Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care Practitioners treat and care for patients with cardiopulmonary (heart-lung) problems that interfere with normal breathing. Their work is vital to the health of patients whether the treatments are temporary, emergency, or long-term. The patient may be a premature baby whose lungs are not fully developed, an older person who has been fighting lung disease for many years, or a person who has recently had a heart operation. Respiratory Care Practitioners are members of the health care team that respond to life-threatening emergencies in the hospital. 

Under medical supervision, Respiratory Care Practitioners work with specialized equipment and medications to help people breathe easier. Respiratory care practitioners work in hospitals, long term care facilities, outpatient clinics and in peoples homes. With advanced education and experience they can become managers or educators. 

Education

Two career paths in respiratory care are available - both lead to a career as a Respiratory Care Practitioner:

Associate Degree (takes 2 ½ years) in a respiratory care program – There are two types of associate degree programs. Some are considered basic and some are considered advanced practitioner schools. Both enable you to take the state licensing exam and thus practice as a respiratory care practiitoner.  However, only the advanced practitioner programs offer eligibility to become a registered respiratory therapist. ( this is a national credential) This distinction will give you more opportunities in career choices and salary.   

Bachelors Degree (takes 4 – 4 ½ years) in a respiratory care program – This degree enables a practitioner to advance up the healthcare career ladder into management and teaching. This educational track prepares the student to take the licensing exam and thus practice as a respiratory care practitioner and become eligible to become a registered respiratory therapist.

Upon completion of both programs, the student must pass a state licensing examination in order to practice as a Respiratory Care Practioner.

Average Starting Salary
(in Southern California, dependent on specialty and location of practice)

     Respiratory Care Practitioner - $35,000 – $40,000 annually

For More Information Log on to:

The American Association for Respiratory Care Click on Education & Career)

The National Board for Respiratory Care Click on respiratory care education programs for a listing of schools in the United States that have a respiratory care practitioner programs

Los Angeles Valley College – Click on Academic Programs, then Health Sciences Respiratory Care Practitioner program