Is Respiratory Therapy A Good Job?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

According to the U.S. News & World Report, respiratory therapy is

ranked as the 21st best job in the United States

, which is based on factors such as median salary, future job prospects and more. Respiratory therapy is also ranked as the 16th best healthcare job in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Is respiratory therapist a hard job?

Respiratory

therapy school is hard

. The schedule is tight. The material is demanding. The skills lab makes you want to vomit…and if that isn’t enough, you also have to survive clinical rotations.

Do respiratory therapists get paid good?

Respiratory therapists (RTs) care for patients with breathing problems. … California boasts

the highest respiratory therapist salaries of any US state

, with top salaries as high as $101.60/year and an annual mean salary of $73,060 (hourly rate of $35.13). However, salaries vary considerably with location.

Is there a high demand for respiratory therapist?

Employment of respiratory therapists is

projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029

, much 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 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.

Is respiratory therapist a stressful job?

The respiratory therapy profession

is demanding and has high levels of stress

, especially when treating the acute ill in hospital settings. The quality of patient education may suffer if the clinician is emotionally drained.

Do respiratory therapist make more than nurses?

In comparison to RT’s,

RN’s generally have higher salaries

, more opportunities for specialization and a wider range of work settings. RN’s also have more opportunity for advancement in clinical care.

Is respiratory therapy a dying field?

Respiratory therapy technicians

are projected to decline by 56.3%

What they do, according to O*NET: They provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.

Is respiratory therapy school harder than nursing?


Nursing School seems to be harder than Respiratory Therapy School

. … Respiratory Therapists are generally more focused on the heart and lungs. Therefore, Nurses tend to learn a little about a lot, whereas Respiratory Therapists tend to learn a lot about a little.

Who makes more ultrasound tech or respiratory therapist?


Diagnostic medical sonographers

brought home a median salary of ​$74,320​ per year in May 2019, according to the BLS for diagnostic medical sonographers, also called ultrasound technicians, about ​$13,000​ more per year than the median pay for respiratory therapists.

How long is schooling for respiratory therapist?

It takes

about two years

to become a respiratory therapist. Within this two-year timeline, you’ll complete an associate degree program in respiratory care and the other requirements for licensure.

What is the highest paid respiratory therapist?

  • California average respiratory therapist salary: $79,640.
  • Alaska average respiratory therapist salary: $76,610.
  • New York average respiratory therapist salary: $74,890.
  • Massachusetts average respiratory therapist salary: $73,660.

What is the hardest thing about being a respiratory therapist?


Stress

is a disadvantage of being a respiratory therapist. Most work in hospitals that require evening, overnight, weekend and rotating shifts. Balancing irregular work hours and family responsibilities can be challenging.

Is there a lot of math in respiratory therapy?

What the heck do I need math for as a Respiratory Therapist?” Well, it’s

generally not something you do a whole lot of

, but you may need it to: calibrate equipment, compute fractions, convert numbers, count pulse and breathing rates, and read graphs and ventilator graphics.

How many hours do respiratory therapist work daily?

The usually workweek for a respiratory therapist is

35 to 40 hours

. Some respiratory therapists who work in hospitals can work nights, evenings, and weekends. Standing and long periods of walking are also a part of a respiratory therapist’s job.

How do I advance my career as a respiratory therapist?

Some respiratory therapists find

advancement as product representatives or marketing specialists with respiratory equipment manufacturers

. Therapists can also advance to teaching or research positions in colleges and universities. These academic positions often require a higher degree, such as a master’s.

Do respiratory therapists draw blood?

All Respiratory Therapists are

certified to perform arterial punctures and line draws

. The interpretation of arterial blood gases provides critical information used to treat acid base balance, oxygenation and ventilation.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.