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A Respiratory Therapist cares for patients who have breathing or other cardiopulmonary problems. Respiratory therapists work under the supervision of physicians to:

• Perform diagnostic procedures such as lung capacity tests and blood gas analysis to assess patients' conditions
• Treat patients by administering oxygen, connecting patients to ventilators, performing chest physiotherapy, and giving medications
• Monitor patients and equipment
• Teach patients and their families to use respiratory equipment at home

Respiratory therapists may supervise respiratory technicians who are usually responsible for less complex tasks. Respiratory therapists and respiratory technicians have the same education requirements, but respiratory therapists have greater responsibility.

To become a respiratory therapist, you must complete an associate or bachelor's program. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certifies and registers graduates of accredited programs. In most states, you must have a license, and you must pass the CRT exam to obtain it.

If you complete an entry-level respiratory therapy training program, you take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam.

If you take an advanced respiratory therapy program, you can take two exams to earn Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification. The RRT certification can help you get a job in intensive care or to become a supervisor.

Based on 2004 data, as a respiratory therapist you can expect to earn between at least $32,220 and up to more than $57,580 per year, with a median earning potential of $43,140 yearly.

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