What can I do to further my career in respiratory therapy?

Respiratory Therapy: Strong Career?

• Hey guys, I've been doing some research on a career as a respiratory therapist, and plan on attending PIMA at either Chula Vista or Las Vegas. I found some great information at www.bls.gov, the Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Respiratory-therapists.htm#tab-6 The info I found was that employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 28 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. "In addition, advances in preventing and detecting disease, improved medications, and more sophisticated treatments will increase the demand for respiratory therapists. Other conditions affecting the general population, such as smoking, air pollution, and respiratory emergencies, will continue to create demand for respiratory therapists." However, I have some opinions to the contrary from some current respiratory therapy students and past respiratory therapists. So I had a few questions regarding this career: 1. I have heard from several people that respiratory is a "dead career" and that its role has begun to be replaced by CNAs, RNs, and so on. Are there any RTs in the community that can attest to that claim? 2. After several visits to Pima Medical Institute, so far i've learned that the program there is accredited, and that is key to obtaining licensure and a job in the US. How often do RRT licenses need to be renewed? 3. I have also been told by several students that graduation and licensure, and even an externship does not take you very far anymore, and that hospitals and clinics desire RTs with 2 years experience. Are there any current RRTs that can shed some more light on this subject? 4. Finally, i'm curious about the working hours. I don't have any aversion to working nights, as long as its not every night for a very long time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that "Most respiratory therapists work full time. Because they may work in medical facilities such as hospitals that are always open, some work evening, night, or weekend hours." So my final question is, how are the hours? I have been told by students that most positions are Per Diem, or as needed, and that employers barely give you hours to earn money in order to support yourself. On the other hand, some have told me that full-time RRTs work long nights and generally suffer the same sleep deficiencies as RNs and CNAs. If there are any RRTs or current students in the community that could impart some knowledge on this subject, i'd appreciate it very much, thanks!

• Answer:

  Do what you like because your going to be doing it for a while.