Medical Careers Guide
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Phlebotomist as a Career
Physical Therapy Assistant Career
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Radiologist Careers
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Respiratory Therapist Career
Sonography Careers
Sport Medicine Careers
Surgical Technologist Career
Veterinarian Careers
Vet Tech Careers
Xray Technician Career


Respiratory Therapy Career

Introduction
Respiratory therapy careers involve the evaluation, treatment, and care of patients with breathing and other cardiopulmonary disorders such as chronic asthma or emphysema, or cystic fibrosis. Respiratory therapists and technicians practice under the supervision and direction of a physician, but assume the primary responsibility for all respiratory care, therapeutic treatments, and diagnostic procedures. Some of the daily duties of respiratory therapists include performing limited physical examinations, and conducting diagnostic tests on patients to determine their breathing capacity. Respiratory therapists also measure a patient's pH levels and lung capacity in order to best provide information to the physician that helps determine whether the patient has any lung deficiencies.

Training
Formal training is necessary for entry into respiratory therapy careers. An associate degree has become the general requirement. Training in respiratory therapy is offered at the postsecondary level by colleges and universities, medical schools, and vocational institutes. Areas of study in respiratory therapy programs include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics. Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of clinical practice guidelines, patient care, respiratory health promotion and disease prevention, and rehabilitation.

Licensing/Employment
The licensing requirements for respiratory therapy careers vary from state to state, but almost every state requires licensure to practice. Also, most employers require respiratory therapists to maintain CPR certification as well. Hospitals employ the vast majority of respiratory therapists and technicians; however, a growing number of therapists are finding employment outside of hospitals with home healthcare services, or in offices of physicians or other health practitioners.

The Following Schools Provide Educational Programs For Respiratory Therapy Careers:
  Independence University

Advance your healthcare career 24/7 at Independence University. Our online programs in Allied Health, Respiratory Therapy, Health Services, and Nursing are specially designed to provide you with the cutting-edge skills you need to thrive in your new career. Earn your certificate, associate, bachelor's or master's degree. Independence University makes it easy for you to succeed.

Locations:
Online
Medical Education Programs:
Respiratory Care, Respiratory Therapy
Request more information from Independence University.
  Apollo College

A rewarding career in healthcare begins with a degree from Apollo College. Choose from highly respected programs in Healthcare, Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, and Veterinary Services. Our faculty of real-world professionals will provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed. Each of our six conveniently located campuses feature state-of-the-art laboratories. Apollo has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn.

Locations:
Mesa, AZ Phoenix, AZ Phoenix (Westside), AZ
Tucson, AZ Boise, ID Albuquerque, NM
Portland, OR Spokane, WA
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Respiratory Therapist
Request more information from Apollo College.
  Baker College

Founded in 1911, Baker College has helped hundreds of thousands of graduates achieve career fulfillment over the years. We provide job-specific training designed to help students launch a more personally rewarding career right out of college. And with Baker in their corner, they do — 98% of Baker College's available graduates are currently employed. Choose from convenient campus locations across the state of Michigan.

Locations:
Allen Park, MI Auburn Hills, MI Cadillac, MI
Clinton Township, MI Flint, MI Jackson, MI
Muskegon, MI Owosso, MI Port Huron, MI
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Associate - Respiratory Care
Request more information from Baker College.
  California College San Diego

Finally, a college that delivers. California College San Diego is truly unique in that their Technology, Business and Healthcare curriculum is designed for one purpose only: to prepare students for success.

Locations:
San Diego, CA
Medical Education Programs:
AS in Respiratory Therapy
Request more information from California College San Diego.
  Maric College

For 25 years, Maric College has been providing career-based degrees to students wishing to work in the fields of Nursing, Medical Services and Information Technology. Maric College offers an exceptional teaching curriculum that ensures its graduates have to tools they need get ahead. Choose from over 14 fields of study and take advantage of extensive job placement services. Day, evening and Saturday classes are available.

Locations:
Modesto, CA Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA
San Diego (North County), CA Stockton, CA
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Associate of Occupational Studies: Respiratory Therapy
Request more information from Maric College.
  Miami-Jacobs Career College

Miami-Jacobs Career College has a long and proud history of helping students like you prepare for career success. Our degree and diploma programs in health services, network engineering and business office management have been designed to give you plenty of hands-on experience, and a great foundation for the future. Choose from two convenient Miami Valley campuses. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Locations:
Dayton, OH
Medical Education Programs:
Respiratory Therapy
Request more information from Miami-Jacobs Career College.
  Sanford-Brown College

For over 135 years, Sanford-Brown College has been providing students with the hands-on skills employers are looking for. Some programs of study can be completed in as little as 9 months.

Locations:
Collinsville, IL Fenton, MO Hazelwood, MO
St. Peters, MO
Program availability may vary depending on campus.
Medical Education Programs:
Respiratory Therapy
Request more information from Sanford-Brown College.
  Western Career College

Western Career College offers certificates and degrees in toda'’s most in-demand field - healthcare. Our highly respected instructors will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to become a success. Choose from programs in Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Locations:
Pleasant Hill, CA
Medical Education Programs:
Respiratory Therapy
Request more information from Western Career College.
Find a Healthcare School Near You:
Medical Career Types:
Careers in Alternative Health
Career in Alternative Medicine
Career in Anesthesiology
Careers in Biomedical Engineering
Career in Cardiologist
Careers for Dental Hygienist
Career as Health Service Administrator
Careers in Health Wellness
Careers in Health Care
Careers in Health Care Administration
Career in Healthcare Management
Careers in Laboratory Technology
Careers in Medical Assisting
Career as a Medical Biller
Career as a Medical Coder
Careers in Medical Science
Career as a Medical Transcriptionist
Career in Medicine
Career as a Mental Health Professional
Careers for Natural Medicine
Career in Nursing
Career as a Nutritionist
Careers for a Paramedic
Career in Pharmacology
Career as a Physical Therapist
Career as a Psychologist
Career in Public Health
Career as a Radiation Therapist
Career as a Radiologist
Careers in Respiratory Therapy
Career as a Sonographer
Careers in Sport Medicine
Careers in Ultrasound Technology
Career as X-ray Tech

Featured Schools:
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Clayton College of Natural Health
Clayton College of Natural Health