Respiratory therapists care for patients with heart and lung problems. They often treat people who have asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis or sleep apnea; and they also have the skills to respond to some emergency situations, like those experiencing a heart attack or suffering a stroke.

"Respiratory therapists are the go-to lung experts, and the only medical professionals to receive college and clinical education in the art and science of mechanical ventilation and advanced respiratory therapies," says Daniel Garrett, executive director of the American Association for Respiratory Care. "Respiratory therapists are vital to the interdisciplinary team that cares for patients struggling to breathe. They have the opportunity to specialize or treat a broad range of conditions and patients. From the very first breaths of a newborn to emergency transport to helping older patients manage their pulmonary disease, respiratory therapists are there to improve and save lives. It’s a challenging and rewarding profession."

Even after completing their educational requirements, respiratory therapists work to stay steps ahead of evolving health care practices and treat the growing number of Americans struggling with heart and lung problems. They perform diagnostic tests for lung capacity, administer breathing treatments, record patient progress and consult with physicians and surgeons.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are 16 million adults in the U.S. living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition that limits air flow and causes breathing trouble.

Given future health care needs, this field has promising job prospects.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12.5% employment growth for respiratory therapists between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 16,700 jobs should open up.

At minimum, respiratory therapists need an associate degree, but many also have a bachelor’s degree. The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care maintains a list of hundreds of accredited programs, including associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree options. Anticipate coursework in anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology and mathematics. These programs also include training on diagnostic tests and patient assessment.

The next step in training is obtaining a license and certification. There are two baseline certification levels that the National Board for Respiratory Care offers: certified respiratory therapist and registered respiratory therapist. An RRT credential signifies a more advanced level of knowledge.

Respiratory therapists can also take exams to obtain certifications in adult critical care, sleep disorders and therapeutic intervention, pulmonary function technology, and neonatal/pediatric care.