Respiratory Therapist schools near me

Respiratory Therapist

Asthma is a lifelong condition that often starts in childhood and can persist or worsen over time, even after symptoms seem to fade and inhalers are no longer needed. This ongoing aspect of asthma emphasizes the continuous need for respiratory therapists, who specialize in helping patients with breathing difficulties such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions. They work with a diverse range of patients, from premature infants with developing lungs to elderly individuals battling lung diseases. If you're considering a career as a respiratory therapist, Dreambound is here to support you not only in finding respiratory therapist jobs but also in understanding the dynamics of respiratory therapist salary as you pursue this rewarding path.

If you're curious how Dreambound makes a difference, here's what others have to say:

"It’s truly amazing! Life-changing, actually. I’m so grateful to Dreambound for helping me start my career journey. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to further their career path!!! Thank you, Dreambound!" - Candise Williams
"Dreambound made it fast and easy to apply for a class." - Alex Valencia
"Dreambound is easy to navigate, covers everything, and provides straightforward information." - Ruby Topete

For those seeking insights and readiness for the journey to becoming a respiratory therapist, keep reading and let Dreambound support you every step of the way!

📖 Learn more about the Respiratory Therapist certification

What Is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in treating and caring for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They evaluate, treat, and monitor patients with respiratory issues, administer breathing treatments, and provide support in critical care settings. Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in helping patients with breathing difficulties.

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do

Respiratory therapists are vital healthcare professionals who assist patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary issues. They conduct interviews, exams, and diagnostic tests, working closely with doctors to develop treatment plans. Therapists administer treatments like clearing airways and connecting patients to ventilators in emergencies. They also educate patients and families on equipment usage and make home visits when necessary, aiming to improve respiratory health and overall well-being.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist typically takes about 2 to 4 years, depending on the educational path you choose. Most respiratory therapists start by earning an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy, which takes about 2 years to complete. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, which can take an additional 2 years to earn. After completing your education, you'll need to obtain a license, which usually involves passing a state or professional certification exam. Overall, the journey to becoming a respiratory therapist involves a combination of education, clinical training, and obtaining the necessary licensure or certification, all of which contribute to a rewarding career helping patients with breathing issues.

Respiratory Therapists’ Salary

The role of the Respiratory Therapist has a bright outlook in the future. The field has a projected 13% growth from 2022 to 2032. According to the May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hourly wage of a respiratory therapist is an average of $33.91 and an annual wage of $70,540.

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Discovering a Fulfilling Career Path: Insights From a Respiratory Therapist

Healthcare careers don’t always follow a straight path. Let’s dive into stories of real allied healthcare workers: people who knew they wanted to help others. Read on and discover more!

Respiratory Therapist Classes by City

In order to help you find respiratory therapist class, at Dreambound we've gathered the most comprehensive list of respiratory therapist classes in the US. Below you can find a list of respiratory therapist classes, organized by city. If you don't see your city listed, you can always search by zipcode.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

We know taking the first step to becoming a respiratory therapist can be scary. That's why we're trying to demystify the process by writing guides on how to become a respiratory therapist. Since State processes or requirements may vary, we've written separate guides for each state:

Exploration of Respiratory Therapist Versus Other Programs

Considering other programs? Read our guides on Respiratory Therapist versus other similar programs in field, providing a comprehensive overview to assist you in making the right choice for your career path.

Written by

Pia Yapjoco

Pia Yapjoco is part of the school growth and sales team at Dreambound. She helps facilitate school partnerships that expand educational opportunities for aspiring students in allied health and other trades. Beyond work, she curates her pup's Instagram, hunts for hidden coffee gems, and escapes into cozy gaming.

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