Daily responsibilities include various respiratory care modalities in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and advanced critical care procedures. The respiratory therapist is also competent in the skillful use of advanced diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose the severity of respiratory dysfunction in patients. A national shortage of respiratory therapists has been identified. Studies have indicated that respiratory therapists are among the top 20 fastest-growing professions during the next 20 years. The future for respiratory therapists looks bright.
Career opportunities are available throughout the country in rural and metropolitan areas.
The need for the respiratory therapist's expertise is not limited to the hospital. Respiratory therapists can also work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, physicians' offices, hospital administration, home care, and industry. One of the fastest-growing areas of employment for the respiratory therapist is outside the acute care setting. The respiratory therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program.