17+ Alternative Careers for Respiratory Therapists (2024)

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in healthcare, providing essential care to patients with breathing difficulties.

However, with the evolving landscape of healthcare and a growing interest in career flexibility, some respiratory therapists are exploring alternative career paths.

Whether seeking a change of pace, a new challenge, or a different environment, respiratory therapists have a wide range of options to explore.

This article delves into the most promising alternative careers for respiratory therapists, offering insights into how their specialized knowledge and skills can be applied in diverse fields.

What are the Top Alternative Career Paths for Respiratory Therapists?

Top alternative career paths for respiratory therapists include roles in healthcare education, medical sales, healthcare administration, sleep medicine, pulmonary rehabilitation, case management, and research. These positions allow respiratory therapists to leverage their clinical skills and expertise while exploring new challenges and opportunities within the broader healthcare field.

Alternative Careers for Respiratory Therapists

Here are some alternative careers that respiratory therapists can consider:

1. Registered Nurse (RN)
2. Radiologic Technologist
3. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
4. Medical Lab Technologist (MLT)
5. Polysomnographic Technologist
6. Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
7. Personal Trainer
8. Athletic Trainer
9. Physician Assistant (PA)
10. Clinical Educator
11. Medical Sales Representative
12. Healthcare Administrator
13. Clinical Research Coordinator
14. Case Manager
15. Public Health Specialist
16. Entrepreneur
17. Telehealth Provider

Note: These alternative careers allow respiratory therapists to apply their skills in new ways, opening up a world of opportunities beyond traditional clinical settings. Keep reading to learn more about each type.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a natural progression for respiratory therapists looking to expand their scope of practice.

As an RN, you will have the opportunity to work more closely with patients, managing their overall care rather than focusing solely on respiratory issues. The transition can be smooth due to your existing knowledge of patient care and clinical experience.

Additional education and licensure are required, but the broader range of responsibilities and potential for specialization make nursing a rewarding alternative career.

Radiologic Technologist

For respiratory therapists interested in diagnostic imaging, transitioning to a career as a radiologic technologist can be an excellent choice.

Radiologic technologists use advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. This role allows you to continue working in a clinical setting while expanding your technical skills in a new area.

Training in radiologic technology typically involves completing an accredited program and obtaining certification.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

As a physical therapist assistant (PTA), you can apply your knowledge of human anatomy and patient care in a new context. PTAs work closely with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and manage pain.

This career allows you to work directly with patients, providing hands-on care and support throughout their rehabilitation process.

With a focus on movement and physical health, this role is a great fit for respiratory therapists who enjoy working with patients to improve their overall well-being. Becoming a PTA typically requires completing an accredited program and obtaining licensure.

Medical Lab Technologist (MLT)

Transitioning to a career as a medical lab technologist (MLT) allows respiratory therapists to leverage their analytical skills in a laboratory setting. MLTs perform diagnostic tests on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids, providing crucial information for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

This role involves less direct patient interaction but offers a critical behind-the-scenes contribution to healthcare.

Respiratory therapists with a keen interest in science and technology may find this career path particularly rewarding. Additional education and certification in medical laboratory technology are required to pursue this role.

Polysomnographic Technologist

For those with a particular interest in sleep disorders, becoming a polysomnographic technologist could be a great fit. In this role, you would specialize in conducting sleep studies, monitoring patients during sleep, and assisting in the diagnosis of sleep-related conditions, such as sleep apnea.

Given that respiratory therapists often work with patients who have breathing difficulties, the knowledge and experience gained in this field can be highly beneficial.

Certification as a polysomnographic technologist is required, along with specialized training in sleep technology.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

As a cardiac rehabilitation specialist, you can continue to work closely with patients, but with a focus on cardiovascular health. This role involves helping patients recover and improve their heart health after a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or surgery.

Respiratory therapists already have a strong foundation in cardiopulmonary care, making this transition smoother. You’ll work with patients to create and implement exercise programs, provide education on heart-healthy living, and monitor their progress.

Additional certification in cardiac rehabilitation may be required, but this career offers a fulfilling way to support patients’ recovery and long-term health.

Personal Trainer

For respiratory therapists with a passion for fitness and wellness, becoming a personal trainer can be an exciting and fulfilling career shift.

Personal trainers work with clients to develop customized exercise programs that help them achieve their fitness goals, improve overall health, and prevent or manage chronic conditions.

Your background in respiratory therapy gives you a strong understanding of how exercise impacts the body, particularly the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Certification as a personal trainer is typically required, and this role offers the flexibility to work in various settings, including gyms, health clubs, or even independently.

Athletic Trainer

As an athletic trainer, you can combine your healthcare expertise with a focus on sports and physical activity. Athletic trainers work with athletes and physically active individuals to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries.

Your knowledge of anatomy, injury prevention, and rehabilitation techniques as a respiratory therapist will be valuable in this role. This career offers the opportunity to work in diverse environments, from schools and colleges to professional sports teams.

To become an athletic trainer, you’ll need to complete a specialized education program and obtain certification.

Physician Assistant (PA)

Becoming a physician assistant (PA) is a significant career advancement for respiratory therapists seeking to take on more responsibility in patient care.

PAs are licensed medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and often serve as primary care providers under the supervision of a physician.

The transition to this role requires completing a master’s program and obtaining licensure, but your experience as a respiratory therapist will provide a strong foundation for this expanded scope of practice.

As a PA, you’ll have the opportunity to make a more significant impact on patient care across various medical settings.

Clinical Educator

If you have a passion for teaching and mentoring, a career as a clinical educator may be an excellent alternative path. Clinical educators are responsible for training and educating healthcare staff, including new respiratory therapists, nurses, and other medical professionals.

In this role, you’ll use your expertise to develop educational programs, conduct training sessions, and ensure that healthcare providers are up to date on the latest practices and technologies.

This career allows you to make a lasting impact by shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. To pursue this role, additional education in teaching or instructional design may be beneficial.

Medical Sales Representative

For respiratory therapists interested in the business side of healthcare, becoming a medical sales representative offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. Medical sales representatives work for companies that manufacture and sell medical equipment, devices, and pharmaceuticals.

Your clinical background and understanding of respiratory care will be invaluable as you communicate the benefits of products to healthcare providers and institutions.

Success in this role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep knowledge of the products you’re selling. While no additional licensure is typically required, sales training and industry knowledge are essential.

Healthcare Administrator

For respiratory therapists looking to move into leadership and management, a career as a healthcare administrator provides an opportunity to oversee the operations of healthcare facilities.

Healthcare administrators manage budgets, staff, policies, and overall patient care quality in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare organizations.

Your experience as a respiratory therapist will help you understand the needs of both patients and staff, making you a strong advocate for efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

This role typically requires additional education in healthcare administration or management, but it offers the chance to influence the broader healthcare system.

Clinical Research Coordinator

As a clinical research coordinator, you can play a key role in advancing medical knowledge by overseeing clinical trials and research studies. This position involves coordinating all aspects of research, from recruiting participants to collecting data and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Your background in respiratory therapy provides a solid foundation for understanding the clinical aspects of research, especially in studies related to respiratory health. This career allows you to contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies.

Additional training in research methods and certification may be required, but this role offers a rewarding opportunity to be at the forefront of medical innovation.

Case Manager

For respiratory therapists who enjoy working closely with patients and coordinating their care, becoming a case manager can be a fulfilling career change.

Case managers work with patients to develop and implement care plans, ensuring they receive the appropriate medical, social, and financial support.

Your experience in patient care and knowledge of the healthcare system will be invaluable in this role as you help patients navigate complex medical situations.

Case managers often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or insurance companies. While certification in case management may be needed, this career offers the chance to make a significant difference in patients’ lives.

Public Health Specialist

Transitioning to a career as a public health specialist allows respiratory therapists to impact community health on a larger scale.

Public health specialists work to improve the health of populations by developing and implementing public health programs, conducting research, and advocating for health policies. With your background in respiratory care, you can focus on areas such as air quality, smoking cessation, or respiratory disease prevention.

This career offers the opportunity to move beyond individual patient care and address broader health challenges. Additional education in public health may be required, but this path offers a fulfilling way to contribute to the well-being of entire communities.

Entrepreneur

For respiratory therapists with a strong sense of innovation and a desire to be their own boss, entrepreneurship offers a unique and rewarding career path.

Whether you want to start your own healthcare-related business, such as a consulting firm, wellness center, or medical equipment supply company, your expertise in respiratory care can provide a solid foundation.

Entrepreneurship allows you to create a business that aligns with your passions and values while making a difference in the healthcare industry. While starting a business comes with risks, it also offers the potential for great rewards, both personally and financially.

Telehealth Provider

With the rise of digital health services, becoming a telehealth provider is an increasingly viable alternative career for respiratory therapists.

In this role, you can offer remote care to patients, providing consultations, follow-up care, and health education through video calls and other digital platforms.

This career allows you to continue practicing respiratory care while enjoying the flexibility of working from home or any location with an internet connection. Telehealth is especially beneficial for reaching patients in underserved or remote areas.

While you may need to adapt to new technologies and platforms, this career offers the opportunity to continue delivering high-quality care in a modern, convenient way.

FAQs About the Alternative Careers for Respiratory Therapists

What Career is Similar to a Respiratory Therapist?

Careers similar to a respiratory therapist often involve direct patient care and a focus on cardiopulmonary health. Some examples include registered nurse (RN), polysomnographic technologist, and cardiac rehabilitation specialist.

These roles share a common emphasis on patient care, medical knowledge, and often involve working in hospital or clinical settings.

How to Transition Out of Respiratory Therapy?

Transitioning out of respiratory therapy involves identifying your transferable skills, pursuing additional education or certification if needed, and exploring new career opportunities that align with your interests.

Many respiratory therapists successfully transition into roles such as nursing, healthcare administration, or medical sales. Networking, continuing education, and leveraging your clinical experience can help smooth the transition.

How Can You Advance Your Career as a Respiratory Therapist?

Advancing your career as a respiratory therapist can be achieved through continuing education, pursuing advanced certifications, and gaining specialized experience in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, or sleep medicine.

Additionally, leadership roles, such as becoming a clinical educator or department manager, can provide opportunities for career growth.

What Business Can a Respiratory Therapist Start?

Respiratory therapists can start various healthcare-related businesses, such as a private respiratory care practice, consulting firm, wellness center, or medical equipment supply company.

Entrepreneurship in telehealth services or health education programs are also viable options, allowing you to leverage your expertise in new and innovative ways.

What is the Hardest Part of Being a Respiratory Therapist?

The hardest part of being a respiratory therapist can vary, but common challenges include dealing with high-stress situations, such as managing critically ill patients, and the emotional toll of working with patients who have life-threatening conditions.

The physical demands of the job, including long hours and being on your feet, can also be challenging. Balancing the emotional and physical aspects of the job is often cited as one of the toughest parts of the profession.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning to an alternative career can be both exciting and daunting for respiratory therapists, but the possibilities are vast and rewarding.

By leveraging their clinical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and patient care experience, respiratory therapists can thrive in a variety of fields, from education to healthcare technology.

Whether seeking a new challenge, a different work environment, or the chance to make a broader impact, respiratory therapists have a wealth of opportunities to explore.

As healthcare continues to evolve, so too do the career options for these skilled professionals, making it an ideal time to consider alternative paths in this dynamic industry.