Respiratory therapy in the medical field is the study of treating, diagnosing, evaluating, and managing patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. From preterm babies with underdeveloped lungs to older patients with persistent lung diseases like COPD or asthma, respiratory therapists are specialized doctors educated to work with a wide range of patients.
Patients with chronic respiratory diseases, post-surgical treatment, trauma, critical care environments, and supporting general respiratory health and enhancing quality of life depend on respiratory therapy.
Respiratory Therapy Salary
Region, experience, and kind of healthcare facility all affect respiratory therapist pay. In 2024, United States respiratory therapists will usually earn $77,960, or around $37.48 per hour. Salary levels vary somewhat depending on state and experience level. While in other places like Kentucky normal salaries are closer to $50,300, respiratory therapists can make about $96,150 yearly in highly sought-after states like California. Generally speaking, individuals with more certifications—like Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)—have better income. Experienced therapists also have better salary.
Programs Online for Respiratory Therapy
Many reputable colleges have online respiratory therapy programs in 2024 for present or future respiratory therapists looking to advance their fields of work. These are some top picks:
University of Missouri offers a completely online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Emphasizing a combination of clinical and theoretical instruction, this program serves in-state as well as out-of-state students.
University of Cincinnati offers a highly recognized online respiratory therapy program emphasizing management techniques as well as respiratory treatment. Additionally CoARC-accredited, this program provides a good mix between flexible online study and practical experience (via local clinical rotations).
University of Liberty: Renowned for its Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (RRT to BSRT) degree, Liberty’s program is 100% online, set in 8-week sessions, and lets up to 75% of transfer credits, very accommodating for working professionals.
Nebraska Methodist College offers a chance for respiratory therapists to concentrate in topics like healthcare management and leadership via this online BSRT degree. Designed for those with an associate degree, it provides extra tracks to equip for leadership in respiratory care.
Texas State University, well-known for providing an online RRT to BSRC (Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care) program, bases its curriculum on advanced respiratory care ideas and gets students ready for specific responsibilities in clinical environments.
Usually catering to students with some prior respiratory therapy experience or certification, several of these courses include part-time choices to fit working professionals.
Free Respiratory Therapy CEUs
Several credible websites provide free continuing education units (CEUs) for respiratory therapists looking for them:
A Breath Ahead Program of Draeger Academy provides free American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)-approved CEUs. This covers classes in subjects like neonatal breathing and ICU critical thinking, which award certifications when completed. To immediately access, register under the code “ABreathAhead”.
From A&T Respiratory Lectures, there are free, AARC-approved CEU courses and live webinars abound. Subjects include asthma, mechanical ventilation, and patient safety. Classes are free to access without credit card registration. Furthermore accessible from Continuous Respiratory Therapy are various free CEU courses. Access one gratis course from their library using the offer code “1FREECOURSE,” which contains over 200 evidence-based courses available 24/7 covering topics including sleep problems and neonatal care.
Free CEUs with an emphasis on advanced respiratory care practices—including pediatric high-velocity therapy and ICU patient management—offer by Vapotherm Academy Courses reflect the most recent clinical guidelines in respiratory treatment and are interactive. These systems are meant to enable respiratory therapists keep licencing requirements current with industry norms.
Week of Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory Care Week 2024 falls from October 20–26. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) plans this yearly celebration of the vital contribution respiratory therapists make to healthcare. It aims to raise awareness of respiratory health, stress the vital role of respiratory therapists, and back up respiratory care policies and procedures. This week presents opportunity for community events, instructional seminars, and recognition activities so that companies and professionals may show how respiratory therapists enhance general health and patient recovery.