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Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, because of a chronic condition such as asthma.
Most respiratory therapists work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, such as hospitals, they may have shifts that include nights, weekends, or holidays.
Respiratory therapists typically need an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. Respiratory therapists must be licensed in all states except Alaska; requirements vary by state.
The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $61,830 in May 2021.
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 9,400 openings for respiratory therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for respiratory therapists.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of respiratory therapists with similar occupations.
Learn more about respiratory therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What does a respiratory therapist do?
A respiratory therapist helps patients who are having trouble breathing. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients, from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, and administer drugs to the lungs.
Scope of practice
Respiratory therapists work with doctors and nurses to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. In a typical day, respiratory therapists may:
- Assist with diagnosing lung or breathing disorders
- Evaluate patients and performing tests and studies
- Determine appropriate therapy and treatment options with physicians
- Analyze blood and sputum in the lab
- Manage equipment and devices needed to help people that can’t breathe normally on their own
- Educate patients and families about lung diseases and breathing disorders
Specializations
There are many different areas that respiratory therapists can specialize in. Some areas require extra certification or experience. Respiratory therapists can specialize in:
- Neonatal or pediatric
- Geriatric
- Pulmonary rehab
- Polysomnography
- Critical care
- Home care
- Pulmonary diagnostics
Work environment
Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home health agencies; however, about 75% of respiratory therapists are employed by hospitals. They typically work 35-40 hour weeks. Depending on where they work, they may work nights, weekends, and holidays, especially if they do direct patient care in hospitals or nursing homes. Shifts can be long, and respiratory therapists typically spend most of their shift on their feet.
Becoming a respiratory therapist
Individuals interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, should be detail oriented and well organized. It’s important to have strong problem solving and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. High school students can prepare for the role by taking advantage of science, math, and health courses.
Higher education requirements
Respiratory therapists can choose to get a two-year associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy; some employers do prefer a bachelor’s degree. Some programs may have entrance requirements that include documented volunteer or work experience in an environment with respiratory care, so it may be beneficial to work or volunteer in a hospital or vent center in high school.
Certification process
After completing a respiratory therapy degree program, you must take the certification exam to become a certified respiratory therapist or a registered respiratory therapist. Every state (except Alaska) requires that respiratory therapists also obtain a state license. Additional certification is available to work with certain populations, such as pediatrics. Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are also highly recommended.
Respiratory therapists are required to renew their credentials every five years, which includes continuing education or retesting.
Career opportunities and outlook
Respiratory therapists can expect a median annual salary of $61,830.
Job opportunities are expected to be very good for respiratory therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of respiratory therapists to grow much faster than average. Respiratory therapists are in demand to care for the large aging population. Older people are more likely to experience lung and heart conditions that may benefit from respiratory therapy.
With additional training and experience, some therapists may advance to staff therapist or administrative positions. Others start their own respiratory care companies or move into equipment marketing and sales.
By the numbers
What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
A respiratory therapist (RT) is trained to help people with lung diseases or disorders that can result from a myriad of issues. They treat patients dealing with pulmonary distress due to complications from asthma, bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, chest trauma, prematurity, lung cancer, and more. Respiratory therapists are in high-demand, too, with industry growth projected to be at least 23 percent over the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Future respiratory therapists can earn an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care degree and entry-level certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) to begin a career in the field. Those pursuing leadership roles can earn a Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care degree and the highest level of credential as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Interested in learning more about the life of a respiratory therapist? Read on, as our career guide covers everything you need to know about this rewarding career path. We’ll cover:
What Is a Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist is trained and skilled to assess, diagnose, and treat patients who have difficulty breathing. They work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in conjunction with physicians and nurses to come up with treatment plans aimed at best helping restore as much natural breathing function as possible.
From initial interviewing and examining, to teaching patients how to administer treatments on their own, respiratory therapists are a critical component in helping people living with cardio-pulmonary disease and disorders.
Respiratory Therapist Job Description
A day in the life of a respiratory therapist can involve meeting and assessing new patients, as well as administering treatment to and following up with existing patients. RTs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, critical care units, neonatal intensive care units, ERs, and even in patients’ homes. RTs should be detail-oriented, patient, compassionate, and possess stellar interpersonal skills as they interact with vulnerable patients who often need as much genuine comfort as they do medical treatment.
Respiratory Therapist Job Duties
Respiratory therapists have a wide range of duties throughout their days. A typical day or shift can consist of:
- Meeting with and examining patients who have pulmonary diseases, disorders, or complications
- Conducting, performing, and analyzing diagnostic and function tests to assess lung capacity and capability
- Working with physicians and nurses to create treatment plans
- Treating patients with aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy
- Evaluating progress of treatment
- Administering inhalants
- Documenting care by updating charts and records
- Operating mechanical ventilators and other machines
- Completing discharge planning by working with other members of the medical team
- Training patients how to administer treatments and use equipment on their own
- Recommending equipment and treatment for outpatient or home health
- Protecting patients (and other healthcare employees) through stringent protocols
How Much Do Respiratory Therapists Make?
The average annual respiratory therapist salary in the U.S. is $61,330. Those with a more advanced RRT certification typically earn more than entry-level CRTs. Most respiratory therapists work full time, and they can work shifts during “normal” business hours, or they may work shifts during nights and weekends.
Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work?
There is opportunity for work in a multitude of medical settings in addition to hospitals, including outpatient and long-term nursing care facilities. Some RTs even travel to patients’ homes for home health visits. RTs can work long days, and often spend more hours on their feet than some other professions, but hours and work weeks can be flexible.
Regardless of where a job is, RTs will perform similar duties for patients. That said, certain settings may demand slightly different focuses on care. For example, RTs working in a nursing home will work with the elderly, whereas in a neonatal intensive care unit, the care for newborn and premature babies could look very different.
Respiratory Therapist Workplaces
Responsibilities can be based on where an RT works.
- Hospitals –
By far the most common workplace environment for an RT, treating patients who have the most need. Therapists often are members of the code/rapid response team, assisting with endotracheal intubation, airway care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and management of a trauma patient. Additionally, they perform pulmonary function testing to determine disease state and course of treatment, drawing blood samples and performing chest physiotherapy to remove mucus from the lungs. They can also administer therapeutic gases and administer medications for asthmatics and patients suffering from COPD. Finally, they institute, monitor, and maintain mechanical ventilators for patient on life support.
- Pulmonary Rehab Clinics –
An outpatient respiratory therapy office is a place where patients with pulmonary complications can go for check ups, treatment, and breathing therapy. Respiratory therapists there could perform a range of duties, including counseling, educating, and rehabilitating to help patients breathe more easily. - In-Home Care –
RTs can do at-home care for patients who have a difficult time or are unable to get to a physical location. They can help train patients and families on machines and equipment for breathing assistance.
- Sleep Disorder Centers –
Respiratory therapists who work at sleep disorder centers can help diagnose and prepare treatment plans for those with sleep disorders. They run in-lab sleep studies and work with patients who may have pulmonary disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.
Ideal Skills for a Respiratory Therapist
Like most jobs in the healthcare profession, respiratory therapists need to have a unique skill set that allows them to multitask while remaining hyper-focused on the needs and conditions of their patients. All respiratory therapists should have the following skills:
- Verbal communication skills
- Calm bedside manner
- Compassion
- Deep understanding of infectious control
- Ability to work with a medical team
- Good judgment and quick decision-making ability
- Time management skills
- Physiological knowledge
- Patience and ability to teach and train patients
- Detail oriented
- Science and math skills
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Making the decision to go into respiratory care is exciting. You’re committing to a world where your help and knowledge will save the lives of countless patients over the course of your career. To become a respiratory therapist, you’ll need at least an associate degree, but many RTs choose to get their (and some employees will favor) bachelor degree.
Accredited schools have RT programs that include clinical components in addition to basic education, so you can not only complete course credit, but also get the necessary supervised training in practical experience with patient treatment. Actual requirements can vary by state, but licensure is required almost everywhere (Alaska is the exception). Learn more about how to become a respiratory therapist with Gwynedd Mercy University today.
Become a Respiratory Therapist with GMercyU
GMercyU students have a 100% pass rate on the Certified Respiratory Therapist exam (administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care) and our Registered Respiratory Therapist exam pass rates exceed the national average by more than 20%. GMercyU offers leading respiratory therapists programs that have been nationally recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), receiving the “Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award” with a 90+ percent pass rate. Students have two options to choose from – an Associate of Science (AS) or a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) in Respiratory Care.
