Begin your education in New Jersey

What is Respiratory Therapy?

Respiratory Therapy is a specialized health care field where practitioners are trained in pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from pulmonary disease.

What RTs do?

Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods.
Interviewing patients and doing chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.
Consulting with physicians to recommend a change in therapy, based on your evaluation of the patient.
Analyzing breath, tissue, and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.
Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.
Responding to cardiopulmonary and other emergency calls for care.
Educating patients and families about lung disease so they can maximize their recovery.

A day in the life of an RT Video

Learn more about Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapy is a rapidly advancing field with diverse and ever-expanding career opportunities – and always the chance to save and improve lives. If you are thinking about becoming a respiratory therapist, you’ve come to right place – and the world needs you.

The World Needs More (www.morerts.com)

Make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others (www.be-an-rt.org)

Next Steps

Talk to your guidance counselor and make a plan.
Review respiratory programs in your region.
Reach out to the program or admissions department at the institution with questions.
Reach out to a local hospital and inquire about an opportunity to shadow a respiratory therapist for a few hours.
Join an excellent and rewarding career!

Respiratory Care Programs

If you are interested in a career in respiratory care there are five accredited programs in the state. Each one will prepare you with the skills and professionalism to pass the national board examinations. All programs graduate students with an associate degree in respiratory care. More information on each program can be found on the colleges’ websites.