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Employment and Advancement Opportunities for Respiratory Therapists
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Types of Jobs and Positions for Respiratory Therapy Technicians
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts that job opportunities are expected to be strong through 2014, especially for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants. As the older population suffers from respiratory ailments and cardiopulmonary diseases, the need for respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians will increase as well. Many positions will be in hospitals, but it is expected that many positions will be available outside of hospitals in home healthcare service agencies and physicians’ offices.
Working Conditions for Respiratory Therapy Technicians
Generally anyone working in respiratory therapy will have a traditional 40-hour week. However if they're based in a hospital, these hours will not usually be your normal 9-5 but instead include evenings and weekends. Those employed in an emergency room will experience higher levels of stress, whereas those working at an individual's home will focus solely on one patient but may have to commute longer distances.
Where Respiratory Therapist Technicians Work
80% of respiratory therapists work in hospitals, but they can be based in a variety of departments. Naturally some work solely in respiratory care, but others may work in anesthesiology or pulmonary medicine. The remaining 20% work in private doctor's offices, nursing care facilities, or in home health care services.
It is worth noting that 13% of respiratory therapists hold a second job, compared with only 5% in all other occupations. But the job prospects in respiratory therapy are increasing faster than the national average.