One industry proved vital during the global pandemic. The health care industry has never been more important. Whether it is vaccine development or the emergency room, the health care industry is recession-proof.
Quality health care does not take a day off regardless of how well the economy is doing. In January, no industry added more jobs than health care.
Respiratory therapists are one career choice that is thriving. Through 2029, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 19%. This growth rate is much higher than the national average.
Read on to learn how to become a respiratory therapist. Explore why becoming a respiratory therapist is a great career move.
What Is a Respiratory Therapist?
Before we dive into education requirements, let’s discuss what a respiratory therapist does. In Respiratory Therapy, medical professionals help patients that have breathing issues. Asthma and emphysema are two common examples of breathing issues.
Their patients range in age from infants to the elderly. Respiratory therapists are qualified to help anyone with a breathing issue.
They interview and examine patients seeking help. In addition to assessing the patient’s medical history, respiratory therapists also perform diagnostic tests. For example, they use medical equipment that measures a patient’s lung capacity.
With a patient’s physician, a respiratory therapist develops patient treatment plans. Then, they help their patients with medications and other breathing equipment. Also, they oversee treatments like chest physiotherapy and aerosol medication.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
Unlike other professions in the medical industry, the education requirements are more reasonable for a respiratory therapist. There are three different paths you can pursue.
The first is the traditional college path. While you may be able to get a job with an Associate’s degree, most employers require a Bachelor’s.
There are also education programs offered at vocational-technical institutes. Lastly, the military offers a third path for prospective respiratory therapists.
Your classes are going to cover a wide range of medical topics. Physical anatomy, pharmacology, and chemistry are core classes. Other classes cover cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), patient assessment, and diagnostic equipment.
What Are the Job Prospects?
There are many benefits to choosing this career field. Of course, there is rapid job growth and many opportunities out there.
Respiratory therapists also make a great salary. The mean hourly wage is nearly $31 per hour. The top 10% of wage earners make nearly $42 per hour.
Current workers also enjoy the diverse work environments that are available to them. Many respiratory therapists work in a hospital setting. However, you can also work in an office or a nursing home.
A Career in Respiratory Therapy: A Recap
Clearly, there are many perks to working in respiratory therapy. The profession offers great wages and a skyrocketing number of job openings.
Also, you do not need a doctorate to pursue this career. Depending on the employer, you may be able to get hired with as little as an Associate’s degree. Other paths such as vocational-technical institutes and the military provide alternate options.
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