AHEC Connecticut
THERAPY & REHABILITATION - Respiratory Therapist
To be a successful Respiratory Therapist you should...
- pay close attention to detail
- display flexibility to respond to different patient needs
- possess the ability to make sound judgments
- possess the ability to work well with diverse patients
- have excellent oral and written communication skills
- possess the ability to work well in emergency medical situations
- possess good technical skills
- have excellent interpersonal skills
- have a strong math and science ability
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What will my job be like?
Respiratory therapists assess, treat, and care for patients with heart and lung problems. A respiratory therapist performs assessment, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures such as oxygen and medication administration, blood gas analysis, lung function, or cardiac function tests. Respiratory therapists also provide life support to patients by providing mechanical ventilation, physiologic monitoring of blood, airway control, and CPR if necessary.
Respiratory Therapists may specialize in:
- Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics
- Critical Care
- Neonatal Care
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Sleep Laboratories
Where could I work?
Respiratory therapists work in many areas of hospitals, including ICU, ER, laboratory, pulmonary/cardiac rehabilitation, and sleep studies. Respiratory therapists generally work between 35 and 40 hours a week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists may work daytime, evenings, nights, or weekends.
Other workplace settings:
- Home Health Agencies
- Respiratory Therapy Clinics
- Physician Offices
- Rehabilitation Centers
What is the average annual salary?
$53,122
What is the future of this career?
Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014, because of substantial growth in numbers of the middle-aged and elderly population—a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease—and because of the expanding role of respiratory therapists in the early detection of pulmonary disorders, case management, disease prevention, and emergency care.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Respiratory therapists must complete a minimum of a 2-year associate degree to take an entry-level exam required by the State of Connecticut.
Training is offered at the postsecondary level by community college, colleges and universities, and trade schools. Programs prepare graduates for jobs as registered respiratory therapists (RRT) or certified respiratory therapists (CRT).
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Gateway Community College, New Haven
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury
- Norwalk Hospital/Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden
- University of Hartford/Hartford Hospital, West Hartford
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required by the state of Connecticut. Prerequisites: An approved Respiratory Therapy program; National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc.'s (NBRC); Entry level or advanced practitioner credential as a certified Respiratory Therapy Technician or Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Where can I get more information?
American Association for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 243-2272
www.aarc.org