Respiratory Therapy Degrees

What do you learn in respiratory therapy degrees? Respiratory therapists, or respiratory therapy technicians who have completed proper training can diagnose and administer respiratory care to patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions.

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Students learn various therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, implementation of various tests, and care of equipment. They study patient assessment and care, and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, CPR, and first aid techniques.

Respiratory therapists also learn about working with pressurized gases, and students learn about safety precautions for hazardous materials and equipment. Learn more from Everest College. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies and respiratory therapy clinics. They are relied upon in emergency centers where people are in need of immediate care. Respiratory therapists tasks include:

• Testing patients for lung abnormalities
• Setting up and monitoring ventilator equipment
• Assisting patients with rehabilitative exercises
• Measuring patients' lung capacity

Education and Training

Respiratory therapists are required to complete either 2-year associate's degree or 4-year bachelor's degree programs. Upon graduation, you would take a national exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). After passing this exam, you can choose to take two additional tests to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Expected Salary

The annual salary for respiratory therapists ranges from $32,000 to $58,000. Their median annual income is around $43,000.

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