Are you passionate about helping people breathe better? Do you have excellent communication skills and a caring attitude? If so, a career as a respiratory therapist might be the perfect fit for you. In this role, you will work with a healthcare team to diagnose, treat, educate, and promote wellness in patients with cardio-respiratory diseases and related disorders.
Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in assisting patients with breathing problems caused by various acute or chronic disorders such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and more. They also work with patients suffering from sleep disorders, heart disease, trauma, high-risk births, and organ failures. Some of the tasks performed by respiratory therapists include:
Respiratory therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, assisted-living homes, the community, and patients' homes. They may also work in diagnostic labs specializing in heart, lung, and sleep disorders. To excel in this profession, excellent communication skills, organizational abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a compassionate nature are essential. Respiratory therapists must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
For those considering a career as a respiratory therapist, the average salary is approximately $43.09 per hour. This profession typically requires three years of post-secondary education, and certifications are provincially regulated. The demand for respiratory therapists is around 2,000 per province annually.