AARC Career website containing Life and Breath and several other terrific videos showing the roles and responsibilities of respiratory care practitioners and interviews with real-life therapists.

Be an RT (printable flier- pdf)

Respiratory therapists work with all kinds of patients, from the critically ill accident victim on a mechanical ventilator, to the elderly person suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to the child struggling to cope with an asthma attack, to the premature infant born with underdeveloped lungs.

In the area of diagnosis, respiratory therapists (RT’s) measure the capacity of a patient’s lungs to determine if there is impaired function. They draw and analyze blood specimens to determine the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in order to assess the best course of treatment for a particular patient. Once diagnosed, the RT is responsible for treating patients and providing therapy that will help them recover their lung function. RT’s also employ mechanical ventilation for treating patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own and administer medications in aerosol form to help alleviate breathing problems and help prevent respiratory infections. Respiratory therapists may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, potentially hazardous materials and ionizing radiation.

Respiratory care practitioners must be sensitive to the needs of patients who have serious physical impairments. They work well as members of the health care team and have superior communication skills to deal with other members of the health care team, patients, and their families. Attention to details and the ability to follow instructions carefully are prerequisites for respiratory care practitioners.

Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals where they perform intensive care, critical care, and neonatal procedures. They are also typically a vital part of the hospital’s lifesaving response team that handles patient emergencies. Respiratory therapists function effectively as members of the health care team; think critically; and have excellent communication skills.

Places of Employment and Outlook - Excellent. In the top 20 fastest growing occupations requiring post-secondary or associate degree training in Pennsylvania 2002-2012.Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care agencies are the primary employment opportunities.

Salary Range for Geographical Area - $56,979 median salary for Registered Respiratory Therapists in Harrisburg (using 17110) from salary.com May 2011

Educational Advancement - Graduates are employable after completion of the program. There are several opportunities for graduates to obtain a bachelor's degree, but this is not a requirement for employment. Franklin University offers a BS in Healthcare Management and Shippensburg University offers a BS in Healthcare Administration. Immaculata University offers an accelerated BA in Health Care Management (classes in accelerated format and held at HACC's Lancaster Campus).

Related Websites For Additional Information About The Profession
Career Infonet with salary and job outlook statistics, career video and licensing requirements
American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
American Association for Respiratory Care PowerPoint (pdf)
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)