premature infants (many of whom are dependent on a ventilator during part of their treatment) will increase the demand for the services of respiratory care practitioners.
Opportunities are expected to be favorable for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills and experience working with infants.

Although hospitals will continue to employ the vast majority of therapists, a growing number of therapists can expect to work outside of hospitals in respiratory therapy clinics, offices of physicians, nursing homes, or homecare.