Maricopa Community Colleges

Health Careers : Respiratory Therapist
Stock photo of Respiratory Therapist working with a patient
 
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists assess, evaluate, and treat patients with pulmonary (lung and breathing) problems. They provide medications, treatments, therapy, and diagnostic procedures to evaluate and improve the patient’s cardiopulmonary function in a variety of diagnoses including: asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, heart conditions, neurologic disorders, and trauma. The patient population treated by the Respiratory Therapist includes premature infants, children, and adults.

Work Environment:
Employment is found in physicians' offices, clinics, sleep laboratories, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies.

Job Outlook:
The Arizona job market for Respiratory Therapy Technicians is expected to increase 6.4% per year, creating approximately 100 new job openings per year.

Licensure/Certification:
Graduates of the therapist program are eligible to take the NBRC certification and registry examinations. State licensure information is available from the Arizona Board of Examiners for Respiratory Care.

Salary:
Certified and Registered Respiratory Therapists can earn $16.75 to $29.00 per hour, or an average annual salary of $35,100 to $60,000.

Program Offerings:
GateWay Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care. For more information contact the Program Director at 602-286-8503 or Program Advisor at 602-286-8600 or visit http://www.gatewaycc.edu/Programs/RespiratoryCare/

Block Transfer for Health Professions:
Not applicable