Guide For Respiratory Therapist

As respiratory therapist you should know many things about this profession. Definitely, you need to be updated in this kind of profession. Respiratory therapists use their experience to accurately demonstrate the product and explain its uses and functions. Sales representatives work with clients on a regular basis and must be able to communicate effectively with them. They should be knowledgeable of their products and of the client’s needs. Sales representatives market their products well and successfully show their clients how company needs can be met by using the representative’s products.

Educational requirements for positions in sales vary, but many require at least a bachelor’s degree. Experience with the type of products being sold often is more important than formal education. With experience, respiratory therapists can be uniquely qualified for positions in the sale or rental of medical devices and equipment. Though no license is required to be a sales representative, a respiratory therapist who chooses a career in sales may be required to keep his or her certifications and licenses current. It is important that all sales people stay informed about trends in their field. Current and up-to-date knowledge of both the products and their applicable fields ensures that the sales person will be successful.

Sales positions are often stressful because of the impact that job performance has on job security. Sales people are often paid on commission, or a percentage of their sales. This practice can be rewarding for high achieving sales people and disappointing for those with poor sales performance. Rewards are high for those sales people who meet and exceed sales goals. Cash bonuses and vacation rewards are common.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapy technicians have a median annual income of $34,130. Respiratory therapists have more stringent licensing and employment requirements and often receive higher salaries. In 2002, they earned a median annual income of $40,220. Pulmonary function technologists reported a median annual income of $32,830.

Medical and health services managers are required to have extensive education and experience in the healthcare field. Their earnings vary with the size of the facility they manage and the amount of responsibility they have. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual income of medical and health services managers in home healthcare environments as $56,320. Medical and health services managers in hospitals reported median annual earnings of $65,950, and those in nursing homes earned a median annual income of $55,320.

Candidates seeking the credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist must be Certified Respiratory Therapists. After obtaining the CRT and meeting all additional educational requirements, candidates must take a written content examination and a clinical simulation examination. After both exams are successfully completed, the credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist is awarded. The RRT credential is usually required for advanced respiratory therapy positions that require significant amounts of responsibility. Students interested in licensing requirements for respiratory therapy should consult their local licensing board. Each state has its own licensing requirements, and it is important that they be researched carefully before beginning any degree program.

As with respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians are patient and sensitive. Requirements for a respiratory therapy technician vary considerably from state to state. They are often responsible for documenting patients’ treatments, and must be thorough and responsible with these duties. Respiratory therapy technicians must be able to communicate well with many types of people in all age groups. Respiratory therapists often qualify for positions as pulmonary function technologists. Pulmonary function technologists prepare patients and equipment for diagnostic testing involving lung functioning. They sometimes assist the doctor with these tests and record the tests’ results.

Pulmonary function technologists may be responsible for performing basic diagnostic testing such as spirometry, lung volume testing, and oximetry. They are often responsible for explaining tests to patients and putting them at ease before the procedure. Pulmonary function technologists work under the direct supervision of a doctor. They work most frequently in physician’s offices and hospitals. Pulmonary function technologists often are Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) who learn pulmonary function technology skills on the job. Credentials are available to pulmonary function technologists through the National Board for Respiratory Care. A CRT who successfully completes the examination requirements becomes a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT). An RRT who successfully completes the examination becomes a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT).

Medical and health services managers plan, deliver, and coordinate health care services for large and small health care facilities. Respiratory therapists with proper education and experience can advance to positions in health services management. They may administrate a large facility, such as the respiratory therapy unit in a hospital. They may work instead at a smaller facility, such as a sleep disorder clinic, home healthcare center, or nursing home. In smaller facilities, health and medical services managers often are responsible for staff issues, accounts payable and receivable, and patient admissions. In larger facilities, they often are responsible for developing policies and procedures, for creating and maintaining budgets, and for the hiring, retention, and training of personnel.

Medical and health services managers are meticulous and precise. They have good supervisory skills and are able to work well with a diverse population. Medical and health services managers have excellent written and oral communications skills, which allow them to communicate effectively with patients, staff, and the community. Medical and health services managers are usually educated in one field of the health care profession, such as respiratory therapy. Following this segment of their education, they usually complete a graduate degree in business or health care administration. The outlook for careers in medical and health services management is favorable. Employment in this field is expected to grow more quickly than average, especially in home healthcare services.

A degree in respiratory therapy and experience as a respiratory therapist is often sufficient for beginning a career in the field of medical equipment sales and rental. For example, companies that make diagnostic equipment used to test patient’s lung capacity are often interested in hiring a respiratory therapist to sell their product to hospitals and physician’s offices.

If you’re a Respiratory Applicants you must have graduated from high school, or the equivalent, and completed an approved associate degree program in respiratory therapy or another degree program in respiratory therapy determined by the Department to be equivalent. And if you a respiratory technician applicants you must have graduated from high school, or the equivalent, and completed an approved one-year certificate program in respiratory therapy technology or a respiratory program determined by the Department to be equivalent.

New York State Licensure Qualifying or Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) Accredited Programs. If, at the time of your graduation, you completed a New York State licensure qualifying program or a program accredited by CoARC, submit Form 2 to your school and have your school complete and return the form directly to the Office of the Professions at the address at the end of the form.

This site has a listing of current New York State licensure qualifying programs. If your program is in New York State and is not listed on this site, contact your school to determine if it is a NYS licensure qualifying program. For a listing of nationally accredited programs, contact the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) [formerly the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education] which is the national accrediting agency for all schools of respiratory care in the United States.

If, at the time of your graduation, you completed a non-NYS Licensure Qualifying Program or a program not accredited by CoARC, you must have your education approved by the Department. Submit Form 2 to your school and have your school complete and return the form along with an official transcript and other needed information directly to the Office of the Professions at the address at the end of the form. U.S. and all foreign-educated applicants must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist examination (CRT) and the Registry Examination (RRT) (written and simulation exams).

Respiratory Therapy Technician applicants must pass the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist examination (CRT). In addition to filing the Form 5 and the limited permit fee, you must also submit the Application for Licensure and First Registration (Form 1), the licensure fee, and have the New York State Education Department approve your education before your application for a limited permit can be approved.

You may apply for a limited permit if you meet all other requirements for licensure in New York State except the licensing examination. Limited permit practice must be under the supervision of a currently registered New York State licensed respiratory therapist or an otherwise legally authorized physician.

Your limited permit will expire one year from the date of issuance or upon notice that your application for licensure has been denied, or ten days after you have been notified that you failed the professional licensing examination, whichever occurs first. However, if you are awaiting the results of the licensing examination when your limited permit expires, your permit will continue to be valid until ten days after you have been notified of the examination results.

Respiratory therapists assist patients with breathing problems and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with health care professionals to develop treatment plans and assess options for the patient. Respiratory therapists are responsible for implementing and following the treatment plan. Respiratory therapists work under the supervision of a doctor and may supervise respiratory therapy technicians.

Patients of all ages with a variety of health issues may require the services of a respiratory therapist to help ease their breathing or aid in ventilation. Respiratory therapists treat premature newborns, performing diagnostic tests and assisting with ventilation when needed. They see heart attack patients and patients with breathing disorders such as emphysema, asthma, or bronchitis. Respiratory therapists may deal with patients in critical situations on life support or in the intensive care unit. Respiratory therapists use a variety of treatments to assist their patients. For people with asthma, an aerosol medicine is often prescribed. Other patients may require an oxygen mask or chest physiotherapy. Respiratory therapists in some areas are permitted to take electrocardiograms, perform stress tests, and draw blood for testing.

Respiratory therapists work with patients dealing with difficult health issues and must be sensitive to their concerns and needs. They work well as part of a team of health professionals, but can also make important decisions independently. Respiratory therapists are detail-oriented and understand the importance of keeping good records. Hospitals employ the largest number of respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists may also be found in nursing homes, physician’s offices, sleep disorder clinics, and home health care settings. They typically work full time and may be required to work nights and weekends. Respiratory therapists working in sleep disorder clinics usually work night shifts.

Graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy school is required to become a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist. Schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). An associate’s degree usually is the preferred educational level for respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists are required to be licensed in most states. States typically require that respiratory therapists complete an accredited education program as well as a national examination. Completion of these requirements earns the respiratory therapist the title of CRT, or certified respiratory therapist. Further education, testing, and experience offer respiratory therapists the chance to become RRT’s, or registered respiratory therapists. RRT’s qualify for higher level positions than CRT’s and often are given more responsibility.

Respiratory therapy technicians work with patients under the supervision of a respiratory therapist. They treat patients according to the treatment plan developed by the respiratory therapist and other health care staff. Respiratory therapy technicians have many of the same duties as a respiratory therapist but do not have the same level of responsibility. A respiratory therapy technician does not usually operate life support, nor do respiratory therapy technicians typically work with patients in intensive care units. Respiratory therapy technicians are usually required to have an entry-level respiratory therapy certificate or associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy school. They often are required to pass the CRT exam, but may only be required to be eligible to take the exam.

Accredited respiratory therapy degree programs typically offer associate’s degrees or certifications. Though graduate degrees can be helpful for advancement in any field, advanced respiratory therapy degrees are uncommon. Respiratory therapy certificate programs are usually classified as either entry-level or advanced. Though some entry-level certification programs exist, most are being replaced, as the associate’s degree becomes the educational standard for most careers in respiratory therapy. Entry-level certification programs provide the education and clinical experience needed to pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination that most states require for licensure.

An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy is typically a two-year course of study. Associate’s degree programs are considered to be advanced level respiratory therapy programs. These programs prepare the student to take the CRT examination. Fieldwork is typically required for the completion of an associate’s degree program in respiratory therapy. An associate’s degree is excellent preparation for a bachelor’s degree. In addition to courses specific to the field of respiratory therapy, an associate’s degree program requires that the student take general education courses, such as college algebra, English composition, public speaking, and psychology.

Advanced certificate programs, in combination with an associate’s degree, prepare students to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist examination. The Registered Respiratory Therapist examination is typically required for employment in advanced respiratory therapy positions. Completion of an associate’s degree is often a pre-requisite for entering an advanced degree program. Advanced certificate programs are usually short courses of study. If courses are taken on a full-time basis, the advanced certificate program can most often be completed in one year. Courses required in the advanced certificate program include advanced cardiopulmonary therapeutic procedures, mechanical ventilation, advanced pharmacologic interventions, patient monitoring, and clinical practice.

A bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy is preparation for an advanced respiratory therapy career. Bachelor’s degree completion programs are available for health care professionals who already have an associate’s degree or advanced certification. These programs allow students to build on their prior education so that they may complete their bachelor’s degree in a short amount of time. Degree completion programs often are designed to work around the schedules of students who are employed full-time. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. A bachelor’s degree completion program, however, can take significantly less time. Courses taken in advanced certification programs and associate’s degree programs can be applied toward the bachelor’s degree completion program, lessening the student’s course load and allowing them to finish the degree program more quickly.

Respiratory therapy degree programs focus strongly on science and mathematics courses. Anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, pharmacology, and college level mathematics courses are usually required. Courses specific to respiratory therapy often teach diagnostic testing, the use of respiratory therapy equipment, and CPR. Advanced degrees with a focus on respiratory therapy are uncommon. Respiratory therapy students seeking graduate level education often enter graduate programs in business, health administration, and education.

To work as a respiratory therapist in the U.S. (except in Alaska and Hawaii) one must pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam (CRT) which is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Graduates of programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care can take the exam.

In respiratory therapy school you will learn what it takes to play a key role in providing cardio-pulmonary care. Respiratory therapy programs provide you a strong academic education in respiratory therapy as well as practical hands on experience. Some of the experiences may include practical training with ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and work in an arterial blood gas laboratory, pulmonary function laboratory, or work with other respiratory therapy equipment.

During a respiratory therapy career you are likely to provide life critical care to patients with cardio-pulmonary problems. A respiratory therapist’s responsibilities include advising physicians on respiratory therapy, working with patients on breathing therapies, monitoring patients, supervising technicians, and more. Respiratory therapists deliver respiratory care therapeutic treatments to patients who have breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. They are also responsible for evaluating their patients. This includes performing diagnostic tests and conducting limited physical examinations. A respiratory therapist works under a physician’s supervision.

Respiratory therapists held about 122,000 jobs in 2006. Seventy nine percent of all respiratory therapists worked in respiratory care, anesthesiology or pulmonary medicine departments of hospitals. Others worked in physicians’ or other health care practitioners’ offices and in nursing care facilities or for consumer goods rental firms that supply respiratory equipment for home use.

Respiratory therapy is the healthcare field that assists patients with cardiopulmonary illnesses and breathing difficulties. Respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians are the health care providers who assess, treat, and monitor these patients. Respiratory therapy involves the use of diagnostic testing and equipment to determine patients’ lung capacity, oxygen levels in the blood, and other data. This information is used to diagnose patients and to develop treatment plans. Respiratory therapists work with respiratory technicians and other health care professionals to create and carry out these treatment plans.

Most employers require that respiratory therapy employees have an associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy school. In some cases a certificate in respiratory therapy may be sufficient, but an associate’s degree is rapidly becoming the minimum educational level required for respiratory therapists and technicians. Degree programs in respiratory therapy focus heavily on math and science courses. Courses specific to the field of respiratory therapy are also required. These courses might include cardiopulmonary physiology, respiratory pharmacology, and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.

Accredited respiratory therapy programs usually prepare the student to become Certified Respiratory Therapists or Registered Respiratory Therapists, credentials that are often required by state licensing boards. Significant fieldwork is usually required before graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy school. Respiratory therapy majors become respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy technicians, pulmonary function technologists, and neonatal-pediatric specialists. With more education and experience, they may advance to the level of management, becoming medical and health services managers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for careers in the field of respiratory therapy is very good. Respiratory therapists with a specialization in pediatrics or cardiopulmonary care are expected to have the best opportunities. Hospitals typically employ the largest number of respiratory therapists, but home healthcare, nursing homes, and physician’s offices are expected to have increased needs for respiratory therapists as well.

Respiratory therapists work under the supervision of physicians to administer prescribed respiratory therapy to patients with chronic illnesses such as asthma or emphysema. They also assist in emergencies such as heart failure, drowning, or shock when life-support treatment is needed. Respiratory therapists set up, operate, and monitor devices that provide oxygen or medicine in the form of a mist or gas to patients. They use and maintain equipment such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and aerosol generators. Respiratory therapists are also responsible for teaching patients about breathing exercises, monitoring patients’ physiological responses to therapy, and maintaining natural and artificial airways. They maintain patient records, and may also be responsible for supervision of Respiratory Care Technicians.

Respiratory care personnel must be able to see and hear well, have mechanical ability and manual dexterity to work with machines, and be able to be on their feet most of the day.  Respiratory therapists can learn additional skills in order to specialize in respiratory care for neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. They may also specialize in pulmonary function, education, rehabilitation, home care, asthma education, emergency care, research, or management. About 90% of respiratory therapists work in hospitals with the department of respiratory care, anesthesiology, emergency medicine or pulmonary medicine. Therapists may assist physicians in clinical settings or operating rooms. Others work in diagnostic centers, extended care facilities, home health agencies, ambulance/transport services, and oxygen and medical equipment rental companies.

The number of Respiratory Therapists employed in Florida in 2006 was 6,139. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 7,442, an annual average growth rate of 2.7 percent. There are two primary educational pathways - either a two-year associate degree program or four years in a university leading to the baccalaureate degree. The curriculum usually includes core courses in fundamentals of respiratory therapy, anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary pathology, pediatric and neonatal respiratory therapy, pharmacology, physiologic monitoring, introduction to psychology, and clinical practicum. Baccalaureate degree programs may grant specific certificates of completion allowing students to apply for the entry level and/or advanced practitioner credentialing exams after completion of the coursework commensurate with the requirements for an associate degree in Florida.

With additional education or experience, therapists may advance to supervisory positions, managerial positions, or become academic instructors. In order to be eligible for a state license, a graduate must earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist title (CRT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care. All graduates from accredited programs are eligible to take the certification exam. Most programs are designated to allow graduates to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam after passing the CRT exam. Specialty credentials may be earned in Neonatal/Pediatric, Pulmonary Function and Asthma Education. Continuing education hours are required every two years to maintain licensure. The Respiratory Therapy Board investigates each applicant for licensure.  California law provides for denial of licensure for crimes or acts, which may in any way be related to patient care activities, i.e. sex crimes, drug crimes, alcohol or drug abuse, and crimes of violence.   

The respiratory therapists primarily work in acute care hospitals and care for patients with asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, infant respiratory distress syndrome, and conditions brought on by shock, trauma or postoperative surgical complications. Respiratory therapists are also involved in many specialty areas in the hospital such as newborn labor and delivery, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, pulmonary function laboratory, sleep laboratory, adult intensive care units, and emergency room care.  In addition to hospitals, the respiratory therapist delivers respiratory care in the home, rehabilitation agencies, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and physician offices.

The demand for respiratory therapists is expected to continue to increase.  For example, as of January 2000, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects “employment of respiratory therapists to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006.”  Respiratory care is listed as one of the fastest growing professions and the need for respiratory therapists is expected to increase 42.6% for the period 1998-2008. 

This increase in demand is expected because of substantial growth of the elderly population, and increases in the numbers of patients with asthma and chronic lung disease. Locally, all of our graduates over the last 17 years who passed the licensing exam were able to find work in Respiratory Care right after graduation. Starting salaries in 2000 in the San Joaquin Valley were from $18 to $23/hour.  Starting salaries are significantly higher in the larger metropolitan areas of California. .

The Modesto junior college has an excellent two-year associate degree program in Respiratory Care.  The program is fully accredited and graduates are eligible to take the CA licensing exam as well as the Registry Exam administered to advanced therapists by the National Board for Respiratory Care.    The first time pass rate for our graduates has been over 95% since the program began and over 98% in the past five years.

Chemistry 143 or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better is the only absolute prerequisite to starting the program.  Reading, English, and math placement exams also must be taken at the MJC Testing Center.  It is recommended that Anatomy and Physiology 150 or its equivalent and some prior computer literacy course be taken prior to the start of the program.  If you need to work, we advise that you take as many non-respiratory courses required before you enter the program.   However, the program is flexible and some non-respiratory care required course work can be taken during enrollment in the program.

The program lasts four semesters and two four to five week summer sessions.  Classes are offered during the day two to three days a week during most of the program.  Students also spend one to two days a week in area hospitals learning how to apply the critical thinking and practical skills learned in school to clinical situations..  Hospital rotations are generally 12 hour shifts and occur in Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties. Students are assigned to hospitals to insure a wide variety of clinical experience while attempting to minimize driving time from student homes.

Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat and administer respiratory care and life support to patients with breathing difficulties associated with heart and lung disorders. Most states require that respiratory therapists have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and pass an examination to obtain the title Registered Respiratory Therapist. Respiratory therapists are health professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to evaluate and treat all types of patients with breathing difficulties. Respiratory therapists are responsible for limited physical examination, diagnostic testing and therapeutic treatments and may also supervise respiratory therapy technicians. Respiratory therapists are also an essential part of the Code Blue team called for assistance with cardiac arrest. The following two job postings from Moster.com show typical job duties:

Respiratory Therapist conducts comprehensive patient evaluations as well as evaluates the therapy and the patient during treatment to determine if the prescribed treatment is beneficial or detrimental to the patient. He/she gives instruction in the technical aspects of respiratory care to physicians, department personnel, nurses, patients, their relatives and significant others.

Perform chest physical therapy treatments which involve percussion, postural drainage or suctioning; perform airway management including trash tube changes, Passy-Muir Valve monitoring, and intubation or exhumation; set up, operate and monitor ventilators, record resident treatment, education and response to care, submit accurate billing and documentation in accordance with RT protocol. An associate’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for an entry-level position in respiratory therapy. Training is offered at vocational schools, community colleges and universities.

Most programs award associates or bachelor’s degrees and a few offer a master’s degree programs, as well. Graduates from accredited associate’s degree programs may take examinations to become Certified Respiratory Therapists. Those with bachelor’s degrees and work experience qualify to take examinations leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist designation. Most states require that respiratory therapists obtain licensure. Here are two examples of training requirements taken from actual Monster.com job postings:

Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or successful completion of an accredited respiratory therapy Therapist Care Practitioner (RCP) license, or an intern permit with the understanding that the entry level RCP exam is successfully completed within eight (8) months. Valid BCLS certification must be thoroughly familiar with all equipment related to respiratory care.  Graduate from an accredited School of Respiratory Care, licensed and currently registered as a professional respiratory therapist in the State of Ohio. Current Health Care Provider BLS training is required. In addition, NRP PALS, and ACLS must be completed and maintained.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapist job opportunities are expected to increase at a rapid rate in coming years due to the growing number of elderly people and the expanding role played by respiratory therapists in today’s healthcare system. Advances in the treatment of lung transplant patients, premature infants and accident victims will also lead to an increase the demand for respiratory care practitioners. Hospitals employ the majority of respiratory therapists, with large numbers also working in home healthcare, long-term care facilities and rental businesses supplying equipment for home care. Median annual salaries of respiratory therapists were $43,140 in May of 2004.

Respiratory therapy is a very good field to get involved in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth is expected to be faster than average and job prospects are very good for respiratory therapists. Once you have your degree and pass the licensure exams there shouldn’t be any problem finding a job.

The BLS says that the mean annual respiratory therapist pay was $50,930 in 2007, with the lowest paid 10% of respiratory therapists making less than $36,650 and the highest 10% making an annual wage of more than $66,680. That is quite a wide range of salaries, but as with any career there are many factors that can affect the amount of respiratory therapist pay that is received. This includes location, the type of office where the respiratory therapist works, and years of experience.

The industries where respiratory therapist pay is the highest are junior colleges ($73,210), employment services ($60,420), local government ($58,500), offices of other health practitioners ($53,670), and outpatient care centers ($52,630). Of course there aren’t necessarily a lot of jobs in these industries. Out of these five industries, only employment services are one of the top five industries for respiratory therapists at number four. The other top employers are general medical and surgical hospitals, special hospitals, nursing care facilities, and consumer goods rental. So if you are looking for a high paying industry with a lot of job openings, your best bet would be employment services.

The states where respiratory therapist pay is the highest are California ($61,810), New Jersey ($60,660), Hawaii ($60,150), Nevada ($60,060) and New York ($59,500). However, when you are considering the differing rates of pay in different locations, you need to be sure to also consider the cost of living, as places like California and Hawaii tend to have higher costs of living, making it so that even though the salary is higher you might not be able to purchase as much with that salary as you could in another location with a lower salary and a lower cost of living.

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of everyday people, and are ready to carve out a successful career at the same time, consider a future as a respiratory therapist. This field is expanding, and the demand for professionals to fill job openings is great. Now it is easier than ever to get started. Simply visit us at Med Options USA, and we will help you find the ideal job as a respiratory therapist.

The potential earnings for a respiratory therapist are indicative of the continual growth of this vocation. The need to rapidly fill positions across the nation has resulted in an optimistic outlook for the average respiratory therapist salary, opportunity for advancement and benefits. Your earnings are dependent on certain key factors, such as level of education and certification, geographic location, years of experience and commitment to continuing your education. Med Options USA provides you with an online job search service, Absolutely Healthcare. Through this comprehensive site, we can help you reach your career goals by finding you the perfect job, or providing you with vital information on your salary in order to optimize your chances of a wage increase at the negotiating table.