Respiratory Therapist Career Guide

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, emphysema, or COPD. They evaluate lung capacity and breathing disorders, treat patients using oxygen therapy and chest physiotherapy, manage ventilators for critically ill patients, develop treatment plans, educate patients on lung disease management, and respond to emergencies. They work closely with physicians and nurses to provide comprehensive cardiopulmonary care.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Associate's degree in respiratory therapy (bachelor's preferred by some employers)
• Certifications: CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) or RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credential; state licensure required in most states
• Key Skills: Compassion, detail-oriented, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, science and math skills
• Experience: Clinical experience during degree program; entry-level jobs available after certification

Salary Information

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data:

• Median Annual Salary: $76,310
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,000
• Experienced (90th percentile): $104,000
• Top-Paying Settings: Specialty hospitals, skilled nursing facilities
• Geographic Variation: Higher pay in California, Nevada, and Alaska

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations. Growth is driven by the aging population more likely to experience respiratory conditions, increased prevalence of COPD and pneumonia among older adults, advances in treating premature infants and trauma victims, and continued need for respiratory therapy in managing chronic respiratory diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of respiratory therapists.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Complete an associate's degree in respiratory therapy from a CoARC-accredited program (bachelor's preferred for advancement). Programs typically take 2 years and include clinical rotations.
2. Entry-Level Roles: Apply for respiratory therapist positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or home healthcare after certification. New graduates often start in hospital settings.
3. Build Skills: Pass the TMC (Therapist Multiple-Choice) exam for CRT or continue to the Clinical Simulation Exam for RRT. Obtain state licensure and maintain CPR/BLS certification.
4. Network: Join American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), attend state society meetings, connect with clinical preceptors, participate in local respiratory care societies.
5. Apply Strategically: Target hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sleep disorder clinics, or home healthcare agencies. Check AARC Career Center, hospital job boards, and Indeed.

Career Path & Advancement

Respiratory therapists can advance to senior therapist, charge therapist, or shift supervisor roles. With bachelor's or master's degrees, they may become department managers, directors of respiratory care, or clinical coordinators. Specializations include neonatal/pediatric care, critical care, pulmonary function testing, or sleep medicine. Some pursue roles in education, research, or sales for medical equipment companies. Advanced practice respiratory therapists may take on expanded clinical responsibilities similar to nurse practitioners in some states.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in Respiratory Therapist, you might also consider:

• Registered Nurse (broader patient care, similar education length)
• Cardiovascular Technologist (related cardiopulmonary focus)
• Occupational Therapist (rehabilitation focus, longer education)
• Radiologic Technologist (similar technical healthcare role)