respiratory local nurse working on child

Local Respiratory Therapist Careers

A respiratory therapist (RT) is an allied health professional who diagnoses and helps treat pulmonary and cardiopulmonary conditions. While working under a doctor’s supervision, they can perform exams, diagnose conditions, monitor patients, and provide treatment for a number of illnesses.

Local Respiratory Therapist

Scope

Education

Salary

Scope of practice

A local respiratory therapist accepts permanent positions that allow them to offer hands-on care for patients. Some of the duties they perform include:

Performing examinations to evaluate breathing capabilities
Performing diagnostic tests to determine blood gas levels
Providing appropriate treatment
Educating patients and family members on respiratory health
Performing a variety of breathing treatments
Connecting patients to ventilators

As a respiratory therapist, you’d work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, and sometimes, even in private homes.

Required education and training

To become a respiratory therapist, you’ll need to receive either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Because of how competitive the field is now, a bachelor’s can help you stand out, but you can still begin working as a respiratory therapist with an associate degree.

Once you get your degree, you’ll have to earn certification. This is true in all states except for Alaska. To obtain certification, you’ll have to pass the national exam and then consider getting your license. For those who’d like to specialize in certain areas, further certification will be necessary.

nurse working on a patient in the hospital - respiratory nurse

Local respiratory therapist salary and benefits

RTs are highly sought after, so you can make a living in the majority of states. Keep in mind that you can expect higher salaries in cities, while rural areas will typically pay less.

When you work with a staffing agency to find the right positions, you also earn a number of benefits. These include life and health insurance, retirement planning, continuing education credits, and paid time off.

Respiratory therapist FAQs

Can I specialize as a respiratory therapist?

Yes, there are many areas in which you can specialize if you’re working as a respiratory therapist. You can focus on treating newborns or children, the elderly, or those in critical care. Another excellent option is a specialization in in-home care, which would allow you to help people privately.

What work environment can I expect as a RT?

A respiratory therapist can work long-term contracts in a number of settings, including hospitals, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, and nursing homes. You can expect the majority of your work to take place in hospitals, however.

Can respiratory therapists work in labs?

Yes. It’s common for respiratory therapists to work in sleep labs to help with conditions like sleep apnea. They can also help with research in the cardiopulmonary field, which can be a good choice for those who would prefer not to directly work with patients. It’s also possible to branch out into management positions.