Diagnostic activities include obtaining and analyzing sputum and blood specimens, performing breathing studies to determine if lung function is impaired, performing sleep disorder studies, and interpreting the data obtained from these. Education of the patient, family and public promotes knowledge of cardiopulmonary disease, medical therapy and wellness. RTs practice under qualified medical direction while working closely with physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals to deliver direct bedside care to patients of all ages. Graduates readily find employment in hospital, clinic, and home care settings throughout the United States.
Opportunities also exist in management, education, sleep labs, research, sales and public health.
The demand for respiratory therapists is expected to continue to increase. This increase is expected due to growth in the elderly population, and the numbers of patients with asthma and chronic lung disease.