Respiratory therapists, under the direction of a physician, evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists collaborate with physicians and staff to help develop and modify individual patient care plans. They also supervise respiratory therapy technicians.

On average, respiratory therapists practicing in Massachusetts earn $51,750/year. They typically receive health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave as benefits. Generally, respiratory therapists work between 35 and 40 hours a week in hospitals and may also be required to work on evenings, nights, or weekends.

All states require respiratory therapists to obtain a license by passing the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) exam. Training programs are offered at community colleges, universities, medical schools, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. Training programs require you to have a high school diploma or a GED. You will need at least an associate's degree to become a respiratory therapist.

Bunker Hill Community College, Associate (fall 2007) (Financial Aid)
Northshore Community College, Associate (Financial Aid)

$51,750/year
$24.88/hour

Paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, retirement plan

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People who like this job typically are social, realistic, and investigative. Social people are considered as "helper" They work with people by helping, informing, caring, and training. They may enjoy volunteering, helping elderly, and teaching children. Realistic people are "doers" who like to work with things, machines, and tools. They typicall enjoy fixing things around the house, building things, and raising plants and animals. Investigative people are "thinkers". They like to observe, learn, analyze, and solve problems. They like to find creative solutions and work on their own. They generally may enjoy playing crossword puzzle, reading, and learning new things.

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