Respiratory Therapist

00:00Welcome to this career exploration episode from Qoollege. Today we are looking at respiratory therapy, a healthcare career that is often overlooked, but plays an important role in hospitals and many other care settings.

00:13That is right. Respiratory therapists, or RTs, help care for people who have trouble breathing. They work with patients who may have asthma, COPD, pneumonia, sleep disorders, or other conditions that affect the lungs and heart. In many cases, they are part of the team helping patients during urgent situations, recovery after surgery, or long-term management of chronic illness.

00:38So if someone hears the title “respiratory therapist,” they might think it is only about giving oxygen. But the job is broader than that, correct?

00:48Much broader. RTs assess how a patient is breathing, check oxygen levels, listen to the lungs, and may draw or analyze blood samples to understand how well the body is getting oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. They also set up and monitor ventilators, administer breathing treatments, perform pulmonary function tests, and teach patients how to use inhalers or manage their conditions at home.

01:14That sounds like a mix of hands-on care, science, and problem-solving.

01:18Exactly. It is a clinical role that requires technical knowledge and careful judgment. RTs often work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. In fast-moving settings, they may need to respond quickly to emergencies such as cardiac arrest, trauma, or severe breathing distress.

01:36Where do respiratory therapists usually work?

01:39Hospitals are the most common setting, especially in emergency departments, intensive care units, and newborn or pediatric units. But RTs also work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, diagnostic labs, and sleep centers. So while hospital work is central to the profession, it is not the only path.

01:59Let’s talk about why this career matters. Why is respiratory care such an important part of healthcare?

02:06Breathing affects nearly every system in the body. When someone cannot breathe well, it can become life-threatening very quickly. RTs help with both routine and urgent care, and they support patients recovering from infections, surgery, or long-term lung disease. This career is especially important as the population ages, because older adults are more likely to have respiratory and cardiac conditions. That creates ongoing need in hospitals and long-term care settings, although local demand can still vary by region and employer.

02:39For students who are wondering about training, what does the education path usually look like?

02:45The most common entry route is a two-year associate degree in respiratory therapy or respiratory care. Some schools offer bachelor’s degree programs as well. After graduation, students typically pursue certification, and in many places they also need state licensure. Entry-level certification is commonly the CRT, or Certified Respiratory Therapist credential. Many RTs later go on to earn the RRT, or Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. There are also optional pulmonary function credentials such as CPFT and RPFT for those who want to work more in testing.

03:20So this is a relatively direct path compared with some other healthcare careers.

03:25Yes, it is often shorter than many other clinical professions, but that does not mean it is easy. The coursework is science-heavy and the clinical training is serious. Students usually need a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and some physics concepts related to airflow and pressure.

03:45What kinds of skills do students need to succeed?

03:48First, strong science and technical skills. RTs need to understand the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, equipment like ventilators and oxygen delivery systems, and the data that helps guide treatment. They also need communication skills, because they explain procedures to patients and families, document care accurately, and work as part of a team. On the personal side, it helps to be calm under pressure, detail-oriented, responsible, and able to handle shift work and physically active days.

04:19What about personality fit? Who tends to enjoy this kind of work?

04:24Students who like science and want direct patient care often do well. It can be a good fit for people who are comfortable in hospitals, can stay focused during stressful moments, and want a healthcare job with a practical entry pathway. On the other hand, someone who strongly prefers a predictable nine-to-five schedule, or who does not enjoy science classes or patient contact, may find this career less appealing.

04:52Let’s talk about the job market. What does the outlook look like?

04:57According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average for all occupations. The BLS also projects about 8,800 openings per year on average during that period. It is important to be cautious with projections, though. Forecasts can change with healthcare funding, staffing needs, and local demand. Still, the outlook is generally considered solid.

05:26And salary?

05:27Wage data can vary a lot by location, employer, experience, and shift differentials. The report we are using notes a 2019 median annual salary of 61,330 dollars, but it also says more current data was not captured in the source pack. So students should check the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics information before making decisions. In general, the pay is often viewed as competitive for a career that can begin after about two years of training.

05:58If a student is in high school and interested in respiratory therapy, what should they do now?

06:05Focus on science and math. Biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and algebra are especially useful. If possible, shadow a respiratory therapist, volunteer in a healthcare setting, or talk with professionals in hospitals or nursing homes. It also helps to learn medical terminology, build good study habits, and practice communication skills. These steps can make a future application stronger and help a student confirm whether the work really feels like a good fit.

06:35What should students look for when comparing college programs?

06:38First, check whether the program is accredited and whether it prepares students for certification testing. Ask about clinical rotation sites, hands-on lab practice, completion rates, and exam pass rates if the school shares them. Compare cost, location, class size, and whether the program is a two-year associate route or a four-year bachelor’s route. For many students, the associate degree is the main entry point, while the bachelor’s degree may be more helpful for later advancement or specialization.

07:10That makes sense. And after graduation, what does the day-to-day work really feel like?

07:16It can be busy and sometimes intense. A therapist may begin by checking patients on ventilators in intensive care, then respond to a patient in the emergency department who is having trouble breathing, and later perform a breathing test or teach a patient how to use an inhaler correctly. In a long-term care setting, the day may look different, with more routine monitoring, oxygen support, and patient education. The common thread is that RTs are helping people breathe more safely and comfortably.

07:49Are there ways to specialize over time?

07:52Yes. Some RTs move toward critical care, neonatal care, pediatric care, pulmonary rehabilitation, home care, or sleep medicine. Others focus on pulmonary function testing. With experience, some advance into shift supervisor, department manager, or other leadership roles. So while the entry route is fairly direct, the career can still develop in different directions.

08:14Before we wrap up, what is one honest thing students should know about this career?

08:20Respiratory therapy is meaningful work, but it is not low-stress work. It can involve shift schedules, weekends, holidays, physically demanding tasks, and emotionally difficult situations. There are also infection-control concerns in healthcare environments. At the same time, many students appreciate the chance to make a direct difference for patients and to enter a clinical field without a very long training pathway.

08:45So the big takeaway is that respiratory therapy may be a strong option for students who like science, want hands-on patient care, and are open to a hospital-based environment.

08:57That is a good summary. If you are curious about the field, the next best step is simple: talk to an RT, visit a program, and compare the education pathways in your area. A careful look now can help you decide whether this is a career you want to pursue.

09:17Thanks for listening. If respiratory therapy is on your list, keep building your science skills, ask questions, and explore the programs near you. That is the best way to turn interest into an informed plan.