Respiratory Therapy Schools - Respiratory Therapists

People who hope to enter the field of respiratory therapy should breathe easy; there's a predicted high demand for qualified professionals through the end of the decade. Respiratory therapists work with patients who suffer from upper respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions.

These professionals may evaluate pulmonary disorders, conduct diagnostic testing, structure specific treatment plans, and perform follow-up patient testing. Respiratory therapy schools throughout the country can prepare you for a career in this vital medical field.

Respiratory Professionals are in High Demand 

Job opportunities are predicted to be especially good through 2012 for infant and cardiopulmonary care specialists in respiratory therapy.  The two primary careers for professionals in the field lie along respiratory therapist or respiratory technician paths.

Respiratory therapists work directly under the guidance of a primary physician to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and supervise cardiopulmonary care in medical clinics and hospitals. They manage the work of respiratory technicians, the professionals who actually operate medical equipment or administer medications to the individual patient.

Respiratory therapists may measure lung capacity, blood chemistry, and oxygen volume. Technicians administer aerosol medications and monitor breathing gear and ventilators.

You'll need formal training and licensing to work in either field. Forty of the 50 states license respiratory professionals. Universities, colleges, medical schools, and vocational training programs offer the necessary coursework leading to associate’s or bachelor’s degrees that prepare you to work as a respiratory therapist.

There are also dedicated respiratory therapy schools that offer full training, or you can receive a certificate that qualifies you for entry-level or assisting positions. In addition to the training on respiratory equipment, your coursework may focus on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, chemistry, microbiology, and math.