Pros and Cons of a Respiratory Therapy Career
If you’re asking the question, is respiratory therapy a good career for you? As the healthcare field evolves, respiratory therapy has emerged as one of the most respected and in-demand careers. Whether you’re considering enrolling in a respiratory therapist school or exploring potential salaries and work environments, this guide will help you understand the pros, cons, and what it takes to succeed in this vital medical field.
Pros of Being a Registered Respiratory Therapist
- Strong Job Security and Industry Respect
Respiratory therapist job demand has soared in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. There is now a greater demand for respiratory therapists than ever before. If you are to become a respiratory therapist, you are expected to find a position that can help you start a respiratory therapist career path. And not only do CRTs or RTTs have job security, but this is also a job that is well respected in the medical field, and among your peers, you will be considered an expert in your profession, one that will help contribute to the conversation of improving a patient’s life.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the respiratory therapist career path is expected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to not only job security, but also a high level of professional respect in clinical settings.
2. Flexible Work Schedules
The respiratory therapist job outlook comes with flexible hours from non-traditional schedules that can work around your lifestyle. For example, while you might have to work longer hours, this results in you having to work only 12 days a month, compared to a conventional 9-5 job where you will be working around 20 days a month.
3. Freedom to Work Anywhere and Opportunities to Travel
Becoming a traveling respiratory therapist is a great way to get autonomy and still have a fully formed career in the medical field. As a traveling respiratory therapist, you would be traveling across the United States and being a vital part of medical facilities while treating a wide variety of patients.
The Challenges of a Respiratory Therapy Career
- The Intensity of the Healthcare Field – A High Stress Environment
Working in healthcare requires responsibility and every day may bring new experiences. For some, this is a great opportunity to see every day as a new opportunity to challenge yourself and make a difference.
2. Shift Work and Holiday Schedules
Depending on your work schedule you might be working fewer days in a month but with longer hours. You might be working shifts that require weekends and/or holidays.
3. Education and Licensing Requirements
To become a registered respiratory therapist, you must first complete an accredited respiratory therapist program. Afterward, you’ll need to pass the credentialing exams and obtain state licensure to begin practicing. While this may seem daunting, choosing the right school can make the journey more manageable and rewarding.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Your path begins with the right respiratory therapist schooling. At St. Augustine College, we offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Respiratory Therapy — designed to help students like you launch a fulfilling and in-demand career.
What You’ll Learn in Our Respiratory Therapist Program:
- Respiratory care procedures and technologies
- Clinical skills through hands-on training
- Preparation for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam
- Patient care, ethics, and professional standards
Our respiratory therapist course requirements are tailored to fit the busy schedules of adult learners. The program is completed in just six semesters, allowing you to graduate and start your career in as little as two years.
Start Your Career in Respiratory Therapy at St. Augustine College
Whether you’re new to healthcare or looking to transition into a stable, respected medical role, becoming a respiratory therapist is a smart choice. With high demand, a strong salary outlook, and the chance to make a meaningful difference, it’s no wonder many are choosing this career path.
It starts with a college education that works for you. At St Augustine College, our Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy is the step that will get you on the career path in respiratory therapy. This program can be completed in only six semesters, and graduates are eligible to take the registry examination. With classes that are flexible and work around your schedule, learn more about St. Augustine’s at Lewis University AAS degree program in Respiratory Therapy today, and see how you can build your future for tomorrow.
