Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with
breathing disorders. They test the capacity of patients' lungs and analyze
oxygen carbon dioxide concentration. They also measure the patient's
potential for hydrogen which indicates the acidity or alkalinity levels of
the blood. Lung capacity is measured by having the patient breathe into an
instrument that gauges the volume and flow of oxygen during inhalation and
exhalation.
By comparing the readings with the norms for the patient's age, height,
weight and sex, a respiratory therapist can determine whether lung
deficiencies exist. They are also responsible for drawing blood samples to
test patients' carbon dioxide and pH levels. After the blood is drawn, it
is placed into a gas analyzer and the results are relayed to the
physician. Respiratory therapists are required to treat a wide range of
patients ranging from premature infants whose lungs have not fully
developed to elderly people whose lung functions have been diminished by
disease. They are required to work with patients who need routine
breathing treatments after a surgical procedure or provide life sustaining
respiratory care for critically ill or injured patients.
Work Environment:
Five out of every six respiratory therapists work in a hospital setting.
However, you will also find respiratory therapists in physician offices,
nursing homes, home use respiratory equipment suppliers and in respiratory
clinics.
High School Preparation:
High school students interested in a career in respiratory therapy should
take courses in biology, health, mathematics, chemistry physics, English,
computer skills, geometry, emergency medical technology and health
occupations/ medical professions education.
College Requirements:
There are two credentialing levels for respiratory practitioners. They
include certified respiratory
therapy technician and registered respiratory therapist. The certified
respiratory therapy technician generally graduates after a one-year
certificate program. This classification administers general respiratory
care and may assume clinical responsibilities or specific treatments. The
registered respiratory therapist generally graduates from a two-year
Associate Degree program. They must then take a national examination to
become registered.
Students interested in respiratory technology should contact schools for
information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
Job opportunities for respiratory therapists are expected to grow between
21 - 35% over the next 10 years. They will experience job growth faster
than the average for all occupations in the United States. This job growth
is due in part to the aging of the baby boomer generation, which has
increased the number of individuals in the middle age to elderly portion
of the population. This age group is more likely to suffer illnesses that
affect heart and lung functions. |
|
Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$39,700
Salary Range
$29,000 to $48,800
Professional Organizations:
American Association
of Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
Phone: (972) 243-2272
Fax: (972) 484-2720
Fax: (972) 484-6010
E-mail: info@aarc.org
Web: www.aarc.org
The National Board of Respiratory Care
8310 Nieman Road
Lenexa, KS 66214-1579
Phone: (913) 599-4200
Fax: (913) 541-0156
E-mail: nbrc-info@nbrc.org
Web: www.nbrc.org
Mississippi Society for Respiratory care
P.O. Box 5152
Jackson, MS 39296
E-mail:
feedback@msrcweb.com
www.msrcweb.com
Download our Respiratory Therapy brochure
here.
(Acrobat reader required)
Please read our
copyright information
before printing these brochures.
Download for free here.
|
