8000 Healthcare subject sub_topic The career outlook for respiratory therapists is expected to be very good. These professionals treat, and care for patients with respiratory or cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists consult with doctors and other health care staff to help develop and modify individual patient care plans. 0 0 1 8860 <ul><li> Job opportunities will be very good, especially for therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants.</li> <li> Most states require respiratory therapists to obtain a license.</li> <li> Hospitals will continue to employ the majority of respiratory therapists, but a growing number of therapists are independently contracted.</li></ul> <p><b>What does a respiratory therapist do?</b></p> <p>Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practitioners, treat, and care for patients with respiratory or cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists consult with doctors and other health care staff to help develop and modify individual patient care plans. They evaluate and treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants, whose lungs are not fully developed, to elderly people, with diseased lungs. Respiratory therapists generally work between 35 and 40 hours a week and because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists may work evenings, nights, or weekends. </p> <b>What is the job outlook for a respiratory therapist?</b> <p>Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants and senior citizens. A growing number of respiratory therapists work in home-health care services, and doctor offices.</p> <b>How much money does a respiratory therapist make?</b> <p>The average yearly salary for a medical office clerk is $43,000, with a range from $37,000 to $50,000, depending on experience and location. Health and retirement benefits vary by workplace.<p/> <b>How does someone become a respiratory therapist?</b> <p>Formal training and an associate's degree are necessary for entry into the field of respiratory therapy. Training is offered by a number of different types of schools. Graduates of accredited programs are required to become certified (CRT) and registered (RRT) by the state in which they live by passing an exam. Most states and employers also require respiratory therapists to have a CPR certification. Respiratory therapists with bachelor's or master's degrees can advance to managerial positions in a respiratory therapy department. </p> respiratory Find Accredited Respiratory Therapist Degrees & Respiratory Therapy School Programs Respiratory Therapy, Respiratory therapist Respiratory Therapy Respiratory Therapy 8810, 8690, 8740 Respiratory Therapist Degrees & Respiratory Therapy School Programs 1 0 Healthcare