Respiratory Therapist

What do They do?

• Respiratory therapists care for a variety of patients with respiratory problems. They work with patients that have asthma, undeveloped lungs, and other respiratory diseases.
• They are required to examine patients with breathing problems and treat them.

Work Environment

• Most respiratory therapist work in hospitals but they can also work in nursing care facilities and physicians' offices.
• Respiratory therapist are on their feet for long periods of time and may have to move, lift, or turn patients.

Education Needed

• To become a respiratory therapist you need at least an associate's degree.
• Most employers prefer that applicants have a bachelor's degree.
• Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except in Alaska.

Average Salary

• The average salary for a respiratory therapist is $56,730 annual and the average pay is $27.27 a hour.
• The average annual salary for a respiratory therapist in South Carolina is $62,300

Job LookOut

• Job openings are growing and is estimated to grow 12% from 2014 to 2024.
• This is due to the growth in the population of middle-aged and elderly people.

websites used

• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
• http://swz.salary.com/SalaryWizard/Registered-Respiratory-Therapist-Salary-...