Respiratory
Care Program
Associate
of Science Degree (AS)
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Therapists are health care professionals who evaluate, treat, and
care for patients with breathing difficulties caused by such things
as: Asthma, Pneumonia, Emphysema, Cystic Fibrosis, Lung Cancer,
Premature Birth, and Heart Attack. Respiratory therapists perform
both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Where do Respiratory Therapists work?
You will find respiratory therapists working in a variety of settings:
Hospitals Clinics
Home Care Education
Medical Sales Research
Physicians' Offices Skilled Nursing Facilities And Others!
Do
Respiratory Therapists have credentials?
Yes! After graduation, individuals take the national certified and
registered respiratory therapist exams. Upon passing, a therapist
may use the CRT or RRT credential. There are also credentials for
some specialized areas.
.What
is the average salary?
The starting salary is $30,000 - $38,000 per year. You can expect
your salary to increase with years of experience, increased job
responsibilities, and specialization.
What is the expected job market for Respiratory Therapy?
Great! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for
respiratory therapists is growing much faster than national average
for all jobs. This is a result of advanced technology, aging population,
and the ability to save the lives of premature babies, heart attack
and accident victims. Respiratory Therapists can also use their
medical background to go into other interesting fields.
How
much education is needed to become a Respiratory Therapist?
A person may choose to get a two-year Associate and/or four-year
Bachelor degree in Respiratory Therapy.
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