Respiratory Technician Salary
Respiratory technicians evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. They may work in hospitals, doctor's offices, care centers or travel to homes. Their salary range depends upon a person's education and experience but there are minimum requirements.
Respiratory technician vs. respiratory therapist
A respiratory technician has the same education as a respiratory therapist. However, the responsibilities are not evenly distributed. The difference is that a respiratory technician follows specifically defined procedures given under the direction of the doctor or the respiratory therapist. This includes any treatment or medications administered to patients.
Required training
Respiratory technicians must have formal training from a medical school, college, university or vocational institute. The minimum requirement is an associate or bachelor's degree. Depending on the state, a special license from the state's respiratory care board may be required. Review your state's requirements before proceeding with your degree or job search.
Salary
TheU.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median salary, in 2004, for a respiratory technician was $36,740. The median salary for a respiratory therapist was $43,140. In 2009, the average salary for a respiratory technician is $43,000. This may be different depending upon the type of facility you work at or the regional location. When researching or negotiating salary, be sure you distinguish between a respiratory technician and a respiratory therapist.
Job Outlook
There is a growing number of people living to an older age. Because of this, there will be a greater need for treatment of respiratory problems and therefore, a greater need for respiratory technicians. According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for a trained respiratory technician are expected to grow faster than the average employment.
Advance your position
Once you have gained experience in the field as a respiratory technician, you can advance to respiratory therapist positions without having to do additional formal education. The American Association for Respiratory Care (aarc.org) says there are other advanced employment opportunities, including teaching for a respiratory therapy program, doing research in respiratory care or starting your own business that provides patient education or respiratory diagnostic services.
Tags: respiratory therapist, respiratory technician, education respiratory, greater need, Labor Statistics