It is possible that not too many people are familiar with respiratory therapy and what it entails. It is actually a significant field within the medical industry dealing with lung disorders on a long term scale. Most of the time a respiratory therapist works side by side with other physicians and medical professionals to make their evaluations, as well as spending a good amount of face time with the actual patient. There are a wide range of respiratory therapy programs to choose from, and you will have to commit to a 2-4 year program before you can enter this profession. If you want to start working as a respiratory therapist, once graduating from the program, you will need to get your CRT certificate (Certified Respiratory Therapist), or an RRT certificate (Registered Respiratory Therapist), by passing some exams.
Once in practice, a respiratory therapist will undertake such tasks as testing patients for breathing abnormalities, helping patients with rehabilitation, measuring for lung capacity, and setting up and operating ventilator machines. All of these prove to be very important for a patient who is suffering from a lung disorder, and a doctor is not always qualified to perform these tasks. A respiratory ceu (continuing education unit) is available for students who would like to become respiratory therapists but cannot commit to full time studying at respiratory therapist schools just yet. The average salary is $40,000-50,000 for students who have already graduated and have begun working.