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Careers at Intermountain

Respiratory Therapy Career Path

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Job Description
Respiratory Therapists evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders such as asthma and emphysema. Respiratory Therapists also perform chest physiotherapy and provide emergency care for patients who suffer from heart failure, stroke, drowning, or shock. To evaluate patients, Respiratory Therapists measure lung capacity, and analyze the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ph levels of the blood. Respiratory Therapists are in great demand in hospitals (life flight, newborn intensive care, respiratory care, hyperbaric, pulmonary and anesthesiology departments), respiratory therapy clinics, extended care facilities, nursing homes, and home health.

Earnings & Employment Outlook

Full-time salary at entry level for a Certified Respiratory Therapist is approximately $30,000/yr.
Full-time salary at entry level for a Registered Respiratory Therapist is approximately $36,000/yr.
Employment opportunities for Respiratory Therapists are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010.

Education
The National Board of Respiratory Care offers certification and registration to graduates of accredited programs to become:

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) - Associates of Applied Science Degree/Certificate.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Associates/Bachelors Degree.

Programs offered in Utah