Respiratory therapists are the friendly professionals who help evaluate and treat patients with cardiopulmonary and breathing problems. They are often found treating the elderly and others with such disorders such as asthma, emphysema, allergies and, in emergency situations, those who have had heart attacks, strokes, or those who have drowned.

Training for certification as a respiratory therapist is usually done in colleges and universities. After earning a respiratory therapy degree, graduates can find work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, nursing homes, and other places where their services are needed. Some respiratory therapists perform chest physiotherapy, helping remove mucous and other build-ups from lungs. This is often done after surgery to help restore clear respiration and prevent congestion, and also performed for patients with such diseases as cystic fibrosis.

All respiratory therapists must have certification, and these licenses based on the requirements of the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). Graduates of respiratory therapy school are able to achieve the status of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

The earning potential for respiratory therapists is very good and new graduates with degrees are in demand. In May 2006, the median annual earnings of wage-and-salary was approximately $47,420. (Source: United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics)