US Department of Labor: Respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians--also known as respiratory care practitioners--evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care treatments, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Respiratory therapy technicians provide specific, well-defined respiratory care procedures under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians. In clinical practice, many of the daily duties of therapists and technicians overlap, although therapists generally have more experience than technicians.

Career Path	Graduate from accredited program pass certified respiratory therapist (CRT) exam registered respiratory therapist (RRT) Registered Respiratory Therapist Median Base Wage Rate: $19.48
Schools	Spokane Community College Associate of Applied Science degree with distance learning options typical duration: 7 quarters, full-time prerequisites: MATH 99 Intermediate Algebra, CHEM 161 General Chemistry for Health Sciences, BIOL 101 General Biology
Useful Links	RT Magazine
Certification	National Board for Respiratory Care