Respiratory Therapy Careers Degree Programs
Breathe New Life Into Your Career As A Respiratory Therapist
Most of us take breathing for granted, but not everyone is that fortunate. Premature birth, certain accidents, illnesses, or diseases can turn the simple act of breathing into a life or death struggle.
People who need assistance to breathe rely on the knowledge and skill of Respiratory Therapy professionals to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and management of their respiratory problems, either on an emergency basis or on a long term basis. Respiratory therapists treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning or shock.
Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians.
Respiratory Therapists work in hospitals, serving as integral members of the health care team, are vital members of cardiac arrest teams, and deliver respiratory care in home health settings as well. Regardless of the setting, many people are able to breathe easier thanks to the expertise of Respiratory Therapists.
A Job Outlook This Good Is A Breath Of Fresh Air
Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand will come from substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population—a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Growth in demand also will result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and the early detection of pulmonary disorders. BY 2012 an additional 39,200 Respiratory Therapists will be needed in the U.S. , and according to the 2005 Human Resources study from the AARC, the projected average annual earnings of RTs working in the U.S. is $56,222.
Respiratory Therapist careers require an associate`s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program and state license at minimum. Earning a Bachelor`s or Master`s degree provides Respiratory Therapists additional opportunities for career advancement such as becoming an RRT - (Registered Respiratory Therapist), or transitioning into department management, and even owning their own respiratory home care companies to provide equipment and clinical services.
What Do Respiratory Therapists Typically Do?
Respiratory Therapists provide direct patient care treatment that ranges from providing emergency relief for acute conditions such as asthma or near drowning, to providing long term care for patients with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, cardio-pulomonary diseases, or emphysema. As a Respiratory Therapist you will assess patients, perform physical exams, conduct diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and Ph levels, and provide complex therapy that require substantial independent judgment such as caring for patients on ventilators. RT`s collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals to develop, modify, and evaluate patient care plans.
- Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians` orders.
- Monitor patient`s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
- Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians` orders.
- Maintain charts that contain patients` pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
Respiratory Therapy is a versatile career offering plentiful opportunities for work in neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, adult intensive care units, pulmonary function labs, pulmonary rehab, and providing home care. As a Respiratory Therapist, you can breathe easier knowing you have a career you can count on to make a real difference in people`s lives!
Train To Become A Respiratory Therapist
Secure Your Future with a Respiratory Therapy Career!
Explore accredited respiratory therapy schools that offer associate`s, bachelor`s and master`s degree programs, and request additional information about requirements, tuition, financial aid, and start dates directly from schools offering programs that match your interests:
Search Online Respiratory Therapy Programs
Find Respiratory Therapy Programs Near You
Platt College
Campus
Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.
Programs:- Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
- Alhambra
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus
Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Programs:- Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Therapy
- Diploma: Therapeutic Health Technician
- Diploma: Healthcare and Rehab Therapy Technician
- Salida
- Vista
American Career College
Campus
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.
Programs:- Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Anaheim
- Ontario
California College San Diego
Campus
California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
Programs:- Bachelor Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- San Marcos
- San Diego
Career Colleges of America
Campus
Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.
Programs:- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- San Bernardino
- South Gate
- Los Angeles
- Gardena
Penn Foster Schools
Campus
Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.
Programs:- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Physical Therapy Aide
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Scranton
Southern California Health Institute
Campus
Since 1996, Southern California Health Institute has been dedicated and committed to helping students achieve their dreams by providing an exceptional education that enables them to become skilled and successful manual therapists. We have graduated over 1,500 students who are now a part of a larger community of wellness and healthcare.
Programs:- Physical Therapy Aide/Sports Rehab Program
- North Hollywood
Stratford Career Institute
Online
Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.
Programs:- Physical Therapy Aide
Carrington College California
Campus
Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.
Programs:- Certificate in Fitness Training
- Pleasant Hill
Mueller College
Campus
Work toward a new career with Mueller College. We offer certificate programs in alcohol and drug counseling, holistic health and bodywork, and personal fitness training at our campuses in San Diego, California.
Programs:- Personal Fitness Trainer
- San Diego
Bryan College
Campus
Get your career started with training from Bryan College! We offer programs in Court Reporting, Advanced Health & Fitness Training, and Health Information Management & Coding at both our Sacramento and Los Angeles campuses.
Programs:- Advanced Health and Fitness Training
- Rancho Cordova
- Los Angeles
Ashworth College
Campus
Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.
Programs:- Fitness and Exercise
- Norcross
