Respiratory Therapists

Hospitals are excellent places to obtain part-time and summer employment. They have a continuing need for helpers in many departments. Even though the work may not be directly related to respiratory therapy, you will gain knowledge of the operation of a hospital and may be in a position to get acquainted with respiratory therapists and observe them as they carry out their duties. If part-time or temporary work is not available, you may wish to volunteer your services.

Ask you career services office or health teacher to help set up interviews with or lectures by respiratory therapy practitioners from a local hospital. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a therapist to learn even more about the field.

Consider joining HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a national membership organization for high school and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care. HOSA offers competitions for aspiring medical professionals, including Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology competitions. Learn more at https://hosa.org/competition.

Listen to the American Association for Respiratory Care Perspectives podcast (https://www.aarc.org/newsroom/podcasts) for member stories, discussions of patient care issues, trending news, and other resources.