Respiratory therapists earn salaries ranging between $32,000.00 to $35,000.00 per year upon graduation.
In the nation and state, employment for respiratory therapists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year the next decade because of a substantial growth in the middle-aged and elderly population, a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease.
Opportunities are expected to be highly favorable for respiratory therapists having cardiopulmonary care skills and experience working with infants.
Very rapid grouwth is expected in home health agencies, equipment rental companies, and firms that provide respiratory care on a contractual basis (e.g., skilled nursing facilities and acute care centers).
A 40-hour work week with holiday, weekend, and shift work is typical; however, a wide variety of work settings is availabe (including part-time) -- such as:
* Truama
* Neonatal
* Home care
* Emergency transport
* Skilled nursing facilities
* Acute care centers * Educational institutions
Experienced respiratory therapists advance from caring for "general" patients to "critical" patients. With additional experience and/or education, employment can expand into many other areas.
* Specialized positions such as cardiopulmonary technologist.
* Superviory or managerial positions.
* Respiratory therapy educational instructors in college and/or hospital settings.
* Ability to make decisions on the basis of facts.
* Interest in science and working for the good of others.
* Ability to work well with people.
* Good use of hands to operate various types of respiratory therapy equipment.
* Ability to do prec ise work and move quickly.
* Clerical and basic computer skills are necessary to keep accurate records.
Respiratory therapists should be phyically fit. Adjustments may be possible for those with physical disabilites.
* Must have the ability to speed long periods standing or walking.
* Must be able to frequently lift or carry 10 to 20 pounds.
* Must have use of arms, hands, and fingers to reach, handle, and feel.
* Must have good vision or correctable vision.
A minimum of two years of training beyond high school is required.
* Parkland's two-year Associate in Applied Science degree in respiratory therapy has been in existence since 1971.
* Stuendest are encouraged to take as many of the general education courses as possible -- particularly the biology and mathematic courses -- prior to enting the respiratory therapy programa at Parkland.
Credentials are required in Illinois and are obtained throughthe National Board for Respiratory Care examination systems (NBRC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health.