Respiratory Therapist

Career Description

Registered respiratory therapists (RRT) and certiﬁed respiratory therapists (CRT) work under a physician’s supervision to treat and care for patients with pulmonary disorders. Patients may suffer from chronic asthma or emphysema or may be victims of heart attack, stroke, shock or AIDS. Respiratory therapists care for premature infants with underdeveloped lungs, as well as for seniors who have increased susceptibility to pulmonary disease. Recently, respiratory therapists have begun assuming the additional duties of cardio-pulmonary technologists and may choose to specialize in other speciﬁc areas within the profession.

Annual Salary

Entry: $33,717	Mean: $41,517	Experienced: $49,744
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Hourly Wage

Entry: $16.21	Mean: $19.96	Experienced: $23.93
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Academic Requirements

All entrants into the respiratory therapy ﬁeld must complete a formal training program. Community colleges offer two-year programs and award an associate’s degree; four-year colleges and universities award a bachelor’s degree. This education is sufficient to take the exam to become a CRT. If an individual wishes to become a RRT, they must pass two more exams.

Schools

Concorde Career College
816/531-5223

Johnson County Community College
913/469-2583

KU School of Allied Health (Kansas City, Kan.)
913/588-5235

Professional Associations

National
American Association for Respiratory Care
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)

State
Missouri Society for Respiratory Care
Missouri State Board for Respiratory Care

Additional Information

Learn More About Therapy and Rehabilitation
Read Personal Accounts of Current Respiratory Therapists