Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Health care careers require a variety of degrees and/or certifications. In fact, many people in the health care industry return to school for updated training or certification. Commonly offered degree and certification programs include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Career-Specific Certification
With our baby boomer generation aging, the health care field is growing exponentially. From an increased need for pharmacists and technicians to growing demand for medical records specialists, there are jobs related to health care throughout the nation. You can make yourself a more marketable candidate by returning to school and broadening your knowledge base.
Because there are so many different types of degrees available in the health care world, it also means that it can take a varied amount of time to get certified or start your career. Many technicians can get their certificates in one or two years, but a large percentage of workers return to school to get additional training or a degree. Generally, the more education completed, the higher the salary.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
When you have a career in respiratory therapy you will work under a physician to evaluate and treat patients that have breathing problems. You will be in charge of the diagnostic and treatment procedures and may supervise respiratory therapy technicians as well. When you become a respiratory therapist you will consult with doctors and other health care providers to develop and modify treatment plans and may provide complex therapy such as treatment for patients on life support or in intensive-care hospital units.
An Education in Respiratory Therapy
Nearly all states require respiratory therapists to be licensed. Although you may become licensed and employed with an associate’s degree you should plan on earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree for the best job outlook. Examples of classes you will take to become a respiratory therapist are physics, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, mathematics, and pharmacology. Other courses you will take will teach you diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and tests, patient assessment, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and respiratory health promotion.
Respiratory Therapist Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that respiratory therapist careers will be in high demand over the next decade with a projected growth of 21 percent. The median annual respiratory therapist salary in 2008 was $52,200, and the lowest ten percent earned under $37,920. The highest ten percent of physical therapist salaries were over $69,800 per year. (Salary data retrieved 6/25/11)
To get the education you need for a career in respiratory therapy, find a training program now!