Do you want to enter a growing career field where you help people every day? From young children with asthma to older patients with lung disease, trained respiratory therapists are needed to improve their patient's condition. Now is the time to help patients with respiratory diseases breathe easier!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Here are 3 reasons why a career in respiratory therapy is in high demand.

#1 Aging Population

Did you know the entire respiratory system changes in structure and function with age? Breathing gets harder and harder, and older folks become more susceptible to infections. As the older population in the United States continues to expand for decades to come, respiratory therapists are needed to assess and treat these patients.

#2 Reducing Readmissions to Hospitals

Hospitals can be penalized for excessive patient readmission within 30 days of discharge for selected conditions that include pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, well-trained respiratory therapists will be relied upon to properly care for patients in hospitals to minimize the chance they return. In addition, a great demand for respiratory therapists is created in nursing homes and in doctors' offices where patients might seek subsequent treatment.

#3 Advancements in Detecting and Preventing Disease

Studies suggest early detection and treatment of respiratory disease might improve long-term prognosis. With new and emerging technologies like saliva biomarkers, wrist-worn devices and smartphone-based spirometers either in practice or on the horizon, skilled respiratory therapists will be needed to help patients detect potential disease as early as possible.

Start Training to Help Patients Breathe Easier

The Respiratory Therapy program at YTI Career Institute combines qualified instruction with the industry-modeled facilities, equipment and instruments like you'd find on your first day of work. In addition, your clinical rotations in actual hospitals, long term care facilities and clinics will help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to get started in this fast growing career! Check out the Respiratory Therapy program at our campus in Altoona, PA in person. Click here to schedule a campus tour or call 814-312-6166 today!