Why respiratory therapist

No two patients are exactly alike, no two days are the same, and you will be working with a diversity of populations.

Respiratory Therapists can work with adult, pediatric, and geriatric patients. You may work with seniors who have emphysema, or premature infants with cardio-pulmonary disorders. You may help those with asthma, chronic respiratory disease, and heart disease, too — as they all require the help of a Respiratory Therapist.

As noted above, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a big jump in employment of Respiratory Therapists nationwide. But this is just the start. According to the Connecticut Department of Labor , Respiratory Therapists are among the fastest growing occupations in Connecticut.

Why is the demand so high? It all comes down to the aging population in this country. Growth in the Baby Boomer generation is leading to an increase of respiratory conditions, such as:.

This aging population will also lead to an increased demand for respiratory therapy services and treatments, particularly in hospitals. Advancements in modern medicine are also causing growth for this role. Increased prevention and detection methods, improved medications, and more sophisticated treatments will also add to the demand for RTs. Most employers only require their Respiratory Therapists to obtain an associate degree, but the pay for this educational level is substantial.

In Connecticut, the RT salary is even better. Some programs may have entrance requirements that include documented volunteer or work experience in an environment with respiratory care, so it may be beneficial to work or volunteer in a hospital or vent center in high school.

After completing a respiratory therapy degree program, you must take the certification exam to become a certified respiratory therapist or a registered respiratory therapist. Every state except Alaska requires that respiratory therapists also obtain a state license.

Additional certification is available to work with certain populations, such as pediatrics. Respiratory therapists are required to renew their credentials every five years, which includes continuing education or retesting. Job opportunities are expected to be very good for respiratory therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of respiratory therapists to grow much faster than average.

Respiratory therapists are in demand to care for the large aging population. Older people are more likely to experience lung and heart conditions that may benefit from respiratory therapy. With additional training and experience, some therapists may advance to staff therapist or administrative positions.

Others start their own respiratory care companies or move into equipment marketing and sales. College of Medicine and Science. Academics Section Overview Academic programs. People are living longer than ever before and may require more breathing help as they age. Issues regarding sleep, such as sleep apnea, are on the rise and need the assistance of respiratory therapists to manage and treat their conditions. The process of how to become a respiratory therapist takes a minimum of two years if you obtain your associates degree.

Hands-on clinical experience is also required to become a licensed respiratory therapist. After completing all respiratory therapist education requirements, including laboratory, simulation and clinical experiences in the hospitals, aspiring therapists must also pass a credentialing examination and acquire a license to practice in their home state.

So just how long does it take to be a respiratory therapist? The entire process may take up to four years from start to finish, including earning your Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care degree and becoming licensed. Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career with high demand in the health care field. Becoming a respiratory therapist provides opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those with breathing problems and enjoy the benefits of an in-demand career in the medical field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as a respiratory therapist you will provide a number of services for patients with breathing difficulties, including the following:. Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career, but you also need to understand that it is fast-paced, physically enduring, and often requires you to carry a beeper and respond to emergencies in the emergency department, ventilator alarms in the intensive care unit, or codes throughout the hospital.

There are various types of respiratory care degrees you can pursue depending on the career field of your choice. In order to get a job in respiratory therapy, there are certain education requirements and prerequisites you will have to fulfill to get your degree before you can begin your career. Respiratory therapists need at minimum and associates degree in order to be considered for a position within the field, although more advanced degrees are strongly preferred. A bachelor's degree or master's degree may lead to more job opportunities and growth later in your career.

Some prerequisites, such as chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology courses, may be required before beginning a degree in respiratory therapy. Clinical experiences are often required for respiratory therapy majors so that they can graduate with real-world experience before entering the workforce. Respiratory therapists seek to help patients who are experiencing issues with their breathing and airways. Some conditions or ailments respiratory therapists treat include:.

Respiratory therapists primarily work in medical facilities, such as hospitals, diagnostic laboratories or doctor's offices. While hospitals are the primary place where respiratory therapists work, there are numerous other locations including:. At the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions at Gwynedd Mercy University, we offer pathways to success that can help you achieve your goals of becoming a respiratory therapist.

Our respiratory care programs provide you with the classroom, laboratory and clinical education you need to qualify for good-paying jobs in this field. You will be taught by an experienced, dedicated and accomplished faculty - published authors, seasoned presenters, and experts in cardiopulmonary physiology, disease management, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary diagnostics.