Occupation Profile for Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Signficant Points
- Job opportunities should be very good.
- An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, but a bachelor’s or master’s degree may be important for advancement.
- All States, except Alaska and Hawaii, require respiratory therapists to be licensed.
- Hospitals will account for the vast majority of job openings, but a growing number of openings will arise in other settings.