Respiratory Therapy Careers Degree Programs
Breathe New Life Into Your Career As A Respiratory Therapist
Most of us take breathing for granted, but not everyone is that fortunate. Premature birth, certain accidents, illnesses, or diseases can turn the simple act of breathing into a life or death struggle.
People who need assistance to breathe rely on the knowledge and skill of Respiratory Therapy professionals to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and management of their respiratory problems, either on an emergency basis or on a long term basis. Respiratory therapists treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people with lung disease. They provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning or shock.
Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians.
Respiratory Therapists work in hospitals, serving as integral members of the health care team, are vital members of cardiac arrest teams, and deliver respiratory care in home health settings as well. Regardless of the setting, many people are able to breathe easier thanks to the expertise of Respiratory Therapists.
A Job Outlook This Good Is A Breath Of Fresh Air
Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand will come from substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population—a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Growth in demand also will result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and the early detection of pulmonary disorders. BY 2012 an additional 39,200 Respiratory Therapists will be needed in the U.S. , and according to the 2005 Human Resources study from the AARC, the projected average annual earnings of RTs working in the U.S. is $56,222.
Respiratory Therapist careers require an associate`s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program and state license at minimum. Earning a Bachelor`s or Master`s degree provides Respiratory Therapists additional opportunities for career advancement such as becoming an RRT - (Registered Respiratory Therapist), or transitioning into department management, and even owning their own respiratory home care companies to provide equipment and clinical services.
What Do Respiratory Therapists Typically Do?
Respiratory Therapists provide direct patient care treatment that ranges from providing emergency relief for acute conditions such as asthma or near drowning, to providing long term care for patients with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, cardio-pulomonary diseases, or emphysema. As a Respiratory Therapist you will assess patients, perform physical exams, conduct diagnostic tests such as measuring lung capacity, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and Ph levels, and provide complex therapy that require substantial independent judgment such as caring for patients on ventilators. RT`s collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals to develop, modify, and evaluate patient care plans.
- Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians` orders.
- Monitor patient`s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
- Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians` orders.
- Maintain charts that contain patients` pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
Respiratory Therapy is a versatile career offering plentiful opportunities for work in neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, adult intensive care units, pulmonary function labs, pulmonary rehab, and providing home care. As a Respiratory Therapist, you can breathe easier knowing you have a career you can count on to make a real difference in people`s lives!
Train To Become A Respiratory Therapist
Secure Your Future with a Respiratory Therapy Career!
Explore accredited respiratory therapy schools that offer associate`s, bachelor`s and master`s degree programs, and request additional information about requirements, tuition, financial aid, and start dates directly from schools offering programs that match your interests:
Search Online Respiratory Therapy Programs
Find Respiratory Therapy Programs Near You
Independence University
Campus
You can advance your career 24/7 with online education at Independence University, your proven partner with over 30 years of experience in delivering quality distance education right to our students. Our programs are designed to allow you to continue working and earning as you pursue your online degree.
Programs:- BS - Completion in Respiratory Care with Clinical Practice Concentration
- BS - Completion in Respiratory Care with Management Concentration
- AS - Respiratory Therapy
- Salt Lake City
American Career College
Campus
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.
Programs:- Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Anaheim
- Ontario
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus
Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Programs:- Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Care
- Phoenix
Stevens-Henager
Campus
For more than 119 years, Stevens-Henager College has worked to train generations of graduates for new careers. Stevens-Henager College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Our degree programs, designed to help graduates compete in the ever-evolving employment market, include Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Surgical Technology, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, Computer Science, and Graphic Arts*. Online programs are offered via Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray. Stevens-Henager College Idaho Falls is a branch campus of the CollegeAmerica, Flagstaff, AZ, main campus.
*Check each campus for program availability.
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Boise
- Murray
Keiser University Campus
Campus
Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs:- Respiratory Therapy, AS
- Occupational Therapy Assistant, AS
- Physical Therapy Assistant, AS
- Fort Lauderdale
- Tampa
- Daytona Beach
- Tallahassee
- Hollywood
- Fort Myers
- Jacksonville
- Melbourne
- West Palm Beach
- Orlando
- Miami
- Sarasota
Everest Institute
Campus
Take your career to a whole new level with a degree from Everest Institute. Programs available in Accounting, Paralegal, Business Administration and more.
Programs:- Respiratory Care (Associate's)
- Dialysis Technician (Diploma)
- Atlanta
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus
Get everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs:- Respiratory Therapy
- Cardiovascular Sonography
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Monroeville
- Orlando
Fortis Institute
Campus
Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs:- Respiratory Therapy
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Erie
- Nashville
Carrington College
Campus
Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs:- Respiratory Care
- Physical Therapy Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Phoenix
- Las Vegas
- Mesa
- Tucson
St. Louis College of Health Careers
Campus
Get your career started with St. Louis College of Health Careers. We offer programs for careers in the health care field at our two St. Louis, Missouri, locations. With our accelerated programs, you could be on your way to a new career in under a year.
Programs:- Respiratory Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Fenton
- Saint Louis
California College San Diego
Campus
California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
Programs:- Bachelor Science in Respiratory Therapy
- Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
- San Diego
ATI Career Training Center
Campus
ATI has over 35 years of experience helping working adults like you get hands-on career training. Quality programs are offered in healthcare, automotive and electronics.
Programs:- Respiratory Therapy
- Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology
- Personal Fitness Trainer
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami
Platt College
Campus
Turn your talents into a career. Nationally recognized and accredited Platt College offers degree programs in Graphic Design, Multimedia, IT Networking and Paralegal.
Programs:- Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science
- Alhambra
New England Institute of Technology
Campus
New England Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit, co-educational technical college offering over 30 Associate in Science, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree programs. As a leader in Technical Career Education in southern New England, New England Tech is committed to providing hands-on technological programs that prepare graduates for positions of leadership in the technical, industrial, business, and allied health communities. Most of our associate degree programs can be completed in as little as 18 months, and bachelor’s degree programs in as little as three years.
Programs:- Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Care Technology
- Associate in Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Warwick
AICHP-Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus
Give your career a boost with American Institute College of Health Professions. We offer diploma and bachelor's degree programs in diagnostic general sonography and diagnostic cardiac sonography.
Programs:- Diagnostic General Sonography
- Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography
- Kissimmee
- Denver
