Respiratory Therapy Careers CTAE Resource Network Created by Caleb Allred and Dr. Frank Flanders 2010

Objectives MSHS7-HS-4:Students will differentiate careers available in the field of respiratory care. a. Compare and contrast the roles and responsibilities of pulmonologists, certified respiratory therapists, registered respiratory therapists, and pulmonary function technologists, along with their education and training requirements, salary ranges, job outlooks, and facilities in which they work.

Careers in Respiratory Healthcare PulmonologistPulmonologist Respiratory TherapistRespiratory Therapist Pulmonary Function TechnologistPulmonary Function Technologist

Pulmonologist Conducts tests on pulmonary and/or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes.Conducts tests on pulmonary and/or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic purposes. Conducts or assists in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary function, lung capacity, and similar tests.Conducts or assists in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary function, lung capacity, and similar tests. Must possess specialized knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases.Must possess specialized knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases.

Where Do Pulmonologists Work? HospitalsHospitals Pediatric CentersPediatric Centers Alongside EMTs in AmbulancesAlongside EMTs in Ambulances Pulmonology FacilitiesPulmonology Facilities Sleep Study CentersSleep Study Centers

Pulmonologist Training Requirements Graduation from an approved medical school.Graduation from an approved medical school. Completion of an ACGME (American Council for Graduate Medical Education) accredited internal medicine residency program.Completion of an ACGME (American Council for Graduate Medical Education) accredited internal medicine residency program. Minimum of 2 years of meaningful patient contact and responsibility.Minimum of 2 years of meaningful patient contact and responsibility. Minimum of 2 years of full-time graduate training in pulmonary studies.Minimum of 2 years of full-time graduate training in pulmonary studies. (More may be required for critical care training and certification.)

Pulmonologist Salary and Outlook $150,000+ per year salary.$150,000+ per year salary. This field is expected to grow more quickly than average through 2014.This field is expected to grow more quickly than average through 2014.

Respiratory Therapist Evaluates, treats, and cares for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.Evaluates, treats, and cares for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Interviews patients, performs limited physical examinations, and conducts diagnostic tests.Interviews patients, performs limited physical examinations, and conducts diagnostic tests. Operates medical devices, such as ventilators, and gas regulators.Operates medical devices, such as ventilators, and gas regulators. Monitors patient's responses to therapy, such as vital signs, blood-oxygen levels, and blood chemistry changes.Monitors patient's responses to therapy, such as vital signs, blood-oxygen levels, and blood chemistry changes.

Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work? HospitalsHospitals Doctor’s OfficesDoctor’s Offices Pediatric CentersPediatric Centers Pulmonology FacilitiesPulmonology Facilities

Respiratory Therapist Training Requirements Minimum of an Associate Degree.Minimum of an Associate Degree. Licensure from the National Board for Respiratory Care (required in all states except Alaska and Hawaii) to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).Licensure from the National Board for Respiratory Care (required in all states except Alaska and Hawaii) to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Graduation from advanced programs and successful completion of two separate examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).Graduation from advanced programs and successful completion of two separate examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Respiratory Therapist Salary and Outlook Average CRT starting salary: $40,000Average CRT starting salary: $40,000 Average RRT starting salary: $55,000Average RRT starting salary: $55,000 This field is expected to grow more quickly than average through 2014.This field is expected to grow more quickly than average through 2014.

Pulmonary Function Technologist Performs pulmonary-function, lung- capacity, diffusion capacity, and blood- and-oxygen tests to gather data for use by physician(s).Performs pulmonary-function, lung- capacity, diffusion capacity, and blood- and-oxygen tests to gather data for use by physician(s). Discusses test procedures with patients.Discusses test procedures with patients. Observes and records readings on metering devices of analysis equipment and relays this information to the physician for interpretation.Observes and records readings on metering devices of analysis equipment and relays this information to the physician for interpretation.

Where Do Pulmonary Function Technologists Work? HospitalsHospitals Doctor’s OfficesDoctor’s Offices Pulmonology FacilitiesPulmonology Facilities Pediatric CentersPediatric Centers

Pulmonary Function Technologist Training Requirements Must already be a CRT or RRT.Must already be a CRT or RRT.OR Must have a high school degree and two or more years of clinical experience in pulmonary function technology.Must have a high school degree and two or more years of clinical experience in pulmonary function technology. Take and pass an accreditation exam from the National Board for Respiratory Care.Take and pass an accreditation exam from the National Board for Respiratory Care. CRT becomes Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT).CRT becomes Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT). RRT becomes Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT).RRT becomes Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT).

Pulmonary Function Technologist Salary and Outlook Average CPFT starting salary: $55,000Average CPFT starting salary: $55,000 Average RPFT starting salary: $65,000Average RPFT starting salary: $65,000 This field is expected to grow more quickly than average through 2014.This field is expected to grow more quickly than average through 2014.