It is possible that not too many people are familiar with respiratory therapy and what it entails. Patients with serious lung diseases need the help of this very vital medical expert. Most of the time a respiratory therapist works side by side with other physicians and medical professionals to make their evaluations, as well as spending a good amount of face time with the actual patient. If you are interested in this field, you first need to apply to one of many respiratory therapy programs and dedicate 2-4 years to completing it. Taking an exam to earn your CRT certificate (Certified Respiratory Therapist), or an RRT certificate (Registered Respiratory Therapist) should be the first thing you do once your program is finished in order to start working.

Once in practice, a respiratory therapist will undertake such tasks as testing patients for breathing abnormalities, helping patients with rehabilitation, measuring for lung capacity, and setting up and operating ventilator machines. All of these prove to be very important for a patient who is suffering from a lung disorder, and a doctor is not always qualified to perform these tasks. If you are not in the position to dedicate your time to a full program at respiratory therapist schools but would like to get started in this area of training, you can start a respiratory ceu (continuing education unit). The average salary is $40,000-50,000 for students who have already graduated and have begun working.