Frequently Asked Questions

Respiratory Therapists are heart and lung specialists. They work with patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly.  Disease states or conditions often requiring respiratory care include asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and infant respiratory distress syndrome.

Additional Resources/Links

• be-an-rt.org/what-is-respiratory-therapy/
• www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm

Respiratory therapists provide hands-on care that helps people recover from a wide range of medical conditions. Therapists get to know their patients, and their patients’ families. Whenever breathing is an issue, they are there.

You’ll find RTs:

• In hospitals giving breathing treatments to people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• In intensive care units managing ventilators that keep the critically ill alive.
• In emergency rooms delivering life-saving treatments.
• In newborn and pediatric units helping kids with conditions ranging from premature birth to cystic fibrosis.
• In operating rooms working with anesthesiologists to monitor patients’ breathing during surgery.
• In patient’s homes providing regular check-ups and making sure people have what they need to stay out of the hospital.
• In sleep laboratories helping to diagnose disorders like sleep apnea.
• In skilled nursing facilities and pulmonary rehabilitation programs helping older people breathe easier and get more out of life.
• In doctor’s offices conducting pulmonary function tests and providing patient education.
• In asthma education programs helping kids and adults alike learn how to cope with the condition.
• In smoking cessation programs assisting those who want to kick the habit for good.
• In air transport and ambulance programs rushing to rescue people in need of immediate medical attention.
• In case management programs helping devise long-term care plans for patients.

Information obtained from aarc.org.

Yes. When you complete the professional course year, you will graduate with an Associate Degree (AAS). Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the credentialing exams. After successful completion of the credentialing exams, you can receive a state license to practice.

Currently, the BS degree is not required to practice as a Respiratory Therapist. It is recommended for advancement in the career. Our Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care degree is set up for working professionals. All of the courses are online and can be completed at your own pace.

The field of respiratory care provides excellent opportunities for those interested in a dynamic and exciting career in cardiopulmonary sciences. Salaries for respiratory therapists are excellent and compare favorably with other allied health fields. The median annual wage of respiratory therapists is $62,000. Job opportunities for new graduates are also very good. While U.S. employment in general is forecast to increase by 15 percent, the need for respiratory therapists will grow by up to 26 percent making respiratory care one of the fastest growing occupations!

Information obtained from aarc.org.