Help Others Breathe Easier-- Become a Respiratory Therapist

Breathing is something we take for granted. But there are people who struggle to breathe due to lung diseases and problems with asthma. Help others in your community by becoming a respiratory therapist. The allied health profession is booming and qualified medical professionals are in demand everywhere.

The act of breathing is called respiration. The process involves taking a breath in and filling the lungs with air, and then exhaling the air out of the lungs. This is an easy process and is something we do without even thinking about it. But for some people breathing is difficult, and even painful. Someone with respiratory problems requires treatment that helps to make breathing easier and less painful. These treatments are administered by respiratory therapists.

What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A Respiratory Therapist is a medical technician who specializes in breathing problems and diseases of the lungs. They run diagnostics tests for doctors and administer medications and breathing treatments per the physician's instructions. The respiratory therapist is a vital member of the healthcare team. They are often employed in hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities. They may also be employed in private practice.

What does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?
The first step in the process to become a respiratory therapist is to find a good training program. Look for a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

The program you choose will be most likely be a four year program to earn a Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Therapy. Once you have completed your course work and required hours of study, you will be eligible to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam.

The physical requirements for the job include:
1. Being a caring and compassionate person.
2. Have a desire to help others.
3. Not mind working long hours or traveling to different job settings; clinics, hospitals, private homes, and etc.

There are many opportunities for advancement in this career including supervisors and managers in the respiratory care field.

The employment outlook for respiratory therapist jobs is very good. Employment rates for these types of jobs are currently rising and expected to continue from now until the year 2016.

The need for qualified medical professionals is increasing. As people age, their bodies change and begin experiencing problems with breathing and circulation. This is not only limited to older adults; children and babies have problems with breathing as well.

Respiratory therapists treat a variety of patients ranging from premature babies with underdeveloped lungs, to older adults with chronic lung disease. They provide treatment to patients suffering from asthma, emphysema,Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) and other types of lung problems.

The salary expectations for this career:
The current annual salary is roughly around $47,420 recorded in 2006. For 2009 it is estimated to be $51,400 to $58,200 per year.
If you are considering a career as a health professional, become a respiratory therapist and help improve the quality of life.

Resources:
http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/respiratory_therapist.php
http://www.degreefinders.com/education-articles/careers/how-to-become-a-respiratory-therapist.html