Respiratory Therapist It’s Your Choice... Choose to care! Promoting Health Careers in Mississippi A division of Mississippi Hospital Association

Position Responsibilities HRespiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. They test the capacity of patients’ lungs and analyze oxygen carbon dioxide concentration. HThey also measure the patient's potential for hydrogen which indicates the acidity or alkalinity levels of the blood. Lung capacity is measured by having the patient breathe into an instrument that gauges the volume and flow of oxygen during inhalation and exhalation. HBy comparing the readings with the norms for the patient's age, height, weight and sex, a respiratory therapist can determine whether lung deficiencies exist. HThey are also responsible for drawing blood samples to test patients' carbon dioxide and pH levels.

Work Environment Five out of every six respiratory therapists work in a hospital setting. However, you will also find respiratory therapists in physician offices, nursing homes, home use respiratory equipment suppliers and in respiratory clinics.

High School Preparation High school students interested in a career in respiratory therapy should take courses in biology, health, mathematics, chemistry physics, English, computer skills, geometry, emergency medical technology and health occupations/ medical professions education.

College Requirements There are two credentialing levels for respiratory practitioners. They include certified respiratory therapy technician and registered respiratory therapist. The certified respiratory therapy technician generally graduates after a one-year certificate program. This classification administers general respiratory care and may assume clinical responsibilities or specific treatments. The registered respiratory therapist generally graduates from a two-year Associate Degree program. They must then take a national examination to become registered. Students interested in respiratory technology should contact schools for information on admission and course of study.

Educational Institutions Copiah-Lincoln CC Natchez Campus 30 Campus Drive Natchez, MS Phone: (601) Hinds CC Nursing/ Allied Health Center 1750 Chadwick Dr. Jackson, MS Phone: (601) Itawamba CC Fulton Campus 602 West Hill St. Fulton, MS Phone: (662) Meridian CC Meridian Campus 910 Hwy. 19 North Meridian, MS Phone: (601) MS Gulf Coast CC Jackson County Campus P.O. Box 100 Gautier, MS Phone: (228) Northeast MS CC Booneville Campus 101 Cunningham Blvd. Booneville, MS Phone: (662) Northwest MS CC DeSoto Campus 5197 WE Ross Parkway Southaven, MS Phone: (662) Pearl River CC Forrest County Vo-Tech 5448 US Hwy 49 South Hattiesburg, MS Phone: (601)

Salary Range Average Annual Salary--$36,960 Salary Range--$22,360 to $61,300

Career Outlook HJob opportunities for respiratory therapists are expected to grow between % over the next 10 years. HThey will experience job growth faster than the average for all occupations in the United States. HThis job growth is due in part to the aging of the baby boomer generation, which has increased the number of individuals in the middle age to elderly portion of the population. This age group is more likely to suffer illnesses that affect heart and lung functions.

Professional Organizations American Association of Respiratory Care Ables Lane Dallas, TX Phone: (972) Fax: (972) or Fax: (972) Web: The National Board of Respiratory Care 8310 Nieman Road Lenexa, KS Phone: (913) Fax: (913) Web: Mississippi Society for Respiratory Care P.O. Box 5152 Jackson, MS Web:

A division of Mississippi Hospital Association MHA Health Careers Center 6425 Lakeover Road (39213) P.O. Box Jackson, MS Phone (601) Fax (601)