Respiratory Therapist

Job Duties

Respiratory therapists practice under the supervision of physicians, caring for patients with cardiopulmonary problems. They evaluate and treat these patients and also supervise the work of respiratory therapy technicians. The nature of the work of respiratory therapists overlaps somewhat with the work of respiratory therapy technicians. However, respiratory therapists usually have a much higher level of responsibility. Respiratory therapists consult directly with physicians and other healthcare staff to create and improve the treatment plans of individual patients. They are responsible for administering complex therapy, such as treating patients in intensive care units who rely on life support systems.

Respiratory therapists interview patients, examine them physically, and order diagnostic tests. By comparing this information with that of the average for a person of the same height, weight, age, and gender, they can determine whether the patient has deficiencies in their respiratory system. Respiratory therapists treat patients with many different types of disorders, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs, to elderly patients with diseased lungs. They also provide care to patients who have been traumatized by a heart attack, drowning, stroke, or shock. In hospitals, respiratory therapists are responsible for an even wider range of duties, including performing chest physiotherapy to clear the lungs of mucus and enable patients to breathe more easily.

Job Skills

Respiratory therapists need to be able to follow instructions accurately and pay close attention to detail. They must be good at working in teams. They should be sensitive to the emotional and physical needs of patients. Proficiency with computer systems is also very valuable.

Income

In 2002, respiratory therapists earned a median annual salary of $40,220. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $30,270, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $54,030.

Training and Education

An associate degree is the general requirement for entry-level respiratory therapist positions. Formal training is a definite requirement and is offered by colleges and universities, medical schools, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. While some provide an associate degree or certification that prepares graduates for entry-level jobs, most programs award either an associate or bachelor's degree and are designed to enable graduates to eventually secure advanced positions within the field. There are about 59 entry-level and 319 advanced programs in the United States. Programs include study in human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics. Many also include courses in therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and medical recordkeeping.

Individuals wishing to become respiratory therapists should check on State licensure requirements because over 40 States require licenses. Respiratory therapists can voluntarily earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or the Certified respiratory Therapist (CRT) designations from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) after graduating from an accredited program. Most entry-level positions require the CRT designation, and most supervisory positions require the RRT designation.

Employment

In 2002, respiratory therapists held about 112,000 jobs. More than 4 out of 5 worked in hospital departments of respiratory care, anesthesiology, or pulmonary medicine.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average due to a rapidly aging population who are more at risk for cardiopulmonary diseases. Job opportunities will be best for those who have cardiopulmonary skills or experience working with premature infants.

For more information on becoming a respiratory therapist, please see our directory of Respiratory Therapy Schools.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/respiratory_therapist

Rehabilitation Counselor

Job Duties

Rehabilitation counselors assist individuals who have disabilities in dealing with the effects of those disabilities, be they personal, social, or vocational. People develop many different types of disabilities, some since birth, others from accidents or disease, and still others from daily stress. Counselors meet with individuals and evaluate their strengths and the limitation placed on them due to their disabilities. They provide personal and vocational counseling, as well as assistance with medical care, vocational training, and job searches.

Rehabilitation counselors work with the families of individuals as well as the person with the disability. They evaluate school and medical reports, discuss employment situations with employers. They work closely with physicians, psychologists, and occupational therapists to determine the capabilities of the individual. They work closely with the individual when creating a rehabilitation program that may include job skills training. Overall, rehabilitation counselors strive to help individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives.

Job Skills

Those interested in becoming rehabilitation counselors should have a number of desirable traits. They should be interested in counseling and helping people who are experiencing challenging situations. They need to be able to inspire trust and respect in their clients. They should have the ability to work independently without supervision. They also need to be able to adhere to the code of ethics for their counseling certifications and licenses.

Income

In 2002, rehabilitation counselors earned a median annual salary of $25,840. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $16,840, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $44,940.

Training and Education

A master's degree is the most common minimum requirement for rehabilitation counselors. This is usually a requirement to be licensed or certified. In some States, counselors who are employed by public agencies are required to have a master's degree, while some States only require a bachelor's degree. College courses include study in college student affairs, education, gerontological counseling, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, agency or community counseling, clinical mental health counseling, counseling psychology, and career counseling. There are about 176 institutions in the U.S. that have counseling programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Many counselors become voluntarily certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., earning the credential of "National Certified Counselor." Voluntary certification is also offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Counselors can advance to become supervisors or administrators, or they may move into research, consulting, or college teaching. You can explore more about training for rehabilitation counselor careers by clicking on this link for schools offering human services degrees.

Employment

In 2002, rehabilitation counselors held about 122,00 jobs. A growing number are self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of rehabilitation counselors is expected to increase faster than the average. There are usually fewer graduates of counseling programs each year than there are job openings, resulting in very favorable opportunities. Demand for rehabilitation counselors will grow mainly because of a growing and aging population. More people are surviving accidents with disabilities because of advances in medical technology. Equal employment rights legislation for people with disabilities will also spur demand for these workers in government agencies.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/rehabilitation_counselor

Recreational Therapist

Job Duties

Recreational therapists, also known as therapeutic recreation specialists, work with individuals who have disabilities or illnesses, participating in recreational activities and providing treatment to them. They attempt to maintain the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of their clients. In order to do this, they employ a variety of techniques, such as arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. These types of activities serve to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety in clients, as well as help them build motor functions, self-confidence, and social skills. The goal of recreational therapists is to assist their clients in becoming more independent.

In hospitals and similar facilities, recreational therapists work closely with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists to rehabilitate people with a variety of different health conditions. In long-term or residential care facilities, recreational therapists create leisure activities that help maintain the general health of residents. Community-based recreational therapists work in park and recreation departments, special-education programs for school districts, or programs for older adults and people with disabilities. These therapists design programs of exercise, mental stimulation, creativity, and fun and often work with counselors, teachers, and parents.

Job Skills

Recreational therapists should have a high degree of patience and tact because their clients have special needs. They need to be comfortable working with individuals who have diseases or disabilities. A sense of humor and an active imagination are important qualities, as is good physical coordination.

Income

In 2002, recreational therapists earned a median annual salary of $30,540. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $18,130, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $47,180.

Training and Education

Most entry-level positions in recreational therapy require a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. However, other levels of training may be sufficient. An associate degree in therapeutic recreation or a healthcare-related field may be enough to qualify for certain paraprofessional jobs. Activity director positions may only require an associate degree in recreational therapy; training in art, drama, or music therapy; or qualifying work experience. There are about 140 programs that offer training in recreational therapy; most of them offer bachelor's degrees, while some offer associate, master's, or doctoral degrees. Courses include assessment, treatment, program planning, anatomy, physiology, abnormal psychology, medical and psychiatric terminology, and professional ethics.

Recreational therapists can become certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Requirements for this certification include providing proof of a bachelor's degree, passing a written examination, and completing a 480 hour internship. Most employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned this certification. Therapists who earn this certification must meet more requirements in order to maintain their certification and to renew their certification.

Employment

In 2002, recreational therapists held about 27,000 jobs. About a third worked in nursing care facilities and another third worked in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of recreational therapists is expected to increase more slowly than the average. In nursing care facilities, employment will grow faster than the overall occupation. However, employment in hospitals is expected to decline because of a shift to outpatient settings due to an increased emphasis on cost containment. Consequently, employment will grow fast in residential and outpatient centers. Opportunities will be best for those with a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or in recreation with an option in therapeutic recreation.

For more information on becoming a recreational therapist, please see our directory of schools offering Medical Training.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/medical_careers/recreational_therapist