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Respiratory Technician and Respiratory Therapy Career Highlights
What is a Respiratory Therapist ?
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory therapy is essential for the care of people suffering from lung disorders.
What do respiratory therapists do?
Respiratory therapists test, treat and provide care to patients experiencing functioning difficulties in their lungs. These patients may be suffering from diseases like cystic fibrosis, a chronic problem like asthma or an emergency problem like smoke inhalation.
Main responsibilities for respiratory therapy include:
Evaluating patients Taking medical histories Administering blood tests Maintaining ventilators Taking lung capacity tests Using chest therapy Advising medications Providing forms of oxygen A career as a respiratory therapist is one of the specialty job opportunities in the medical field. This job offers a great salary and very flexible hours. This career is a great choice for people who like to give direct patient care.
Respiratory Technician and Respiratory Therapy Salary Range
$ 38,200 - Annual Respiratory Technician and Respiratory Therapy Degree Salary
$ 29,300 - Average U.S. Salary
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( 2005 )
Respiratory Technician and Respiratory Therapy Job Outlook
Wages for respiratory therapists are on the incline in the US. In 2005 the median annual pay rate was $38,200. Those with higher education and more experience can expect to earn about $45,140 yearly.
Employment for respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than average over the next ten years. A deficit exists between the number of skilled workers entering the workforce and the number of jobs available because of the increasing demand on the medical industry overall. An increase in aging Americans who suffer from respiratory ailments will drive demand.
A career in respiratory therapy will not only fill a growing demand in the healthcare field, but provide flexible scheduling and great compensation.