Health Careers

Respiratory Therapy

NATURE OF THE PROFESSION

Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practitioners, evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. In evaluating the patients, therapists test the capacity of the lungs and analyze the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration and potential of hydrogen, a measure of the acidity or alkalinity level of the blood.

APTITUDES

•   Have ability to learn principles and techniques of respiratory therapy.
•   Have good manual and finger dexterity and general coordination.
•   Be able to work with a variety of people.

• Be able to carry out a variety of tasks, work according to set standards, and make decisions based on data.

•   Have good space and form perception.
•   Have good numerical ability and verbal ability to understand orders and give directions.

HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Math up to algebra I; science including biology, chemistry, psychology and computer applications.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN IOWA

JOB OUTLOOK and SALARY

Employment of respiratory therapists and technicians is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 because of substantial growth of the middle-aged and elderly population, a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease.

Very rapid growth is expected in home health agencies, equipment rental companies, and firms that provide respiratory care on a contract basis. As in other occupations, most job openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other jobs or stop working all together.

Approximate starting average annual salary for respiratory therapists in Iowa is $27,000.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

American Association for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane, Dallas, TX 75229-4593
(972) 243-2272
Web

The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc.
8310 Nieman Rd., Lenexa, KS 66214-1579
(913) 599-4200
Web