We surveyed 660 respiratory therapists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical respiratory therapist. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a respiratory therapist?

Low

High

Working as a respiratory therapist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a respiratory therapist?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a respiratory therapist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a respiratory therapist?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a respiratory therapist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for respiratory therapists.

Info

Do respiratory therapists work full-time or part-time?

81% of respiratory therapists work in full-time roles while 19% work part-time.

Is being a respiratory therapist stressful?

Low

High

Stress is very commonplace for respiratory therapists, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a respiratory therapist?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a respiratory therapist.

How competitive is the workplace for respiratory therapists?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for respiratory therapists.

Does being a respiratory therapist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Respiratory therapists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.

Are respiratory therapists allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Respiratory therapists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do respiratory therapists have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Respiratory therapists tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a respiratory therapist physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a respiratory therapist may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are respiratory therapists exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Respiratory therapists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a respiratory therapist require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a respiratory therapist.

Does being a good respiratory therapist require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as respiratory therapists.