The health care industry has responded in part by taking advantage of lower-cost employees where practical. Salaries for Respiratory Therapists are lower than those for registered nurses or physicians, so job prospects are enhanced by this trend. Also fueling growth is the aging of the population, an increase in lung damage because of air-borne pollutants, and the development of new drugs and delivery systems to help treat lung disease. The normal work week is 40 hours. Since respiratory departments in hospitals operate on a 24-hour basis, day and night shifts as well as holiday and weekend work are required.
Most facilities have rotating schedules for holidays and weekends.
Fringe benefits generally include paid group health and life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans. In addition, some institutions provide credit unions, tuition assistance, and parking. There are two exams a prospective therapist may take. This exam requires at least one year of approved training, and consists of a multiple-choice written test. This exam consists of a written and clinical simulation test.