Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Associate's degree
Patient Interaction
Very High
Body Fluid Interaction
Very High
Salary
$47,720
Job Growth
12.30%
Job Description:
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
What Respiratory Therapist Do:
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock.
How to Become One:
Earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy. Complete the Examination to Become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). West Virginia requires licensure by the WV Board of Respiratory Care.
Schools
Carver Career and Technical Education Center
Mountwest Community & Technical College
Pierpont Community & Technical College – Main Campus