Respiratory Therapy and Respiratory Technician Degrees

Job Description

Respiratory Therapist and Respiratory Therapy Technicians carry the responsibility of evaluating and treating patients suffering from various cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders. They work directly under the guidelines created by a supervising physician.

The day to day activities that are done by Respiratory Therapists and technicians include evaluating patients, and developing patient care plans and providing treatments outlined in those plans. Respiratory Therapists and Technicians scope of treatment practices includes oxygen usage, operation and maintaining of patient ventilation devices, administer various cardiopulmonary medications to assist patients in breathing or to help treat airway problems, monitoring oxygen saturations and blood gas levels.

Career Outlook

In the U.S., safety guidelines for working and living environments have been steadily becoming more controlled over the past several years. However, the nation’s growing population of elderly patients affected by respiratory disorders before those safety standards became in effect demands that more Respiratory Therapists and Technicians be utilized to monitor and treat suffering patients.

According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the demand for Respiratory Therapists is expected to grow by an astounding 19% between 2006 and 2016. Job opportunities in hospitals and Physician’s offices, as well as home health care, and extended care facilities are expected to be among the top options for employment.

Education

Graduates of an accredited degree program for Respiratory Therapy or Respiratory Technician training can expect be well versed in Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, especially areas that pertain to the human cardiopulmonary system. Students will be taught in areas of microbiology, physics, and mathematics.

Licensing is required in most states for practicing Respiratory Therapists, and other certificate requirements may include Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Cardiac Life Support (PALS). Only those holding at least an Associate’s degree will be licensed, and in many working environments Bachelor’s degrees are preferred.

Educational options for Respiratory Therapists and technicians vary widely. However, accreditation through one of the nation’s primary accrediting agencies is required for licensure. Colleges and Universities offering degree and certificate programs for Respiratory Therapists and Respiratory technicians have begun to play a key role in promoting enough course schedules to accommodate the number of trained individuals needed to fulfill the demand. These schools offer course not only campus based, but a great many are now offering online degree programs for Respiratory Therapy.

The opportunities for education have never been better for students. Schools have created programs designed around the schedules of its students, and allow them to fill full time jobs while attending school. This type of coursework not only fits the active schedules of those right out of high school, but also older individuals that already have families that take up much of their time.

Featured Respiratory Therapy Schools

BS Respiratory Care

AS Advcanced Respiratory Care BS Respiratory Care

Other schools and partners offering degrees in Respiratory Care

More Featured Schools

Top Online Nursing Programs

Below you will find the top rated online nursing schools along with the program the school offers. Request a free information packets from the nation's best online nursing programs using the More Info buttons below:

	The College Network - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. With healthcare degrees offered by 10 major universities, The College Network has become the premiere destination for students seeking a nursing degree online. They offer fully accredited degrees, including LPN to RN degrees, that will satisfy students' career goals and ambitions.
	Indiana State University - Bachelor's Degree. Offering a high-quality, accredited degree in nursing, Indiana State University gives students a chance to quickly accelerate into respected nursing positions in many healthcare institutions. Their popular L.P.N. to B.S.N. program is available entirely online, allowing students to continue working while pursing an advanced degree.
	Kaplan University - Certification, Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. As one of the most respected online universities in the country, Kaplan University has helped thousands of students reach their dreams of becoming a nurse. With a number of healthcare degree programs available, students can graduate in as little as two years and be on their way to helping others.
	Herzing University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Herzing University offers three key nursing programs for students of all ages and education levels. Students will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training in order to better prepare them for a real position in the healthcare industry.
	Walden University - Master's Degree. For individuals seeking higher education in the field of nursing, Walden University has knowledgeable, respected industry leaders educating their students. Their quality education and in-depth training will help students get on the right track to leadership positions in several healthcare institutions and entities.
	Capella University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Capella University is an accredited university providing nursing students the skill set and education needed to make an impact in the healthcare industry. Their affordable programs allow those who enjoy helping others to gain additional knowledge to continue pursuing their passion.

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