Respiratory Therapists
Description OES Code: 32302
Provide assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $17.44
25 Percentile $18.33
50 Percentile $20.88
75 Percentile $24.45

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $15.74
25 Percentile $16.29
50 Percentile $18.57
75 Percentile $20.63

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The normal work week is 40 hours. Since respiratory departments in hospitals operate on a 24-hour basis, day and night shifts as well as holiday and weekend work are required. Most facilities have rotating schedules for holidays and weekends.

Fringe benefits generally include paid group health and life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans. In addition, some institutions provide credit unions, tuition assistance, and parking.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 8,100
Projected Employment 2008 12,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 58%
Separations 1998-2008 1,600

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 190
Projected Employment 2006 260
Percent Change 1999-2006 36.8%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Respiratory Therapists enjoy one of the most favorable employment outlooks in California. Health care costs have risen faster than the rate of inflation during the past several decades, leading to increasing pressure to control costs. The health care industry has responded in part by taking advantage of lower-cost employees where practical. Salaries for Respiratory Therapists are lower than those for registered nurses or physicians, so job prospects are enhanced by this trend. Also fueling growth is the aging of the population, an increase in lung damage because of air-borne pollutants, and the development of new drugs and delivery systems to help treat lung disease.

Advancement
Therapists who have a higher level of expertise may advance to teaching or supervisory positions. Therapists who have higher education and experience have a better chance to advance. Respiratory therapists advance in clinical practice by moving from care of general to critical patients who have significant problems in other organ systems, such as the heart or kidneys. Respiratory therapists, especially those with 4-year degrees, may also advance to supervisory or managerial positions in a respiratory therapy department. Respiratory therapists in home care and equipment rental firms may become branch managers.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Respiratory Therapists with outstanding achievement during training are frequently hired by the hospitals where they obtained their training. Others may apply directly to hospitals and civil service agencies. They may also register with the California Employment Development Department Job Service, private registries and medical employment agencies. Other sources of assistance are professional associations, newspapers, medical journals, classified ads and referrals from instructors.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Formal training is necessary for entry to this field. Training is offered at the postsecondary level by hospitals, medical schools, colleges and universities, trade schools, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. Some programs prepare graduates for jobs as registered respiratory therapists (RRT); other, shorter programs lead to jobs as certified respiratory therapists (CRT). According to the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), there were 327 registered respiratory therapist programs and 134 certified respiratory therapist programs in the United States in 1999.

Formal training programs vary in length and in the credential or degree awarded. Most of the CoARC-accredited registered respiratory therapist programs last 2 years and lead to an associate degree. Some, however, are 4-year bachelor's degree programs. Areas of study for respiratory therapy programs include human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, and mathematics. Technical courses deal with procedures, equipment, and clinical tests. More and more therapists receive on-the-job training, allowing them to administer electrocardiograms and stress tests, as well as draw blood samples from patients.

Skills & Other Requirements
Therapists should be sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs. Respiratory care workers must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated respiratory therapy equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity. A genuine interest in people, a strong sense of responsibility, patience, tact, good judgment, and the ability to endure stress are personal traits important to success in this occupation. The job requires good vision and hearing. Some employers may give achievement tests and require physical examinations. Applicants for civil service positions must take and pass written and oral examinations.

References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Registered NursesOccupational Therapists, Physical Therapists

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)