Respiratory therapy technicians abide by established procedures to use equipment and otherwise assist respiratory therapists and doctors. Entry-level employment is available to those with an associate degree or certification.

• Associates Degree: Takes two years to complete with full-time study

• Bachelor's Degree: Takes two years beyond the associates or a total of four years to complete

• Master's Degree: Typically take two years to finish

The associate degree is the minimal requirement to enter into a career as a respiratory therapist. However, individuals that want to advance in the profession will need to pursue the bachelor's or master's degree. Licensing is required in every state except Hawaii and Alaska. Those that pursue the associate degree will have a harder time finding suitable employment as opposed to those with a bachelor's degree, which is quickly becoming the norm in this profession. 

The school the student chooses should hold the proper accreditation, which is through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The coursework frequently taught in the respiratory therapy program includes biology, chemistry, microbiology, math, physics, and pharmacology, to name a few. Students have to have a strong science, math, and human anatomy core in order to perform well in this career (BLS).

All but two states require graduates to become a Certified Respiratory Therapists through the National Board for Respiratory Care, which is done after all coursework has been completed. Students must have completed at least an associate degree to qualify to sit for the certification examination.

In addition, the graduate can also take the Registered Respiratory Therapist certification, which can only be taken after the CRT is passed. The advanced RRT helps the student advance in his or her career, but they can only take the RRT up to three years after graduation.

Salary varies by degree level and experience. Entry-level respiratory therapists can always expect to make the lowest amount for the area and facility, but those with more training and experience can earn proportionately higher salaries. The overall average for respiratory therapists for the United States was $52,200 annually in 2008. Fifty percent of all respiratory therapists fall into the $44,490 to $61,720 salary range if they had at least a bachelor's degree.

Those who have associate degrees or limited experience fell into the bottom 10 percent of earners at $37,920 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned over $69,800, which presumably were master's level employees or those with a great deal of experience (BLS).

The field of respiratory therapy is expected to see a 21 percent increase in employment opportunities through the year 2018. This is considered a very fast growing occupation, as the national average falls in the seven to 13 percent range. Job opportunities will be best for those with bachelor's degrees and certifications. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, but in the future, with more of an aging population, jobs are expected to be seen in home healthcare and even within doctor's offices (BLS).

Health education is a related career in many ways, but these educators teach students about healthy lifestyles to stave off excessive weight, which can often lead to many diseases. In addition, health educators often help to create plans for elder care as well as the school system. Health education is one of the primary forms of preventative medicine, as informed individuals make fewer dangerous choices (BLS).

Healthcare management professionals typically are engaged in the management of healthcare facilities such as hospitals or medical divisions. In very large hospitals often there are many assistant or departmental administrators that help make sure the operation and day-to-day needs of patients and staff are met (BLS).

A degree in nutrition opens doors to students who wish to work as dietitians or nutritionists. These professionals work in hospitals and nursing homes, mainly by developing healthy eating plans to increase the overall health of the patient. In addition, many nutritionists have began to work in the school system to provide healthier choices of foods to elementary and high-school students (BLS).

Fitness trainers typically design programs for their clients depending on their current health condition, weight, and age. By getting people moving and in shape, graduates of this program can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to obesity. Often fitness workers and nutritionists work side-by-side in healthcare facilities (BLS).

Sources

BLS.gov - Respiratory Therapist Overview

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

National Board for Respiratory Care