Career Outlook for Respiratory Therapist

As of early 1998, there were about 13,000 registered Respiratory Therapists in California.  They enjoy one of the most favorable employment outlooks in California.  Health care costs have risen faster than the rate of inflation during the past several decades, leading to increasing pressure to control costs.  The health care industry has responded in part by taking advantage of lower-cost employees where practical. 

Salaries for Respiratory Therapists are lower than those for registered nurses or physicians, so job prospects are enhanced by this trend.  Also fueling growth is the aging of the population, an increase in lung damage because of air-borne pollutants, and the development of new drugs and delivery systems to help treat lung disease.  Therapists working for the State of California earn starting wages of $13.18 per hour.  The maximum salary in State service is $17.22 per hour.  The normal work week is 40 hours.

While respiratory departments in hospitals operate on a 24-hour basis, day and night shifts as well as holiday and weekend work are required.  Most facilities have rotating schedules for holidays and weekends.  Fringe benefits generally include paid group health and life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans.  In addition, some institutions provide credit unions, tuition assistance, and parking.

Persons engaged in respiratory or inhalation therapy must be certified. There are two exams a prospective therapist may take.  Both exams require the completion of an American Medical Association approved one- or two-year program.  The entry-level exam, which all candidates must take, is for the

“Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician” (CRTT). This exam requires at least one year of approved training, and consists of a multiple-choice written test.  The advanced exam, “Registered Respiratory Therapist” (RRT), can be taken by persons who have completed at least two years of approved training.  This exam consists of a written and clinical simulation test. All candidates must present proof of high school graduation or its equivalent.  Examination fees are required for the examinations.  To maintain active certified status, annual renewal is also required.

Training programs are conducted by community colleges, universities, and hospitals.  Eighteen such programs are accredited in California.  Courses vary in length from 18 months to four years and consist of classroom instruction and clinical training at one or more hospitals.  After July 1,

2000, it is anticipated that all applicants must complete an accredited two-year program.

The Respiratory Therapy program includes human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, mathematics, and psychology.  The clinical program deals with patient care, hospital procedures, and the maintenance and operation of equipment.  Therapists must continue their formal education and technical training to keep up with of medical discoveries and equipment changes.

A genuine interest in people, a strong sense of responsibility, patience, tact, good judgment, and the ability to endure stress are personal traits important to success in this occupation.  The job requires good vision and hearing, manual dexterity and mechanical aptitudes.  Some employers may give achievement tests and require physical examinations.  Applicants for civil service positions must take and pass written and oral examinations.