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Respiratory Therapy Degrees

Respiratory therapy is a health care occupation that focuses on the respiratory health of patients. Therapists diagnose and treat problems related to breathing and the cardiovascular system in general. These problems may be brought on by environmental factors like pollution or smoking, but are also seen in those that suffer related problems like cardiac arrest or obesity.

An associate's degree is the minimum level of education that you must attain to become a respiratory therapist or respiratory therapist technician. Courses include physiology related to the cardiovascular system, clinical practice, and patient evaluation. Bachelor's and master's degrees are available at many universities. They will have more complete course loads that encompass public health, life support procedure and technology, and pediatric respiratory care. A good program will also include clinical fieldwork where you can put learned techniques into practice. The more education you get, the more easily you will find a suitable position.

The need for respiratory therapists is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth will increase briskly in the next decade. As the baby boomer generation ages, there will likely be a commensurate increase in pulmonary disease. Hospitals will require more specialists and there will also be increased opportunity in the private sector and in individual home care. In addition, an increase of infant pulmonary problems will necessitate more respiratory therapists that specialize in infant care. The average wage for respiratory therapists was $47,420 in the most recent survey taken in 2006.

Online Schools Offering Respiratory Therapy Degrees


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