Career Opportunity Outlook:
Where can I become employed as a Respiratory Therapist?

The need for Respiratory Therapists is expected to grow faster than the national average for all job growth. Opportunities for employment exist in hospitals and other acute care facilities in both urban and rural areas throughout the country. Additional employment opportunities maybe found in home care, subacute, disease management, physician's offices and clinics as well as education, management, research and industry. As the number of older people increases and as new treatment advances are made for heart attack, accident victims, premature babies and those with chronic illness, the demand for respiratory care will grow.

Approximately 110,000 respiratory therapists are employed today. Respiratory Care is considered to be one of the hottest jobs, with a projected need for 123,000 more therapists by the year 2008. The respiratory care profession has a bright future with a great deal of job security and opportunity for advancement.

Once you enter the profession, you may wish to specialize in an area such as neonatal care, helicopter transport, rehabilitation, education, cardiopulmonary diagnostics or management. Beginning annual salaries range from approximately $28,800.00 to $48,800.00 depending on geographical region and institutional policies.