Programs in respiratory therapy schools can prepare you for a career assisting patients with the most basic need: breathing. Respiratory therapists work with patients from newborns to the elderly, helping them breathe.

Programs in respiratory therapy schools can run two years for an associate degree, or four years for a bachelor's. An associate degree is usually required for entry level jobs; a master's may be required for advancement. In addition to the degree you earn from respiratory therapy schools, all states in the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii require respiratory therapists to be licensed.

In addition to clinical lab studies (hands-on learning), respiratory therapy schools teach

Anatomy and physiology
Biology and microbiology
Math, physics and chemistry

Licensure is usually through meeting certification requirements from the National Board of Respiratory Care.

Career Opportunities for Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists (also called respiratory care practitioners) work with patients who have breathing problems, from premature infants to elderly patients. Job duties include

Consulting with healthcare staff and doctors to create therapy regimens
Intake with new patients including limited physical examinations
Testing breathing capacity
Treating patients with oxygen, chest physiotherapy and inhalers
Therapists may work with patients in their homes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), respiratory therapy careers are expected to increase by 21 percent from 2008-2018, much faster than average for all occupations. In 2009 respiratory therapists made a mean annual wage of $54,200. If working as part of a healthcare team that helps people breathe appeals to you, why not check out your opportunities at respiratory therapy schools today?

Emily Kerr is a Northern Nevada freelance writer who writes about education. Her background is in journalism, and she writes about her passions.

Respiratory Care Program • http://www.hsc.stonybrook.edu • http://www.hsc.stonybrook.edu/shtm/rc/index.cfm • School of Health and Technology Management, Stony Brook University • Respiratory Therapists • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos321.htm • Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 • Respiratory Therapists • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291126.htm • Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

Carrington College	[Mesa, AZ]
Programs: Dental Assistant Massage Therapy Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Billing and Coding Pharmacy Technician Physical Therapy Technician Respiratory Therapist Request More Information >

Carrington College	[Phoenix, AZ]
Programs: Dental Assistant Massage Therapy Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Billing and Coding Medical Laboratory Technician Medical Radiography Medical/Dental Receptionist Nursing Pharmacy Technician Physical Therapy Technician Respiratory Therapist Request More Information >

Kaplan College KHE - (Modesto)

[Modesto, CA]

Looking to gain a competitive edge in your career? Kaplan College offers a learning experience that is anything but typical. Our faculty and staff are not just academics—they’re seasoned professionals who can give you the real-world knowledge you need to succeed. And we offer a flexible and accelerated schedule designed to meet the needs of your busy life. Our programs are designed to prepare you for success in any of a variety of fields, including Criminal Justice, Health Care, Business, Education, Information Technology, Legal Studies, or Fashion and Design.
Programs:
  Associate of Occupational Studies: Medical Assistant
  Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Therapy
  Certificate: Medical Assistant
  Certificate: Medical Office Specialist
  Certificate: Therapeutic Health Technician
  Diploma: Medical Assistant
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Carrington College California	[Pleasant Hill, CA]
Programs: Dental Assisting Health Care Administration Massage Therapy Medical Assisting Medical Billing Pharmacy Technology Respiratory Therapy Request More Information >

California College San Diego	[San Diego, CA]
Programs: AOS in Medical Specialties AS in Respiratory Therapy BS in Health Care Administration Request More Information >

Sanford-Brown Institute

[Monroeville, PA]

Prepare for career success at Sanford-Brown Institute. Choose from a wide variety of health care program areas including Massage Therapy, Cardiovascular Technology, Medical and Dental Assisting and Surgical Technology. Convenient campus locations across the country include campuses in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Programs:
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Medical Assistant Specialist
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Pharmacy Technician
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Respiratory Therapy
  Associate Degree in Specialized Technology - Surgical Technology
  Diploma - Dental Assistant
  Diploma - Massage Therapist
  Diploma - Medical Assistant
  Diploma - Medical Office Administration
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