What Respiratory Therapists Do
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uC9I02SslA
Work Environment
Most respiratory therapists work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities, such as hospitals that are always open, some may work evening, night, or weekend hours.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists typically need an associate’s degree, but some have bachelor’s degrees. Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska; requirements vary by state.
Pay
The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $61,330 in May 2019.
Job Outlook
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These respiratory disorders can permanently damage the lungs or restrict lung function.
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock.
Duties
Respiratory therapists typically do the following:
- Interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
- Consult with physicians to develop patient treatment plans
- Perform diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity
- Treat patients by using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications
- Monitor and record patients’ progress
- Teach patients how to take medications and use equipment, such as ventilators
Respiratory therapists use various tests to evaluate patients. For example, therapists test lung capacity by having patients breathe into an instrument that measures the volume and flow of oxygen when they inhale and exhale. Respiratory therapists also may take blood samples and use a blood gas analyzer to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
Respiratory therapists perform chest physiotherapy on patients to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe. Removing mucus is necessary for patients suffering from lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, and involves the therapist vibrating the patient’s rib cage, often by tapping the patient’s chest and encouraging him or her to cough.
Respiratory therapists may connect patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators that deliver oxygen to the lungs. Therapists insert a tube in the patient’s windpipe (trachea) and connect the tube to ventilator equipment. They set up and monitor the equipment to ensure that the patient is receiving the correct amount of oxygen at the correct rate.
Respiratory therapists who work in home care teach patients and their families to use ventilators and other life-support systems in their homes. During these visits, they may inspect and clean equipment, check the home for environmental hazards, and ensure that patients know how to use their medications. Therapists also make emergency home visits when necessary.
In some hospitals, respiratory therapists are involved in related areas, such as diagnosing breathing problems for people with sleep apnea and counseling people on how to stop smoking.
Respiratory therapists held about 135,800 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of respiratory therapists were as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 82% |
| Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) | 4 |
| Offices of physicians | 2 |
Respiratory therapists are on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn disabled patients. Therapists work closely with registered nurses, physicians and surgeons, and medical assistants.
Work Schedules
Most respiratory therapists work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities, such as hospitals that are always open, some may work evening, night, or weekend hours.
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of respiratory therapists.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Athletic Trainers |
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. |
Bachelor’s degree | $48,440 | |
Exercise Physiologists |
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help injured or sick patients recover. |
Bachelor’s degree | $49,170 | |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. | Bachelor’s degree | $100,980 | |
Occupational Therapists |
Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. |
Master’s degree | $84,950 | |
Physical Therapists |
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $89,440 | |
Radiation Therapists |
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments. |
Associate’s degree | $85,560 | |
Registered Nurses |
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. |
Bachelor’s degree | $73,300 | |
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|
Speech-Language Pathologists |
Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. |
Master’s degree | $79,120 |
For more information about respiratory therapists, visit
American Association for Respiratory Care
For a list of accredited educational programs for respiratory care practitioners, visit
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
For a list of state licensing agencies, as well as information on gaining credentials in respiratory care, visit
The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc.
O*NET
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Respiratory Therapists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm (visited ).
