Getting an in Depth Look at a Career in Respiratory Therapy

Try holding your breath for as long as you possibly can.  Now, feel how satisfying it is to finally take that deep, oxygen-rich breath at the end.

People in good health don't often have a reason to pay attention to their breathing on a regular basis, but imagine how you would feel without that ability to fully expand your lungs.  Respiratory therapists may treat patients suffering from breathing disorders, such as asthma or emphysema.  They may also treat premature infants with underdeveloped lungs, or patients who have recently suffered from heart attack, drowning, or shock.

A respiratory therapist may interview patients, administer oxygen, supervise ventilators, and conduct diagnostic tests.  They can also:

• Examine patients


• Monitor patients


• Analyze lung function


• Evaluate lung capacity

Career Opportunities in Respiratory Therapy

The majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals, but opportunities are arising due to the growth and expansion of the healthcare industry.  This directly relates to job opportunities in respiratory therapy, as they are growing as well. If you're considering a new career and like the idea of helping others breathe more easily, consider enrolling in a respiratory therapy program.

Most states require respiratory therapists to be licensed with at least an Associate's degree.  There are hundreds of respiratory therapy programs in the United States, and there may be one at a healthcare school near you.

A career in respiratory therapy can also lead to other opportunities within healthcare.  Some respiratory therapists may advance to supervisory positions, while others may use their knowledge in industries such as development, marketing, or the sales of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.  Pursing opportunities in respiratory therapy may lead to a wide variety of career possibilities. Take a breath and consider your options today.