Respiratory therapists assist patients of all ages who suffer from pulmonary (breathing) disorders. In addition to analyzing and performing diagnostic testing, respiratory therapists perform relevant exams and control patients’ blood-oxygen levels, as well as set up and utilize cardiopulmonary equipment and machines needed to assist or monitor the patients breathing.

Due to a growing need for respiratory therapists, job opportunities are increasing. The majority of respiratory therapist jobs are located in hospital settings, however many therapists are working in home care or nursing care facilities.

The equipment used by a respiratory therapist can sometimes be hazardous, so safety precautions must be followed carefully.

Respiratory therapy is a growing field mainly due to the rise in both the infant and elderly population. Increasingly, more respiratory therapy job openings are becoming available, specifically in the travel healthcare field.

Currently, there are more respiratory therapist job opportunities at the advanced level, which requires certification (CRTT) and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field from an accredited education program. Completing additional training (RRT) and gaining additional skills may allow occupational therapists to acquire jobs at a higher salary rate.

Respiratory therapists with experience working with the elderly or infants are in particularly high demand.