When patients can’t breathe, respiratory therapists (RTs) are the lifeline. So if you’ve never wondered, “How important are respiratory therapists in healthcare?” It’s time to listen up.

These healthcare professionals specialize in treating breathing problems, from chronic respiratory diseases to life-threatening emergencies. As essential contributors to medical teams, patients’ lives depend on the important role of respiratory therapists.

Demand for respiratory therapists is also soaring. Careers for registered respiratory therapists are expected to grow by 13% from 2023 to 2033, due to increased prevalence of respiratory conditions as well as the need for preventative care, ventilator care, and oxygen therapy.

What is a respiratory therapist?

Respiratory therapists are allied health professionals who specialize in treating patients with cardiopulmonary disorders and other breathing issues. Some RTs provide treatment for premature infants in a NICU, while other RTs treat elderly patients in rehabilitation centers. Working closely with doctors and nurses, their primary role is to assist in providing comprehensive respiratory care at any given stage of treatment.

Respiratory therapists are responsible for three main areas: clinical procedures from diagnostic testing to emergency interventions, patient education and advocacy, and working across different medical environments. Their scope makes them versatile healthcare professionals.

What does a respiratory therapist do?

So, how important are respiratory therapists in healthcare, and what exactly do they do? Respiratory therapists are highly skilled clinicians serving as a critical link between patients, nurses, and physicians. Their role requires technical knowledge and compassion for patient-centered care.

Patient assessment and diagnosis

RTs conduct various diagnostic tests, including pulmonary function exams and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, which measure lung capacity, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and other vital respiratory health indicators. By interpreting results, respiratory therapists use this information to assist physicians in identifying complications early on and formulating or adjusting effective treatments.

Treatment implementation

RTs administer oxygen therapy, deliver aerosolized medications, and perform chest physiotherapy to help clear lungs. In critical care environments like ICUs or during surgical procedures, these critical therapists manage and operate mechanical ventilators, which requires in-depth knowledge of ventilator settings, modes of delivery, and patient monitoring to ensure proper respiratory support.

Emergency response

When seconds count, respiratory therapists jump into action. They’re the ones rushing to cardiac arrests, helping place breathing tubes, and clearing blocked airways when patients are unable to breathe. In these high-stakes moments, an RT’s steady hands and quick thinking often mean the difference between life and death.

Patient education and support

Beyond the hospital setting, RTs spend time with patients and their families, breaking down complex conditions like asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis into understandable terms. They demonstrate how to properly use inhalers, set up CPAP machines, and operate nebulizers, teaching patients techniques that will help them breathe more easily at home.

Additionally, many RTs help patients tackle lifestyle changes, whether that’s quitting smoking, finding the right exercise routine, or adjusting their diet to support lung health.

Healthcare team collaboration

Respiratory therapists are integral members of interdisciplinary teams. Their contribution is valuable in that it majorly influences treatment direction, especially in complex cases, helping other members of the medical team provide highly individualized patient care and dramatically reducing hospital readmission rates.

Explore the respiratory therapy career through Goodwin University’s program!

Securing an important and impactful career as a respiratory therapist

Respiratory therapists fulfill a vital role in medicine, helping patients overcome complex cardiopulmonary issues. These professionals operate advanced medical equipment every day and must be precise and safe when treating patients. As such, it’s important that respiratory therapists complete the proper training and education before launching a career.

Respiratory therapists need at least an associate degree in Respiratory Therapy, as well as a license to practice in their state.

An associate degree in Respiratory Care covers foundational knowledge and clinical skills, with advanced topics in human anatomy, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, airway management, mechanical ventilation, and emergency care.

The best programs also provide aspiring RTs with hands-on experience through clinical rotations in healthcare facilities with real patients and care teams.

An associate degree prepares students to take their licensing exam and become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Since many students balance full-time jobs or career changes, many programs offer flexible scheduling with evening classes and clinicals that fit your life. Most credits can transfer toward a Health Science bachelor’s degree for future advancement.

What can you do with a Respiratory Therapy degree?

A respiratory therapy degree opens many doors for you. You’re not limited to hospitals—RTs also work in emergency transport, pulmonary rehab clinics, long-term care, and home healthcare. This flexibility lets you align your career with your interests, whether you prefer fast-paced ERs or steady chronic care settings.

Competitive pay and room to grow

In 2024, the median annual salary for respiratory therapists was $80,450, a competitive wage that reflects the specialized training and critical role RTs have in modern healthcare. With experience, certifications, or further education, RTs can advance into leadership, clinical specialization, or healthcare education.

Meaningful positions in respiratory therapy

A degree in Respiratory Therapy opens doors to meaningful healthcare careers. You’ll be able to find positions aligning with your interests and preferred work environment. You can choose whether to work in fast-paced emergency rooms or ongoing chronic care environments.

One day, you may find yourself in a leadership role, or train to take on specialized clinical responsibilities, or transition into hospital administration and healthcare education. The options are endless for skilled and qualified RTs to make an impact.

Is becoming a respiratory therapist worth it?

Absolutely, we think so! After all, the field offers flexible scheduling, higher-than-average job security, and the opportunity to profoundly impact others each day. Most importantly, respiratory therapy is an excellent career choice for those passionate about healthcare. If you’re interested in working with patients and families on healthcare’s front lines and being part of a team providing lifesaving care, respiratory therapy could be the right path.

Goodwin University’s Respiratory Therapy program offers you a comprehensive and flexible path toward this exciting career. Are you ready to make a real difference in people’s lives? Apply today or request more information about this program to begin your journey toward this meaningful and dynamic healthcare career.

Learn more about respiratory therapy at Goodwin University to see if this is a good career choice for you.