What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Respiratory therapists assess and treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary issues caused by conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and heart failure. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants to the elderly, providing care such as administering ventilators, monitoring respiratory status, and performing diagnostic tests on lung function and blood gases. Therapists adjust treatments as needed and supervise respiratory therapy technicians, all under a physician’s direction.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
The vast majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others work in nursing care facilities or travel to patients’ homes. Most respiratory therapists work full time, and because they work in medical facilities, they may work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Annual median salary: $101,621
Entry-level salary: $78,628
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Respiratory Therapists are expected to grow statewide by 26% between 2022 and 2032, with over 550 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Respiratory therapists need at least an associate or bachelor’s degree. Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology, along with courses on therapeutic procedures, diagnostic tests, patient assessment, CPR, and respiratory health promotion.
For More Information:
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care: https://coarc.com/students/find-an-accredited-program/
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed in New York State, respiratory therapists must be graduates of an accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/respiratory-therapists/license-requirements
National Board for Respiratory Care: https://www.nbrc.org/examinations/
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
American Respiratory Care Foundation: https://arcfoundation.org/how-we-give/student-awards/
Education Programs
Education Programs in New York
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Upstate Medical University SUNY | BS | Syracuse | Central NY | Visit |
SUNY Sullivan Community College | AAS | Loch Sheldrake | Hudson Valley | Visit |
SUNY Westchester Community College | AAS | Valhalla | Hudson Valley | Visit |
SUNY Erie Community College | AAS | Williamsville | Western NY | Visit |
Stony Brook University SUNY | BS | Stony Brook | Long Island | Visit |
Nassau Community College | AAS | Garden City | Long Island | Visit |
Molloy University | BS | Rockville Centre | Long Island | Visit |
Mohawk Valley Community College | AAS | Utica | Mohawk Valley | Visit |
Mandl School | AAS | New York City | New York City | Visit |
Long Island University | BS | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
Hudson Valley Community College | AAS | Troy | Capital Region | Visit |
Genesee Community College | AAS | Batavia | Finger Lakes | Visit |
Borough of Manhattan Community College CUNY | AAS | New York City | New York City | Visit |