Pathway: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services
Job: Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. They may provide specific and well-defined respiratory care procedures, supervise, keep records, and perform tasks outside their traditional role (such as drawing blood samples from patients).

Necessary Education

Varies in length and in the credential or degree awarded; levels from Certificate to Bachelor’s Degree available

Helpful High School Courses

English, Mathematics, Health, Chemistry, Biology, Physics

Working Conditions

• Generally work between 35 and 40 hours a week
  
• May work evenings, nights, or weekends
  
• Spend long periods standing and walking between patients’ rooms
  
• In an emergency, work under a great deal of stress
  
• Carefully following safety precautions and proper procedures minimizes risk of hazards

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $52,910
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $25.44
  

Career Ladder Information

• The majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals; others work in respiratory therapy clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies, and firms that supply respiratory equipment for home use
  
• More than 40 States license respiratory care personnel
  
• The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers voluntary certification and registration
  
• Respiratory therapists may advance by progressing from care of general to critical patients; transferring to supervisory or managerial positions; or moving into teaching positions
  

Personal Qualities and Interests

      You:

• Are sensitive to peoples’ needs
  
• Pay attention to detail
  
• Follow instructions
  
• Work as part of a team
  
• Have mechanical ability and manual dexterity
  

Did you know?

• Job opportunities will be best for those with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with newborns and infants.

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
•  American Association for Respiratory Care: http://www.aarc.org

  
  

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