Respiratory therapy programs prepare people to help patients with breathing problems. Students learn to develop respiratory care plans and administer treatments and medicines. They also learn to work with healthcare teams and patients. They also learn to keep records and instruct patients.

With the help of respiratory therapists, many people with conditions ranging from asthma to cystic fibrosis can do activities many of us take for granted. After all, we breathe thousands of times per day without ever thinking about it. Yet many people have conditions that make breathing difficult and even painful. However, with proper medical care, people can live normal lives, even excel at sports.

Respiratory therapists help people of all ages, from premature infants to people 85 years old. Respiratory therapists measure oxygen levels in blood, lung capacity, and stress levels. They also administer medications and monitor breathing using machines and medical tests. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and doctors' offices. You can also work for home health companies or nursing homes.

In respiratory therapy programs, you take courses in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. You also take courses in physics, microbiology, and medical terminology. You study the human cardiopulmonary system and learn how to evaluate and monitor patients. In addition, you learn how to operate heart-lung machines and administer drugs and oxygen.

Respiratory therapy programs range from one-year certificate programs to four-year bachelor's degree programs. A number of trade schools, technical institutes, and traditional community and four-year schools in the U.S. offer respiratory therapy programs.

Graduates of the longer programs have a higher level of expertise and may be responsible for some teaching and supervisory duties. It is becoming more common for employers to require a four-year degree to work as a respiratory therapist.