Respiratory Therapists
Did You Know:
- Job opportunities should be very good.
- Hospitals will account for the vast majority of job openings, but a growing number of openings will arise in other settings.
- An associate degree is the minimum educational requirement, but a bachelor's or master's degree may be important for advancement.
- All states, except Alaska and Hawaii, require respiratory therapists to be licensed.
Industry Areas
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
- Nursing Care Facilities
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
Overall Kind of Work
Respiratory therapists-also known as respiratory care practitioners-evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of a phy...
Work Environment
Civilian
Respiratory therapists generally work between 35 and 40 hours a week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists can work evenings, nights or weekends. They spend long periods standing...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 5.03% (0-20 Hours)
- 7.64% (21-34 Hours)
- 27.14% (35-39 Hours)
- 57.93% (40 Hours)
- 2.25% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Respiratory therapists (29-1126)
Type of Work
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 56.88% (Private For-Profit)
- 34.45% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 4.78% (State and Local Govt)
- 3.48% (Federal Government)
- 0.40% (Self-Employed)