Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work in hospitals, physicians' offices, home health care, and other settings. Training requires an associate degree as the minimum, with a bachelor's or master's degree preferred for advancement. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow faster than average through 2016 due to an aging population and increased need for care of respiratory ailments. Median annual earnings were $47,420 in 2006.
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