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To
be a successful Respiratory Therapist you should:
- Pay close attention to detail.
- Display flexibility to respond to different patient
needs as they arise.
- Possess the ability to make sound judgments.
- Possess the ability to work well with diverse patients.
- Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Possess the ability to work well in emergency medical
situations.
- Possess good technical skills.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills.
- Have a strong math and science ability.
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| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
Respiratory therapists must complete a minimum of a 2-year
associate degree to take an entry-level exam required
by the State of Connecticut.
Training is offered at the postsecondary level by community
college, colleges and universities, and trade schools.
Programs prepare graduates for jobs as registered respiratory
therapists (RRT) or certified respiratory therapists (CRT). |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the State of Connecticut. Prerequisites:
An approved Respiratory Therapy program; National Board
for Respiratory Care, Inc.'s (NBRC); Entry level or advanced
practitioner credential as a certified Respiratory Therapy
Technician or Registered Respiratory Therapist. |
| Where
can I get more information? American Association
for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 243-2272 www.aarc.org
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| What
is the salary for this career? $37,440-$56,160
(Source: 2003 Connecticut Hospital Association
Compensation Survey) |
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| What
will my job be like? Respiratory therapists
assess, treat, and care for patients with heart and lung
problems. A respiratory therapist performs assessment,
therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures such as oxygen
and medication administration, blood gas analysis, lung
function, or cardiac function tests. Respiratory therapists
also provide life support to patients by providing mechanical
ventilation, physiologic monitoring of blood, airway control,
and CPR if necessary.
Respiratory Therapists may specialize in:
- Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics
- Critical Care
- Neonatal Care
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Sleep Laboratories
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| Where
could I work? Respiratory therapists work
in many areas of hospitals, including ICU, ER, laboratory,
pulmonary/cardiac rehabilitation, and sleep studies.
Respiratory therapists generally work between 35 and 40
hours
a week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists
may work daytime, evenings, nights, or weekends.
Other workplace settings:
- Home Health Agencies
- Respiratory Therapy Clinics
- Physician Offices
- Rehabilitation Centers
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| What
is the future of this career? Employment of
respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster
than the average through the year 2008. Opportunities
are expected to be highly favorable for respiratory therapists
with cardiopulmonary care skills and experience working
with infants. |
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- Gateway Community College, New Haven
- University of Hartford/Hartford Hospital, West Hartford
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury
- Norwalk Hospital/Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
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