Professional Preparation Required to become a Respiratory Therapist

A respiratory therapist is a specially trained and licensed care provider responsible for the treatment, management, diagnostic testing and care of patients with abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system, all performed under the direction of a licensed physician. Respiratory therapists provide specialized care for people with breathing difficulties, such as those with chronic lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. But they also provide care to heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS.

The Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) oversees regulation of respiratory therapists and other health and related professions. To access OHLA’s home page, go to Department at the top of the left navigation menu and click on Oregon Health Licensing Agency. Both entry level and advanced level educational programs prepare respiratory therapists for professional practice. Demonstration of entry level competency by passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination (administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care) is required to satisfy the legal requirements of the 48 states that regulate the practice of respiratory therapy.

A minimum of an associate’s degree and a certificate of completion from a program accredited by the Committee of Accreditation is required to take this examination. Entry-level respiratory therapists perform general respiratory care procedures. They may assume clinical responsibility for specified respiratory care modalities involving the application of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques under the supervision of an advanced level therapist and/or a physician. 328 of the 354 accredited respiratory therapy programs prepare the students for advanced level practice.

Advanced level practice programs are offered in schools offering associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees. Graduates of these programs can voluntarily demonstrate their advanced level of competency by passing the voluntary Registered Respiratory Therapist examination (also administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care) and obtaining the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. In addition to entry level skills, advanced level therapists participate in clinical decision-making and patient education, the development and implementation of protocols and treatment plans, health promotion, disease prevention and disease management. They practice under the supervision of a physician and may be required to exercise considerable independent judgment in the respiratory care of patients.

America’s Career InfoNet lists respiratory therapists as the 10th fastest growing occupation requiring an associate’s degree. The InfoNet also says that the earnings potential for respiratory therapists is high. Available jobs are expected to grow by nearly 35 percent from 2002 through 2012, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also says that the median annual earnings for respiratory therapists were about $37,680 in 2000 and states, “The middle 50 percent earned between $32,140 and $43,430.” In hospitals, the median annual earnings of respiratory therapists were $38,040.

According to the AARC 2000 Human Resource Study, the mean salary for all respiratory therapy positions is $40,809 annually. Career opportunities will remain good through the year 2010 because of the substantial growth of the middle-aged and elderly population. As this population grows, the BLS estimates that the incidence of lung disease will also increase requiring more services from respiratory therapists.