What can you do with a Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist degree?

First, some facts. Of the Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 87 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 83%, Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates have a much higher likelihood (+16%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 83%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 31% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2021 from Palm Beach State College with a Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Registered Respiratory Therapist
St. Mary's Medical Center
Sep 2021 - Present
The role of Registered Respiratory Therapist directly utilizes the specific skills and knowledge gained from the Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist, requiring comprehensive understanding and application of respiratory care principles on a daily basis.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the career paths of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Respiratory Care Therapy, it's clear that many of them stick closely to their field. The most common job titles that appear frequently include Registered Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Coordinator, and various practitioner roles related to respiratory care. These positions inherently require the skills and knowledge acquired through their degree, demonstrating a strong connection between education and career. It’s impressive to see that most of them move into roles that directly apply what they’ve learned, ensuring high relevance to their educational background. This is an important aspect, as it showcases how their studies prepare them for effective practice in real-world healthcare settings.

However, not every graduate remains within the bounds of respiratory therapy. We see some individuals deviating into roles that are less directly related to their training. For example, there are a few who take on management positions or roles in healthcare administration, where respiratory care expertise may be less essential. Others venture into completely unrelated fields such as retail or driving. This shift underscores the varied nature of career paths that can emerge from a healthcare-related degree, albeit these roles do not utilize the specialized knowledge and skills gained in respiratory therapy. Overall, while the majority of job titles reflect a strong connection to respiratory care therapy, there remains a noteworthy portion of graduates who may not find relevance in their jobs relative to their degrees. It's important for students to be aware of this dynamic, as it can shape their own career trajectories post-graduation.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Analyzing the career trajectories of recent graduates from programs in Respiratory Care Therapy can provide insight into the typical paths these professionals take after completing their degrees. Looking at the provided profiles, it’s clear that many graduates start their careers directly in relevant roles, such as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) or other positions within healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. For example, graduates from schools like Missouri-Columbia and Boise State quickly move into positions directly related to respiratory care, often remaining with the same employer for several years. This indicates a strong initial alignment between education and employment in the field.

Five to ten years post-graduation, there seems to be a mix of stability and movement among these professionals. Many continue to rise within the field, taking on more senior roles, like Clinical Supervisors, Department Managers, or embarking on specialized paths such as Travel Respiratory Therapists or positions in education and clinical instruction. Noteworthy is the number of graduates who shift into roles that maintain a direct relation to respiratory care but also venture into adjacent fields such as education, clinical research, or even technology and management roles in healthcare settings. Some, however, drift significantly from the original career path, taking roles that might not utilize their respiratory care training, leaving the question of job satisfaction and career relevance for those individuals.

In conclusion, while many graduates of Respiratory Care Therapy programs enjoy a solid start in their careers, the ten-year outlook reveals varied trajectories. Many remain engaged in positions that leverage their specialized training, while others may pursue alternative career paths that could fall outside of their original scope. This mixture might reflect broader job markets or personal choices regarding work-life balance and satisfaction. Overall, it's a career path with promising beginnings but also a reality check on the potential need for continued adaptation and evolution throughout one's professional life.

How hard is a Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist degree?

Honestly, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care Therapy can be pretty challenging, but it's not impossible if you're dedicated and willing to put in the effort. You'll dive into subjects like anatomy, physiology, and clinical practices, which can be intense, especially if science isn’t your strong suit. Plus, there are hands-on components and clinical rotations that can add to the workload. However, a lot of students find it rewarding because you're learning valuable skills that can help people. So, while it’s definitely more demanding than some other majors, if you’re passionate about it, you’ll probably find your groove and make it through just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist.

Do Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories and education of these Respiratory Care Therapy graduates, it seems like many of them have made some decent money, especially those working as Registered Respiratory Therapists and in higher-level positions. For instance, the graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia has effectively climbed the ranks at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, eventually becoming a Respiratory Education Coordinator, which suggests they are earning a competitive salary. Other graduates also appear to have moved up into managerial roles or specialized positions that likely come with better pay, though the details of their salaries aren't provided explicitly.

However, some profiles show more of a struggle. For example, the graduate from Molloy College, who is now a truck driver and groomer, seems to have strayed from respiratory therapy altogether, which might indicate they’re not earning as much as their peers in dedicated health care roles. Overall, while many graduates seem to be doing well for themselves, it’s clear that the earnings potential can significantly vary based on job position and career path taken after graduation.

What buzzwords do Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist (ordered by the average relevance score of their Respiratory Care Therapy-Therapist graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count