Respiratory Therapists

Role Overview

What Is a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. They play a critical role in managing conditions ranging from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to acute respiratory failure and COVID-19 complications. As frontline clinicians in hospitals and clinics, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Their expertise ensures that patients receive life-sustaining oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and other interventions to maintain or restore normal breathing function.

The importance of this occupation has grown significantly in recent decades, particularly as respiratory illnesses have become more prevalent and complex. Respiratory therapists are often the first responders in emergency situations such as cardiac arrest, trauma, or severe allergic reactions that compromise the airway. They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members to develop and implement care plans that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Without their specialized skills, many patients would face higher risks of complications, longer hospital stays, or preventable deaths.

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Respiratory therapists perform a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to assess and treat patients with breathing disorders. Their daily responsibilities are both technical and patient-centered, requiring precision, empathy, and quick decision-making. Key duties include:

• Conducting pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and other diagnostic assessments to evaluate lung capacity and oxygen levels.
• Administering inhaled medications, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, via nebulizers or metered-dose inhalers.
• Setting up and managing mechanical ventilators for patients who cannot breathe on their own, adjusting settings based on patient response.
• Performing chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques to help patients expel mucus and improve lung function.
• Monitoring patient responses to treatments, documenting progress in medical records, and reporting changes to physicians.
• Educating patients and their families on breathing exercises, medication use, and home care equipment such as oxygen concentrators.
• Supervising respiratory therapy technicians and assisting in training new staff or students.
• Responding to emergency codes for cardiac or respiratory arrest, providing advanced airway management and resuscitation.

Each day, respiratory therapists rotate between different units, including intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation clinics. Their work is highly collaborative, requiring constant communication with doctors and nurses to adjust treatment plans as patient conditions evolve.

Work Environment

Respiratory therapists work primarily in healthcare settings, with the majority employed in hospitals. Common work environments include general medical and surgical hospitals, teaching hospitals, and specialty facilities such as children's hospitals or long-term acute care centers. Within these settings, they may be assigned to critical care units, operating rooms, or emergency departments, where they handle high-acuity patients requiring intensive respiratory support.

Outside of hospitals, respiratory therapists also work in nursing homes, home health agencies, and outpatient clinics that focus on pulmonary rehabilitation or sleep medicine. Some professionals travel to patients' homes to set up and maintain oxygen equipment or ventilators. The work environment is typically fast-paced and can be physically demanding, as therapists often stand for long periods, lift equipment, and assist with patient mobility. Shift work is common, including nights, weekends, and holidays, because respiratory care is needed around the clock in acute care settings. While the environment is controlled and clean, exposure to infectious diseases and emotional stress from caring for critically ill patients is part of the job.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

Becoming a respiratory therapist requires formal education, clinical training, and professional certification. The most common pathway is earning an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program, though bachelor's degrees are increasingly preferred by employers and offer greater advancement opportunities. These programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, cardiopulmonary science, and patient assessment, combined with hands-on clinical rotations in hospital settings.

After completing an accredited program, graduates must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Many states require licensure, which typically involves passing the CRT exam and meeting additional state-specific requirements. To advance, therapists can pursue the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, which is often required for supervisory roles or specialized positions. Continuing education is mandatory to maintain licensure and stay current with evolving technologies and treatment protocols. Key skills for success include strong analytical abilities, manual dexterity for operating equipment, emotional resilience, and excellent communication to interact with patients and healthcare teams.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the most recent data, respiratory therapists in the United States earn a median annual salary of $80,450. This figure reflects the specialized nature of the role and the high demand for skilled professionals in healthcare. The top 10% of earners, often those with advanced certifications or experience in high-acuity settings, can exceed $100,000 per year. Geographic location, employer type, and years of experience significantly influence earning potential, with metropolitan hospitals and specialized clinics typically offering higher wages.

The job outlook for respiratory therapists is exceptionally strong, with a projected growth rate of 12.10% over the next decade—much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population with higher rates of chronic respiratory diseases, increased prevalence of conditions like asthma and COPD, and advances in medical technology that expand treatment options. The current U.S. employment is 136,420, with approximately 9 annual openings expected due to retirements and career changes. These factors make respiratory therapy a stable and rewarding career choice for individuals interested in healthcare and patient care.

Related Occupations

Several healthcare careers share similarities with respiratory therapy in terms of patient care, technical skills, or work environment. These related occupations offer alternative paths for those interested in the field or opportunities for career progression:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) – Provide direct patient care, including respiratory monitoring and medication administration, often in the same hospital units as respiratory therapists.
• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians – Perform diagnostic tests on the heart and blood vessels, sometimes collaborating with respiratory therapists on cardiopulmonary assessments.
• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists – Analyze blood gases and other specimens used by respiratory therapists to guide treatment decisions.
• Physical Therapists – Work with patients on breathing exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation, complementing the work of respiratory therapists.
• Respiratory Therapy Technicians – Assist respiratory therapists with equipment setup, patient monitoring, and routine procedures, serving as an entry-level role that can lead to advancement.

Natural progression for experienced respiratory therapists includes moving into supervisory roles, management positions, or specialized areas such as neonatal care or sleep medicine. Some pursue advanced degrees to become physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or educators in respiratory therapy programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about a career as a respiratory therapist:

• What is the difference between a respiratory therapist and a respiratory therapy technician? A respiratory therapist holds at least an associate degree and national certification, allowing them to assess patients, develop care plans, and supervise technicians. Technicians typically have less training and assist with equipment and basic procedures under a therapist's direction.
• Do respiratory therapists work with all age groups? Yes, respiratory therapists treat patients of all ages, from premature infants in NICUs to elderly adults with chronic lung disease. Specialized training is required for neonatal or pediatric care.
• Is a bachelor's degree necessary to become a respiratory therapist? No, an associate degree is sufficient for entry-level positions, but a bachelor's degree is increasingly preferred for advancement, higher pay, and roles in management or education.
• What skills are most important for success in this career? Critical thinking, attention to detail, manual dexterity, emotional stability, and strong communication skills are essential. The ability to work under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing patient conditions is also crucial.
• Can respiratory therapists specialize in a particular area? Yes, common specializations include neonatal/pediatric care, critical care, pulmonary function testing, sleep medicine, and home care. Advanced certifications from the NBRC are available for these areas.