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SIMS Medical Academy
Exploring patient simulation
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Respiratory Therapy | Care Job opportunities are expected to remain good. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010, because of substantial growth of the middle-aged and elderly population—a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease.
Opportunities are expected to be favorable for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary care skills and experience working with infants. Although hospitals will continue to employ the vast majority of therapists, a growing number of therapists can expect to work outside of hospitals in respiratory therapy clinics, offices of physicians, nursing homes, or homecare. "There are about 100,000 respiratory therapists in the United States. They work with patients of all ages and in many different care settings. Respiratory therapists are members of the health care team that provide respiratory care for patients with heart and lung disorders. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals where they perform intensive care, critical care, and neonatal procedures. They are also typically a vital part of the hospital's lifesaving response team that handles patient emergencies. Of the more than 7,000 hospitals in this country, about 5,700 have separate respiratory care departments. An increasing number of respiratory therapists are now working in skilled nursing facilities, physicians' offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients' homes. Respiratory therapists perform procedures that are both diagnostic and therapeutic." From www.aarc.org/patient_education/whatarcp.asp and www.bls.gov/oco/ocos084.htm Offered by:
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Older Americans suffer most from respiratory ailments
and cardiopulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and heart
disease. As their numbers increase, the need for respiratory therapists will increase, as
well. In addition, advances in treating victims of heart attacks, accident victims, and
premature infants (many of whom are dependent on a ventilator during part of their
treatment) will increase the demand for the services of respiratory care practitioners.