Respiratory Therapy
DESCRIPTION
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Respiratory Therapy Program (RPT) is a
balanced curriculum including both respiratory
and general education courses. Course content
includes the role of the respiratory therapist,
health care concepts, and technical observations
and skills. It provides the student with a strong
background in the use of respiratory equipment,
cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology,
pharmacology, diagnostic procedures, sleep
disorders, and pathophysiology. The student
receives direct, hands-on patient care experience
in various hospitals and facilities throughout the
clinical education.
Respiratory therapists held about 119,300 jobs
in 2012. Most respiratory therapists work in
hospitals. Others may work in nursing care
facilities or travel to patients’ homes.
JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected
to grow nineteen percent from 2012 to 2022,
faster than the average for all occupations.
Growth in the middle-aged and elderly population
will lead to an increased incidence of respiratory
conditions, such as emphysema, chronic
bronchitis, and pneumonia.
For career information or guidance, contact
Career Services Center
205.391.2204
ahenderson@sheltonstate.edu
POTENTIAL SALARIES
According to America’s Career Infonet, statistics show the following:
Location
United States
Alabama
Pay
Period
2014 Salary Range
Low
High
Hourly
$19.89
$37.61
Yearly
$41,400
$78,200
Hourly
$16.48
$28.93
Yearly
$34,300
$60,200