CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with lung and breathing problems. They help patients breathe easier.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$59,710
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
10,755
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Respiratory Therapist Job Description
Respiratory therapists are vital members of the healthcare team. They have the critical job of helping patients breathe easier. They perform respiratory testing and procedures and administer medications to sick patients. They manage ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients that are not able to breathe on their own.
The demand for respiratory therapists is growing. Although the job can be stressful at times, it also provides the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Respiratory Therapist Job Responsibilities
Respiratory therapists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Assess and evaluate patients
- Consult with nurses and physicians
- Administer respiratory medications
- Manage ventilators and artificial airway devices
- Educate patients and their families
- Monitor and record treatment progress
- Perform diagnostic tests
Respiratory Therapist Salary
The actual salary of the respiratory therapist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $59,710*
National average per hour: $28.71*
- $66,352 per year, $31.90 per hour **
- $52,418 per year, $25.41 per hour ***
- $60,602 to $72,507 per year ****
- $52,096 per year, $25.05 per hour *****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Respiratory Therapist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a respiratory therapist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Extensive employment opportunities
- Great salary
- Job stability
- Rewarding variety of job tasks
Cons
- Can be physically and emotionally demanding
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Daily job can be busy and stressful
- Must often work various shifts and weekends and holidays
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Respiratory Therapist?
If you are considering a career as a respiratory therapist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED
- Earn an associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program.
- Earn a CRT or RRT certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This is a mandatory requirement for licensure.
- Obtain your state license. All states except Alaska require licensure.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the respiratory therapist is a mid-level medical career and can be preceded by entry-level jobs. A sample career path could
look like this:
Caregiver > Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) > Respiratory Therapist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Associate’s degree from a program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
- Certification
Typical Work Experience Required
Typically no work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Social perceptiveness
- Complex problem-solving
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Physical endurance
Respiratory Therapist Certifications
- CRT, Certified Respiratory Therapist (NBRC)
- RRT, Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC)
- C-NPT, Certification in Neonatal Pediatric Transport (NCC)
Specialty Certifications:
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Respiratory Therapist Licenses
Licensure is mandatory in all states except Alaska.
Respiratory Therapist Training and Preparation
Once you have received your high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in a respiratory therapy program accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Upon completion of the program, you will earn your associate’s degree.
Next you will need to obtain your CRT or RRT certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). You must successfully obtain one of these certifications before you are eligible for your state license.
Earning these certifications can be challenging. Being organized and prepared can help ensure your success. There are traditional classroom and online courses available to help you prepare for the exams. Review and test prep books, flashcards and practice exams are also great tools. Many of these are available online or in your local bookstore.
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