Respiratory therapists, also called respiratory care practitioners, are expected to increase through the year 2012. This is because of the increasing cardiopulmonary diseases. Consequently, job opportunities in this field of health care is expected to become very good, especially for respiratory care practitioners with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with infants. Before you  enroll in any program for respiratory therapists, there is essential information that you will be need to know. In any state, all over of the United States, most respiratory therapy programs have the following requisites:

1. Must be 18 years of age

2. Submit a high school or GED transcript

3. Must have completed all the 30 semester with the required credit hours of general education. This may be a prerequisite series of courses required to enter into Respiratory Therapy Program. For a listing of those courses, see the Respiratory Therapy website or get a degree plan from the advising center. (This includes English, Algebra, Chemistry, Physiology and Anatomy)

4. Applicant must have a physical examination (such as TB skin test)

5. Must provide a criminal background check from a PTC approved agency with a clear  beackground in all areas.

Of course, you need to look for accredited institutions that provide RT programs. There are innumerable colleges and universities that offer respiratory therapy program all over the country. Aside from these institutions, there are also accredited agencies which offer educational programs on respiratory therapy.

These programs have been categorized into 3 levels by the American Association for Respiratory Care. First would be entry level or advanced level respiratory therapist programs; second, evening or domestic satellite; and third, polysomnography add-on programs. In one aspect, the programs in respiratory therapy are the same. These programs need to pass the national education regulation on the particular course of study so they all follow a certain curriculum and standard. In another aspect, programs vary as to the level of training and education. Entry-level trainings would be different and would be more rigorous as compared to programs catering to those who only want to upgrade their current standing in the profession.

If you think going to a school or an accredited agency for training and education is too much of a hassle for you, don’t fret. Some universities in some states, such as the University of Missouri, offer Respiratory Therapy degree completion program. These programs consist of online course work and community-based clinical experiences.  These experiences include exercises, researching and paper work like you would experience it in face-to-face interaction in classrooms. Students are also able to work one on one with patients and enjoy the physiology of the body. Course work includes pharmacologic intervention, therapeutic procedures, and eventually clinical practice procedures.