Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners
26%
Total, All Occupations
14%
All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 28 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population will lead to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia, respiratory disorders that permanently damage the lungs or restrict lung function. These factors will lead to an increased demand for respiratory therapy services and treatments, mostly in hospitals and nursing homes. In addition, advances in preventing and detecting disease, improved medications, and more sophisticated treatments will increase the demand for respiratory therapists. Other conditions affecting the general population, such as smoking, air pollution, and respiratory emergencies, will continue to create demand for respiratory therapists.
Job Prospects
Respiratory therapists with certification or a bachelor’s degree will have the best job prospects.
Employment projections data for respiratory therapists, 2010-20
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2010 Projected Employment, 2020 Change, 2010-20 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric
Respiratory Therapists
29-1126 112,700 143,900 28 31,200
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of respiratory therapists.
OCCUPATION JOB DUTIES ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION MEDIAN ANNUAL PAY, MAY 2010
Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from young children to soldiers and professional athletes.
Bachelor’s degree $41,600
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Master’s degree $72,320
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.
Doctoral or professional degree $76,310
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments.
Associate’s degree $74,980
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
Associate’s degree $64,690
Contacts for More Information
For more information about respiratory therapists, visit
American Association for Respiratory Care
For a list of accredited educational programs for respiratory care practitioners, visit
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
For a list of state licensing agencies, as well as information on gaining credentials in respiratory care, visit
National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc.
This chapter provides clear insight in the current state of RRTs jobs - the next chapter covers how to find and apply for RRTs jobs.
FINDING AND APPLYING FOR RRTs JOBS AND EVALUATING OFFERS
Finding—and getting—a job you want can be a challenging process, but knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can increase your chances of success. And knowing how to judge the job offers you receive makes it more likely that you will end up with the best possible job.
Where to learn About Job Openings
Job Search Methods
Applying for a Job
Job Interview Tips
Evaluating a Job Offer
Where to Learn About Job Openings
Personal contacts
School career planning and placement offices
Employers
Classified ads:
National and local newspapers
Professional journals
Trade magazines
Internet resources
Professional associations
Labor unions
State employment service offices
Federal Government
Community agencies
Private employment agencies and career consultants
Internships
Job Search Methods
Finding a job can take months of time and effort. But you can speed the process by using many methods to find job openings. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that people who use many job search methods find jobs faster than people who use only one or two.
Personal contacts.
Many jobs are never advertised. People get them by talking to friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, former coworkers, and others who know of an opening. Be sure to tell people that you are looking for a job because the people you know may be some of the most effective resources for your search. To develop new contacts, join student, community, or professional organizations.
