Are you thinking about a career change? Are you looking for a job that is challenging and has the potential to make a difference in people’s lives?
If so, respiratory therapy may be the perfect option for you. So, I’ve decided to take an in-depth look at how to become a respiratory therapist and explain what kind of work they do. I will also discuss the salary and benefits that come with this career path.
So, let’s get started…
Contents
What Is A Respirologist?
A respiratory therapist, also known as a respirologist, is a healthcare professional who specializes in the treatment of breathing disorders. They work closely with pulmonologists (lung doctors) to diagnose and treat patients with conditions such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.
Respirologists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and private practices. They may also work in medical research labs or as educators at colleges and universities.
Read more: Best Majors for Physical Therapy
How much do Respiratory Therapists make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary in 2020 was $62,810. The highest-paid 10% made $93,930 or more per year, while the lowest-paid 10% earned $40,850 or less per year.
How To Become A Respiratory Therapist
1
Education
Most respiratory therapists have an Associate’s degree in a related field from an accredited program. Some programs offer a Bachelor’s degree, but it is not required for entry-level positions.
2
Credentialing Exam
After completing an accredited program, graduates must pass a credentialing exam to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. The CRT credential is required in most states. Some states also require the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, which can be obtained by passing an advanced level of the credentialing exam.
3
State Licensure
In addition to the CRT credential, most states also require you to be licensed. Requirements vary by state but typically include passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of continuing education credits every year.
4
Find a Job
Once you have completed your education, passed the exam, and received your state license, you will be ready to start working as a respirologist. There are many opportunities available in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and private practices. Some respirologists also work in medical research labs or teach at the college level.
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?
It typically takes about two to three years to be fully certified. This includes completing the accredited respirologist program and passing the credentialing exam. Some states also require licensure, which may add an additional year or two to the process.
What Are The Benefits?
There are many benefits to working in this field. These include a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, opportunities for professional growth and advancement, and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives daily. Whether you want to work in a hospital or long-term care facility, there are many options available to you.
What Are The Downsides?
One of the main downsides of this position is the high level of stress and responsibility. You must handle life-threatening situations regularly and work long hours in often fast-paced environments. This can be exhausting at times, but also rewarding as you see patients improve and even recover from serious conditions.
Another downside is the cost of education. Respiratory therapy programs can be expensive, and you may need to take out student loans to cover the costs. However, many employers offer tuition assistance programs to help offset the cost of education.
What are the job opportunities for Respiratory Therapists?
There are many employment prospects available. These include working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and private practices. You can even work in medical research labs or teach at the college level.
While there is a lot of competition for these jobs, there are many openings available, and the job outlook is very favorable, with employment expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
A Typical Day In The Life Of A Respiratory Therapist
A typical day may vary depending on the setting in which they work. However, there are some common duties that all respiratory therapists perform daily. These include taking patient histories, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans.
In addition to these duties, they also provide patient education on a variety of topics, such as smoking cessation, stress management, and disease prevention. Finally, collaborating with other members of the healthcare team is vital to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
The Soft Skills Needed
To be successful in this field, you will need to possess certain soft skills in addition to your technical knowledge and training.
These include strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work well as part of a team, good organizational skills, and excellent communication skills. A compassionate personality is also essential, as you will be working closely with patients who are dealing with serious medical conditions and may be in pain or fearful of their condition.
How To Advance Your Career
There are multiple ways that you can improve your respirologist career. Some common options include becoming a clinical supervisor, taking on more responsibility at work, or pursuing further education by completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
You may also choose to specialize in a particular area of respiratory therapy, such as critical care, neonatal care, or pulmonary diagnostics.
Career Resources
If you are still interested in working in this sector, there are many resources available to help you.
- The American Association for Respiratory Care offers a variety of resources, including information on accreditation and certification, job opportunities, and professional development.
- The National Board for Respiratory Care also provides information on credentialing and certification, as well as a directory of accredited programs.
- The American Lung Association offers a large number of resources on lung health, including information on smoking cessation, COPD, and asthma.
Similar Careers
Nurse
Like respiratory therapists, nurses provide care for patients with a variety of medical conditions.
Physical Therapist
This role involves working with patients who have injuries or other health problems to help them recover and improve their mobility.
Occupational Therapist
Helping patients develop the skills they need to perform everyday tasks that may be difficult due to illness or injury is the job of an occupational therapist.
Pharmacist
In this career, you are responsible for dispensing medication and offering advice on its proper use to clients.
Read more: How to Become an Occupational Therapist
Studying For Your RT Exams?
For your all-important exam prep, check out the Comprehensive Respiratory Therapy Exam Preparation, the Respiratory Therapy: 66 Test Questions Student Respiratoratory Therapists Get Wrong Everytime, along with The Comprehensive Respiratory Therapist Exam Review, and the RRT Exam Flashcard Study System: CRT and RRT Practice Test Questions And Review for the NRBC’s Respiratory Therapist Multiple Choice.
I also recommend reading these informative handbooks such as the GREEN’S RESPIRATORY THERAPY: A Practical and, the Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology: Essentials of Respiratory Care, the Respiratory Notes: Respiratory Therapist’s Pocket Guide, the Respiratory Therapy Formulas and Calculations: Reference Guide and Practice Problems, all available online in 2023.
Finally, I found these RT notebooks for a giggle! So, check out the Respiratory Life: A Snarky Adult Coloring Book, the Respiratory Therapist Coloring Book: A Hilarious & Funny RT, the Respiratory Therapist Coloring Book: A Respiratory Therapy, and the Respiratory Therapist Snarky Coloring Book For RTS: Funny which is sure to pep up any working day!
How To Become A Respiratory Therapist – Final Thoughts
So, now you know a little bit more about this field and becoming a respiratory therapist. The salary is good, the hours are usually flexible, and there is always room for growth in this career path. Sounds like a great opportunity, right?
Well, yes, but before you make your final decision, there are a few things you should consider. For instance, is the job location desirable? Will you be able to have a good relationship with your co-workers? Are you okay working long hours on your feet?
Thinking through all of these questions will help you make the best decision for your career. If respiratory therapy still sounds like the perfect fit for you, do not wait! Get started today!
All the very best in your new career as a Respiratory Therapist!