Direct Patient & Therapeutic Care

Respiratory Therapist

Career Progression

Entry Level

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Mid Level

Respiratory Therapist

Senior Level

Pathway Category

Mid-Level: These positions pay more than those at the entry level, but also often require some related work experience and additional education, such as a technical training/certificate, two-year associate’s degree, or four-year bachelor’s degree. This is generally the point where workers have identified a career they enjoy and begin fine-tuning their skills and earning related licensures. Some experienced workers from other industries or students who have completed internships or apprenticeship training programs may be able to enter at this elevated level.

What does a person in this career do?

You enjoy working with people! Your critical thinking and problem solving skills help to diagnose, troubleshoot, and treat a wide range of injuries, disorders, and diseases for your patients. You don’t mind being on the front line of the fight to help keep members of your community healthy, happy, and productive.

Occupations in the Direct Patient & Therapeutic Care family focus primarily on changing the physical health status of patients through direct care, treatment, and health education. They spend most of their time working directly with patients to diagnose, troubleshoot, and treat a wide range of physical illnesses, injuries, disorders, and diseases.  Someone who enjoys working with people, doesn’t mind being around illness, and wants to make a difference in their community will like these roles. Travel is not often required, but there are a growing number of institutions offering in-home and traveling or mobile medical services.

Description of duties

Lead the assessment, treatment, and care for patients or residents with breathing disorders. Monitor responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals about results. Safely set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators or environmental control systems. Professional license required.

Quick Facts

Wage/Salary Range

Education & Training

Typical Work Environments

Personality Traits

Discover your strengths by taking the assessment.

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Respiratory and Physical Therapy
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Active Listening and Communication
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Observing and Documenting Information
  • Medical and Office Software

Other Job Titles

  • Certified RT (CRT)
  • Registered RT (RRT)
  • Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
  • Cardiopulmonary Technician
  • Respiratory Rehabilitation Specialist