RESPIRATORY THERAPIST


A certified and/or registered respiratory therapist works under the supervision of a physician and plays a key role in the evaluation, treatment and monitoring of patients with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. They work with patients with chronic respiratory problems as well as provide emergency care in cases of cardiac and respiratory failure. This professional sterilizes and cleans respiratory therapy equipment, maintains records of respiratory therapies, uses life support equipment, performs emergency and trauma intervention and conducts inhalation therapy procedures. Registered respiratory therapists supervise respiratory care technicians and are responsible for all respiratory care treatment plans.

Education

Two and four-year programs are available in respiratory therapy. More advanced programs are required for supervisory and management positions.

Registration/Certification/Licensor

After completing course requirements, with a minimum of an associate degree, graduates from an accredited respiratory therapy program are then qualified to take a national board exam offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care in order to be a Certified Respiratory Therapist Technician (CRT-entry level) and/or to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT-advanced level).

Salary

$24,900-72,000

Employment Opportunities

Respiratory therapists work in hospital departments such as respiratory care, adult intensive care units, open heart and neonatal intensive care units. They may also be employed by nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, physicians' offices, pulmonary function laboratories and medical equipment companies.

Programs

Ashland Community College (800) 370-7191
Bowling Green Technical College (270) 746-7461 Ext. 2182
Central Kentucky Technical College, Lexington (859) 246-2400 Ext. 273
Cumberland Valley Technical College, Pineville (606) 337-3106
Jefferson Community College, Louisville  (502) 584-0181
Jefferson Technical College, Louisville (502) 595-4275
Lexington Community College  (859) 257-4872
Madisonville Community College (270) 824-7552
Maysville Community College  (606) 759-7141 Ext. 170
Mayo Technical College, Paintsville  (606) 789-5321
Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights (859) 572-5557
Prestonburg Community College (606) 886-3863
Rowan Technical College (606) 783-1538
University of Louisville (502) 852-8280
West Kentucky Technical College (270) 554-4991 Ext. 210

 Professional Associations

American Association for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 243-2272		 Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
Division of Occupations and Professions
301 East Main Street, Suite 900
Lexington, KY  40507
(859) 246-2747

Last updated:  June 26, 2001