As you begin to pursue a healthcare profession, you’ll need to decide which specialty is right for you. Right now, with the onset of COVID-19 in the United States, there are certain professions that are growing at an exponential rate. For example, respiratory therapists are one of them. This is because COVID-19 is a virus that affects the lower respiratory system. Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages who suffer from conditions with varying levels of severity. Check out these frequently asked questions to figure out if becoming a respiratory therapist is a good decision for you!
5 Frequently Asking Questions About Respiratory Therapy
1. What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory therapists treat breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Their patients may include those who suffer from cancer, heart attacks, strokes, asthma and now COVID-19. After becoming a respiratory therapist, you’ll have the option to treat patients of all ages. You’ll examine patients, diagnose their conditions, and create treatment plans.
2. Why Should I Become a Respiratory Therapist?
Repiratory jobs have many perks. For example, respiratory therapists can follow a variety of career paths and enjoy high-paid positions. Here are some benefits:
- Flexible Career Options
Respiratory therapists can choose from a wide array of positions. This flexible career path will give you plenty of options when it comes to your job description, work environment, and living location. You can choose nearby respiratory therapist positions. In addition, you could travel to different locations across the country where help is needed most. This is especially happening right now, as COVID-19 is creating crisis areas.
- Respiratory Therapists and COVID-19
Now that the coronavirus is here in the United States, we predict there will be an ongoing need for respiratory therapists for years to come. We hope there will soon be a clear treatment plan and vaccine. However, the virus itself is here to stay. Of course, unless we get lucky enough to eradicate it someday!
- Registered Respiratory Therapist Salary
Registered respiratory therapists earn a healthy salary. Your registered respiratory therapist salary will depend on a variety of factors including your level of education, years of experience, and living location. As an entry-level employee, you can expect your respiratory therapist salary to range between $34,700 and $69,900. These rates may increase as demand for respiratory therapists grow due to COVID-19.
3. What Types of Respiratory Therapy Jobs are There?
Respiratory jobs vary in their job description and work environment. If you pursue this specialty, you’ll have the ability to choose from a variety of positions based on your area of interest. Here are a few common respiratory therapy positions you can choose from:
- Neonatal Respiratory Therapist
- Cardiopulmonary Respiratory Therapist
- Clinic Respiratory Therapist
4. Can Respiratory Therapists Travel?
A career in respiratory therapy provides you with the ability to travel. Medical facilities around the country are constantly searching for travel respiratory therapists to fill open positions. You can seek out travel respiratory therapist jobs based on your specialty, living location and length of the assignment. Choosing this path allows you to enjoy an exciting, fast-paced career while traveling to new destinations.
5. What Environments do Respiratory Therapists Work In?
Depending on your position, you’ll work in a variety of locations including laboratories, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. Within hospitals, respiratory therapists can choose to work in a variety of areas including:
- Emergency rooms
- Operating rooms
- Intensive care units
- Neonatal units
- Pediatric units
Three Steps to Becoming a Respiratory Therapist
In order to land your dream respiratory therapist job, you’ll need to take the proper steps to prepare for this career.
1. Receive the Proper Education & Training
At the minimum, respiratory therapists must earn their associate’s degree. However, many positions will require bachelor’s degrees. There are also master’s programs available. Most respiratory therapy programs include courses in the subspecialties in the field. This includes cardiopulmonary therapy and neonatal therapy. You will likely receive clinical training through your respiratory therapy education.
2. Receive Your License & Certification
Upon completing your education, you must complete the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Exam to become certified. Licensing may vary among states. However, passing an exam is a typical requirement.
3. Consider Becoming Registered
After passing the NBRC Exam, you have the option to take further exams. Some states even require you to become registered beyond the NBRC exam. Becoming registered shows your advancement in the field of respiratory care.
Are you ready to start your path to becoming a respiratory therapist? Check out the travel respiratory therapist positions we have available now! Choose positions close to home or travel to new destinations!
Do you have additional questions about respiratory jobs? Are you interested in learning more about respiratory therapists and COVID-19? Ask us below!
