Careers and Opportunities

Associate Degree in Respiratory Care

Salary

Respiratory therapy technician $38,469.60*
Respiratory Therapists $73,491.40**
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $64,060.13**
Medical and Health Services Managers $121,700.38**
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $58,581.80**

*Annual median salary, 2020, EMSI: San Bernardino and Riverside counties

**Source: EMSI, 2021.1 dataset for San Bernardino and Riverside counties 

Career Info

The associate of science degree in respiratory care can lead to a career as a registered respiratory therapist as a vital part of a medical team. The profession provides for a diverse array of working environments, including hospitals (handling respiratory care, anesthesiology and pulmonary medicine), clinics, doctor’s offices and nursing homes, or working with an organization selling or manufacturing respiratory equipment.

Potential Careers

Registered Respiratory Therapist may work in:

  • Intensive care
  • Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
  • Polysomnography (the diagnosis of sleep disorders)
  • Education
  • Administration
  • Medical sales
  • Intensive care
  • Acute care - Hospital           
  • Subacute care - Rehabilitation facility
  • Nursing Homes
  • Outpatient clinics