Respiratory Therapist (RT) in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for Fort Lauderdale-area Respiratory Therapist (RT)s
💰 Fort Lauderdale Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. Fort Lauderdale figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Respiratory Therapist (RT) Work in Fort Lauderdale
RTs manage life-support ventilators in ICUs, treat asthma and COPD patients, and run pulmonary function labs. During COVID-19, they were the last line of defense for critically ill patients. Essential, respected, and well-paid.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Manage mechanical ventilators for ICU patients
- Administer bronchodilator treatments
- Perform arterial blood gas analysis
- Conduct pulmonary function testing
- Assist with intubations in emergencies
🎓 Training Programs Near Fort Lauderdale
- Polk State College — Winter Haven
- Miami Dade College — Miami
- Broward College — Fort Lauderdale
- Valencia College — Orlando
- Concorde Career College — Miramar — Miramar
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 13% (Much faster than average)
National Jobs: 139K employed nationwide
Credential Required: RRT or CRT (NBRC)
Typical Program: AAS in Respiratory Care — 2 years