Getting a job as a respiratory therapist can be a great choice for those seeking an interesting and rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
Respiratory therapists are essential in many facets of medicine, providing valuable services in hospitals, for home health services, at private practice and in other capacities in order to keep us all breathing well.
As one of a number of medical industry jobs on the rise, employment opportunities are increasing for qualified individuals, as is the salary. For those interested in a more technical, but very hands-on profession, becoming an RT may be just the right decision.
Respiratory Therapist Salary
With gradual improvement of the economy, and a rapidly aging 'baby boomer' population causing increased numbers to be entering their senior years, employment is dramatically increasing.
There are more jobs than ever for RTs, and not enough qualified professionals to fill them. This has created an employment landscape that is very favorable with respect to increasing salaries and advancement opportunities.
In the US, according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salary in 2010, their most recent job census year, was $54,280, with a range of the lowest 10 percent of employed earning $39,990 and the highest 10 percent of employed earning $73,410.
Salary rates were generally considerably higher than the median annual pay rate for all occupations combined, which was 33,840, but somewhat lower than the collective of health diagnosing and treating professions, which had a median annual salary of $71,490.
According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), as of their 2009 human resources study, respiratory therapists just entering employment were earning between $42,000 and $47,000 annually. The projected salary outlook from this study was that most would likely be earning a median salary of as much as $62,000 annually due to job growth, demand and salary increase.
Salaries in Canada as of 2010 were between $49,173 and $120,386 CDN depending on province and specialty. In the UK, salary ranges are somewhat comparable, but vary greatly depending on work experience, specialty and facility types.
Becoming a Respiratory Therapist
In most cases, becoming a respiratory therapist involves the completion of a specialized degree program, obtaining certification, and then becoming licensed or registered.
There are both Associate's degree courses and Bachelor's degree courses available, each preparing students for entry into the career. Masters programs and continuing in education is also available for those interested in specializing and further advancing their careers.
Students should strive to do well in their math and science classes, since respiratory therapy does involve a fair amount of calculation and applied math skills.
Information On Certification
Certification is required in the US and Canada, and may be required in other countries as well. It usually involves passing a nationally held certification examination.
There are two levels of certification as well, a CRT, certified respiratory therapist, for those who have completed an Associate's degree program, and an RRT, registered therapist, for those who have graduated a Bachelor's degree program. Where RTs are required to be licensed, they may apply for licensure after having successfully passed their certification examinations.
Professional Advancement
Although most respiratory therapists work in hospitals and for home health agencies, there are many diverse specialty areas that require the expertise of an RT. Those specialties include positions as an anesthesia assistant, asthma specialists, cystic fibrosis specialists, cardiovascular perfusionist,
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation specialist, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, sleep disorder specialist, surface and air transport manager, respiratory therapy case management and pulmonary research.
Each of these different specialty areas requires completion of all base education, and then continued learning and work experience. Salaries are generally higher for specialists, too, and there is usually a great opportunity for meaningful advancement in a practitioner's career.
In order to learn more about professional advancement and specialty requirements, interested individuals should contact their country's respiratory therapy professional organization.
A career in respiratory therapy can be a great choice for those who are more technically oriented, but still wish to work in the healthcare industry. RTs work with many other professionals, as well as with some highly technical diagnosis, treatment and monitoring equipment, making it an interesting profession.
The salary is fairly competitive as well based assessment of medical jobs overall, making it a fruitful career option for the right individuals who have what it takes to succeed.
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