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Respiratory Technician and Respiratory Therapy Career Highlights
What is a Respiratory Therapist ?
A Respiratory Therapist’s Job
Respiratory therapy is vital for the care of people who suffer from lung disorders.
What tasks do respiratory therapists perform?
Respiratory therapists treat, test, and provide care to people who experience functioning difficulties within their lungs. These patients might be suffering from chronic problems like asthma, an emergency problem like smoke inhalation, or diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Primary duties of respiratory therapy are:
- Evaluating patients
- Administering blood tests
- Taking medical histories
- Taking lung capacity tests
- Advising medications
- Maintaining ventilators
- Providing forms of oxygen
- Using chest therapy
A position as a respiratory therapist is among the specialty job opportunities of the medical field. This career offers very flexible hours and a great salary. This job is a great choice for those who enjoy giving 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
Pay for respiratory therapists is rising in the US. The median yearly rate was $38,200 in 2005. People with more experience and higher education will likely earn about $45,140 annually.
Employment for respiratory therapists is anticipated to increase more quickly than average over the next decade. A deficit exists between the number of jobs available and the number of skilled employees entering the workforce because of the rising demand on the medical industry as a whole. An increase in aging Americans that suffer from respiratory ailments will also drive demand.
A career as a respiratory therapist will not just fill an increasing demand in the field of healthcare, but will also provide great compensation and flexible scheduling.