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Respiratory Therapist
As a Respiratory Therapist, you work as part of the medical team under the direction of a physician. You apply your knowledge and skills to evaluate and treat patients who have problems with breathing — from premature babies whose lungs have not yet developed to people suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma or bronchitis to patients on life support in hospital intensive-care units.
You interview patients, perform limited physical examinations, and conduct diagnostic tests such as measuring breathing capacity and blood gas concentrations. After relaying the results to the physician who makes treatment decisions, you provide the prescribed treatment, which may include the use of oxygen delivery devices, administration of aerosolized drugs, and other therapeutic remedies. You continue to monitor the patient’s condition, making any needed adjustments according to the physician’s orders.
At Baker, with its small class sizes and supervised, hands-on learning experiences, you’ll learn and develop the medical knowledge, critical thinking, and technical skills required for the practice of respiratory care, so that when you graduate, you’ll be fully prepared to start your new career.
Career Facts
- The average annual wage for Respiratory Therapists is $54,200.
- Opportunities are expected to grow 21 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than average, as a result of a growing middle-aged and elderly population who are more susceptible to respiratory disorders and related diseases
- Respiratory Therapists work in many different settings — hospital labs, intensive-care units, emergency rooms, critical care, operating rooms, sleep diagnostic facilities, and home care. Some may specialize in one area, or become involved in disease prevention, stop-smoking programs, or clinics that help people with chronic respiratory disease.
- Typically, the work week is 35 to 40 hours. Those who work in hospitals may work evenings, nights, or weekends. Therapists who work in home care may make emergency visits if equipment problems arise.
- With experience, Respiratory Therapists can advance from general care to a specialization or to a supervisory or teaching position.
Programs
Want to get the ball rolling?
Everything about our college is aimed at getting you the job you want in the shortest time possible — from our affordable tuition, to how we choose our programs, to our small class sizes, and flexible class schedules.
Discover what Baker can do for your future. Schedule a visit or enroll online today.
