Education and Training

In order to earn a respiratory technician degree, you will need to complete coursework in areas such as human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics. Other courses you may take in order to earn your respiratory technician degree include therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the application of clinical practice guidelines, patient care outside of hospitals, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory health promotion and disease prevention, and medical recordkeeping and reimbursement.

To become a respiratory technician, you need to have completed at least a two-year associate’s degree. However, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is preferable if you wish to advance in your field. It is essential to earn a license to practice as a respiratory technician, except in Hawaii and Alaska.

Employment Opportunities

Respiratory therapists are responsible for assessing and treating patients who suffer from cardiopulmonary disorders. They look after patients with breathing problems through therapeutic treatments and diagnostic measures.

After completing your respiratory technician degree, you could be employed at a hospital in the respiratory care, anesthesiology, or pulmonary medicine departments. Respiratory technicians can also work in private practices, aged care facilities, home health services or consumer-goods rental firms that provide respiratory equipment for home use.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with a nutrition degree are expected to grow faster than the average occupation. This is due to the increase of the middle-aged and elderly population, who will require respiratory technicians to help cope with any cardiopulmonary diseases they may suffer from. The Bureau reports that the median annual earnings for respiratory technicians were $47,420 in May 2006.