More than likely, many people don’t know what the role or responsibilities of a respiratory therapist are. Patients with serious lung diseases need the help of this very vital medical expert. Not only does the respiratory therapist care for the patients directly, they are also colleagues of doctors and other medical experts in order to assess their patients. There are a wide range of respiratory therapy programs to choose from, and you will have to commit to a 2-4 year program before you can enter this profession. After the completion of the program there is a series of tests available for attaining a CRT certificate (Certified Respiratory Therapist), or an RRT certificate (Registered Respiratory Therapist), both of which enable practice.

The job description will include things like checking for breathing abnormalities, helping patients with rehabilitation, testing for lung capacity, and preparing and using ventilator machines. A patient who is in pain is very grateful to the person able to handle these responsibilities, and that person is not always the doctor. A respiratory ceu (continuing education unit) is available for students who would like to become respiratory therapists but cannot commit to full time studying at respiratory therapist schools just yet. The average salary is $40,000-50,000 for students who have already graduated and have begun working.