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| Respiratory Therapists |
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| Employment Increase: |
48% |
| People In Field: |
109,000 |
| Average Salary: |
$30,450 |
| Qualifications: |
Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree |
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Nature of the Work:
Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care
practitioners, evaluate, treat, and care for patients with
breathing disorders. In evaluating patients, therapists test the capacity
of the lungs and analyze the oxygen and carbon dioxide
concentration and potential of hydrogen (pH), a measure of
the acidity or alkalinity level of the blood. To measure lung
capacity, therapists have patients breathe into an
instrument that measures the volume and flow of air during
inhalation and exhalation. By comparing the reading with the norm
for the patient's age, height, weight, and sex, respiratory
therapists can determine whether lung deficiencies exist. To
analyze oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels, therapists draw
an arterial blood sample, place it in a blood gas analyzer,
and relay the results to a physician.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Formal training is necessary for entry to this field.
Training is offered at the post-secondary level by hospitals,
medical schools, colleges and universities, trade schools,
vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. Some
programs prepare graduates for jobs as respiratory therapists;
other, shorter programs lead to jobs as respiratory therapy
technicians. There are 283 programs for respiratory therapists
accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education
and Accreditation (CAHEA) of the American Medical
Association (AMA). Another 187 programs offer
CAHEA-accredited preparation for respiratory therapy technicians.
Job Outlook:
Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase much
faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.
The substantial growth of the middle-aged and elderly population
will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. There will
be approximately 109,000 respiratory therapists by 2005.
Sources of Additional Information:
Information concerning a career in respiratory care is
available from:
American Association for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Ln.
Dallas TX 75229
Information on gaining credentials as a respiratory
therapy practitioner can be obtained from:
The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc.
8310 Nieman Rd.
Lenexa, KS 66214
For the current list of CAHEA-accredited educational
programs for respiratory therapy occupations, write to:
Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education
1701 W. Euless Blvd., Suite 300
Euless, TX 67040
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