Is there anything more important in life than breathing? For 25 years, Geri Bernacki, MHA, RRT, has been helping people breathe as a respiratory therapist.

It's a job that involves everything from interviewing patients and teaching them how to perform home breathing treatments to responding to Code Blues at the hospital to help resuscitate a patient. Bernacki works at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut and at the University of Hartford, where she manages respiratory care and directs clinical education for other respiratory therapists. She also serves as president of the Connecticut Society for Respiratory Care.

"I like the variety the profession offers," she says.

Aging Patients Need Help

The respiratory therapist profession, including respiratory therapy technicians, is growing faster than most. That's because baby boomers are aging and the elderly need help breathing the most. Many suffer from conditions such as emphysema, frequently have pneumonia or have breathing complications from heart disease and other diseases related to aging. And it's not just patients who are getting older.

"The average age of a respiratory therapist is about 40-45," says Bernacki. Many of these boomers will retire soon. "We need to inspire younger, energetic people to come into the field," she says.

These young people will be needed to test patients' breathing, help doctors plan and carry out treatment plans, manage airway breathing devices, educate patients and families, visit patients in their homes or work in sleep labs to diagnose disorders such as sleep apnea.

Two Years of Training

You can earn a license to practice respiratory therapy in all 48 states that require one with an associate degree.

Many local community colleges offer associate programs, says Susan Rodriguez, a respiratory therapist for about 13 years, who works at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy, California. "You'll have to complete science courses then enter a two-year respiratory program that will have classes and clinical training," says Rodriguez.

Once you complete training and receive a certificate, you must sit for a national certification exam. You can take an additional exam to become registered, or pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. Some respiratory therapists continue their education and get additional certifications in neonatal or pediatrics specialties, pulmonary function testing or go on to nursing school.

Practicing therapists will have to continue learning. States and employers require continuing education on various topics to keep your job or your license.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Bernacki and Rodriguez agree that the greatest reward comes from the patients they help. Respiratory therapists often get to know their patients. The job also is physical. You'll need some technical skills to work with the equipment therapists use daily, as well as a strong science and math background. "Respiratory therapists have to be critical thinkers, be able to multi-task, be organized and be able to make good, quick decisions in the face of life and death," says Bernacki.