About Respiratory Care and Respiratory Therapists

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 Care is the health care discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function and health. 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 Care is practiced under medical direction across the health care continuum. 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, disease-based clinical pathways, and disease management programs.

To Whom and Where are Respiratory Care Services Provided?

People with chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema need respiratory care. However, other people who have had heart attacks, been involved in accidents, or are born prematurely, or have sleep disorders might also need respiratory care to help them breathe easier. Respiratory care is provided by respiratory therapists 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. People of every age need respiratory care - from premature infants to the elderly.

What professional preparation is required to become a respiratory therapist?

Both entry level and advanced level educational programs prepare respiratory therapists for professional practice. Demonstration of entry level competency by passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination (administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care) 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 Committee of Accreditation is required to take this examination. Entry-level respiratory therapists perform general respiratory care procedures. They may assume clinical responsibility for specified respiratory care modalities involving the application of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques under the supervision of an advanced level therapist and/or a physician. 328 of the 354 accredited respiratory therapy programs prepare the students for advanced level practice. Advanced level practice programs are offered in schools offering associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees. Graduates of these programs can voluntarily demonstrate their advanced level of competency by passing the voluntary Registered Respiratory Therapist examination (also administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care) and obtaining the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. 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. They practice under the supervision of a physician and may be required to exercise considerable independent judgment in the respiratory care of patients.

The Job Outlook

America's Career InfoNet lists respiratory therapists as the 10th fastest growing occupation requiring an associate's degree. The InfoNet also says that the earnings potential for respiratory therapists is high. Available jobs are expected to grow by nearly 35 percent from 2002 through 2012, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS also says that the median annual earnings for respiratory therapists were about $37,680 in 2000 and states, "The middle 50 percent earned between $32,140 and $43,430." In hospitals, the median annual earnings of respiratory therapists were $38,040. According to the AARC 2000 Human Resource Study, the mean salary for all respiratory therapy positions is $40,809 annually. Career opportunities will remain good through the year 2010 because of the substantial growth of the middle-aged and elderly population. As this population grows, the BLS estimates that the incidence of lung disease will also increase requiring more services from respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills and experience working with infants will also be in demand. And many workers can still expect to work in the hospital setting. However, opportunities outside the hospital will also be available in respiratory therapy 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

Useful Links

U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics:
2000 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
Respiratory Therapists
Health Services

America's Career InfoNet:
Informed Career Decisions
Select the post-secondary/associate's degree option.

Media Contact:
Sherry Milligan
972-243-2272
milligan@aarc.org