Respiratory Therapist
Provides respiratory support, ventilation therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with breathing disorders.
Career Overview
Growth Outlook: Very HighRespiratory therapists assess and manage conditions affecting lung function, including asthma, COPD, ARDS, trauma, and post-surgical respiratory compromise. They administer oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary diagnostics, airway clearance techniques, and emergency respiratory support. Work settings include ICUs, emergency departments, neonatal units, pulmonary rehab centres, and home-care programs. They collaborate with pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, critical care teams, and emergency physicians. Growing demand is driven by respiratory diseases, aging populations, rising ICU needs, and global respiratory outbreaks.
Top Skills
- Mechanical ventilation management
- Pulmonary diagnostics
- Airway management
- Emergency response
- Patient monitoring
- Communication
Education Pathway
- 12th Science
- Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy
- Master’s specialization
- Clinical fellowships
Suggested UG Degrees
- B.Sc. Respiratory Therapy
PG / Advancement Options
- M.Sc. Respiratory Care
- Fellowships in Critical Care
- Certifications
Also Known As
- Pulmonary Therapist
- Respiratory Care Practitioner