As a Respiratory Therapist your responsibilities in the clinical setting include treating patients with lung and breathing issues. They help patients of all ages and can work in a variety of healthcare settings.

There are certain career fields one may be able to get involved in with a degree in respiratory therapy. These include:

• Acute care hospitals
• Diagnostic labs
• Sleep disorder centers
• Rehab and skilled nursing facilities
• Patients' homes
• Patient transport systems
• Physicians' offices
• Convalescent and retirement centers
• Educational Institutions
• Wellness Centers
• Medical Device Manufacturers
• Travel Respiratory Therapists (13-week assignments at different hospitals)

Some skills that are needed by a respiratory therapist are:

• Critical Thinking
• Problem-solving
• Interpersonal skills

For a more in-depth look at the Respiratory Therapy program, listen to a podcast by Jim Bologa, YIT's CEO and President, and Carl Kenyon, the Respiratory Therapy program director. This video explains the role of a respiratory therapist, along with crucial items needed in the field.

Interested in a Career as a Respiratory Therapist?

At YTI Career Institute (YTI), the Respiratory Therapy program can be completed in as few as 20 months. This program is offered through the Altoona, PA campus in a blended learning format which includes clinical rotations at approved off-campus sites. Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy program will receive an Associate in Specialized Technology degree after successfully completing the program's 120 credits.

To learn more about the program, visit the program description page. If you're ready to get started, check out the online application portal.