Career Description 

As either a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist you will assess, evaluate, treat and care for people with lung and breathing problems. By providing medications, treatments and therapy, you will improve the patient’s lung function in a variety of diagnoses including asthma, heart conditions, chest trauma and more.You will operate medical equipment that requires the use of classroom, lab, and clinical knowledge and experience. As a healthcare professional, you must be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs.

The majority of Respiratory Therapists work at hospitals, but employment can also be found in home health agencies, clinics, home care delivery services and nursing homes.

Employment Outlook 

In Arizona, Respiratory Therapist positions are expected to increase 20% or more in the next 10 years. Respiratory Therapists earn an average of $15.50 to $25.66 an hour for an average salary of $32,240to $53,373 a year.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Graduates of the therapist program are eligible to take the NBRC certification and registry examinations. State licensure information is available from the Arizona Board of Examiners for Respiratory Care.