Research career opportunities and the education, credentials, and responsibilities associated with each.

Career opportunities may include respiratory therapy positions in one or more modalities, such as

  • private physicians’ offices
  • hospitals
  • clinics
  • administration
  • perfusionist
  • physician assistant (separate licensure and degree)
  • physician extenders
  • education
  • local travel technology (temporary placements)
  • international placement
  • sales and applications.

Research should include websites such as those of professional associations in the area of respiratory therapy and other healthcare organizations, as well as Virginia Career VIEW (https://www.vaview.net/ Links to an external site.).

Many websites offer career exploration resources, including the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority (http://www.vhwda.org/healthcare-careers/ Links to an external site.) and the Virginia Education Wizard (https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/home Links to an external site.).

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What is the benefit of multiple modality accreditation in career development?
  • What are the differences between working in an outpatient setting vs. a hospital?
  • What is meant by the statement, “Respiratory therapy is a portable career”?
  • What career opportunities are available for respiratory therapists outside the traditional healthcare setting?