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Career Path Forecast
 According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau
of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory
therapists is expected to grow by 21 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster
than the average for all occupations.
The increasing demand will come from substantial growth in
the middle-aged and elderly population -- a development that will heighten
the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease. Growth in demand also will result
from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in case management,
disease prevention, emergency care, and the early detection of pulmonary
disorders.
Older Americans suffer most from respiratory ailments and
cardiopulmonary diseases, such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema,
and heart disease. As the number of older persons
increases, the need for respiratory therapists is expected to increase as
well. In addition, advances in inhalable medications and in the treatment
of lung transplant patients, heart attack and accident victims, and
premature infants -- many of whom depend on a ventilator during part of
their treatment -- will increase the demand for the services of respiratory
care practitioners.
Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially
for those with a bachelor’s degree and certification, and those with
cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants. The vast
majority of job openings will continue to be in hospitals. However, a
growing number of openings are expected to be outside of hospitals,
especially in home healthcare services, offices of physicians or other
health practitioners, consumer-goods rental firms, or in the employment
services industry as a temporary worker in various settings.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
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