Respiratory Therapist
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Respiratory therapists are the cornerstone of respiratory care teams, playing a critical role in delivering essential services to patients with respiratory conditions. They are responsible for assessing, treating and managing patients with breathing disorders, providing therapies such as oxygen administration, nebulizer treatments and ventilator management.
Impact on Patient Lives
Respiratory therapists are integral members of the healthcare team, dedicated to improving respiratory function and enhancing the overall quality of life for their patients.
Assessment and Treatment
They assess, treat and manage patients with breathing disorders.
Compassionate Caregivers
Beyond their technical skills, respiratory therapists prioritize patient comfort and well-being.
Teamwork and Camaraderie
They collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Career Advancement
Respiratory therapists are committed to lifelong learning and advancement opportunities exist in a variety of specialists and management roles.
Specialized Opportunities
Respiratory therapists work in a variety of medical settings, supporting patients across many medical specialties, including emergency departments, pediatric care and more.
Respiratory Therapist Educational Standards
Education
Program | Associate
Degree Program Accreditation | Bachelor’s Degree Program Accreditation | Program Terminal Testing Authority | Credential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Respiratory Therapist | CoARC | CoARC | NBRC | RRT preferred to CRT |
Respiratory Therapist Pay
Annual pay for a respiratory therapist is determined based on both skills and experience. This occupation shows advertised annual pay trends increasing 58% from June 2021 to May 2024.
Typical compensation by percentile (Pct) for a respiratory therapist in the Columbus, Ohio Metro Statistical Area based on skills and experience include:
Region | Entry Level 10th Pct | 25th Pct | Median Salary 50th Pct | 75th Pct | 90th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Columbus, OH | $64,049 | $74,191 | $80,182 | $88,807 | $97,178 |
May 2024
Current Career Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
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Respiratory therapists assess, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders or cardiopulmonary conditions.
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They administer therapies such as oxygen, aerosolized medications and mechanical ventilation, as well as provide patient education on respiratory conditions and treatment options.
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To become a respiratory therapist, one typically needs to complete an accredited respiratory therapy program, which may result in an associate or bachelor's degree.
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After completing their education, they must pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), depending on their level of education.
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Respiratory therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home care agencies and sleep disorder centers.
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They may also work in specialized areas such as neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments or pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
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This in-demand occupation is expected to grow as the Columbus, Ohio region grows and its population ages, reflecting a potential increase in the prevalence of respiratory conditions.
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Respiratory therapists have opportunities for career advancement into supervisory roles, education, research or specialized areas of respiratory care.
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This occupation shows advertised salary trends increasing 53% from June 2021 to May 2024.
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Respiratory therapists treat a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and sleep apnea.
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They also provide care for patients recovering from surgery or experiencing respiratory failure.
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Respiratory therapists follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety during respiratory treatments.
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This includes assessing patients before administering treatments, monitoring vital signs during therapy and following infection control procedures to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.
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Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in emergency situations such as cardiac arrests or trauma cases by providing advanced airway management, administering oxygen therapy and assisting with mechanical ventilation to support breathing and oxygenation.
