The national average annual wage of a respiratory therapist is $62,500, according to the BLS, a little more than $10,000 higher than the average annual wage for all occupations in the U.S., $51,960. The average respiratory therapist salary can vary significantly depending on the state you work in.

Is respiratory therapy a good career 2019?

Given future health care needs, this field has promising job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19.4 percent employment growth for respiratory therapists between 2019 and 2029. In that period, an estimated 26,300 jobs should open up. Respiratory therapists care for patients with heart and lung problems.

Is respiratory therapist a dying field?

Respiratory therapy technicians are projected to decline by 56.3% What they do, according to O*NET: They provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.

Is respiratory therapy a rewarding career?

Respiratory Care is a growing health care field providing a rewarding professional work environment, competitive salaries, opportunities for continued learning, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a difference in the lives of those you have cared for.

Can you not be a respiratory therapist?

Do I need to be licensed and certified to work as a Respiratory Therapist in California? The California Business and Professions Code states that “no person may practice respiratory care or represent himself or herself to be a respiratory care practitioner in this state, without a valid license.”

Is it a good career to be a respiratory therapist?

Respiratory therapy is an in-demand career that’s expected to grow over the next decade. According to the BLS, “ employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than average for all occupations.

What kind of patients do respiratory therapists treat?

Respiratory therapists play an important role in the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), respiratory therapists take care of patients who have breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic respiratory disease. These patients can range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly with diseased lungs.

How to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist ( RRT )?

Once a minimum threshold is earned, the graduate is then eligible to sit for the Clinical Simulation (CS) exam. Upon successfully passing the CS exam the graduate earns the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential.

Can a Respiratory Therapist be a sleep specialist?

With an increase in the number of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, there has been an increased demand for therapists specialized in conducting sleep studies. A Sleep disorder specialist (SDS) is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT-SDS) that has successfully passed the certification examination NBRC-SDS.