Respiratory Therapy

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for respiratory therapists to grow by 21 percent in the next decade, much faster than the average for all other occupations. Respiratory therapy, or respiratory care practitioners, practice under the direction of a doctor and treat patients with breathing conditions. Most respiratory care practitioners work in hospitals and may have to work odd hours including overnight or weekends and spend long hours walking and standing to administer treatment to patients. Educational requirements include the completion of an Associate Degree from a CAAHEP or CoARC approved program and the passage of a national exam. All states except for Alaska and Hawaii require a respiratory therapist to obtain a license. Respiratory care practitioners can expect to earn $45,000 to $60,000 per year depending on geographical location and years of experience.