Years after COVID’s peak, health officials say need for respiratory therapists remains high

Respiratory therapists took center stage during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing greatly needed care for a new and frightening disease. Now, years after the start of the pandemic that brought their role into the spotlight, the need for these medical professionals remains as robust as ever.

Respiratory therapists are specialized healthcare professionals trained to assess, treat, and manage patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia — and COVID-19. They work closely with physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers to deliver life-saving interventions, including mechanical ventilation, airway management and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Currently, like many healthcare systems, Emplify Health is searching for respiratory therapists. In fact, according to human resources there are 10 openings throughout the system.

The demand for respiratory therapists is increasing and being driven by an aging population. There are other factors too, like the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, and the ongoing challenges posed by respiratory infections. Their expertise is crucial in both acute care settings like hospitals and in outpatient clinics, ensuring patients receive comprehensive respiratory care tailored to their needs.

Demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow:

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting increasing demand for respiratory care services. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
• The American Association for Respiratory Care reports that respiratory therapists provide care to over 20 million patients annually in the United States, underscoring their widespread impact on public health. (Source: AARC, 2023)
• Studies show that respiratory therapy interventions can reduce hospital readmission rates for chronic respiratory disease patients by up to 30%, demonstrating the value of their expertise in improving long-term health outcomes. (Source: Journal of Respiratory Care, 2022)

Leanne Andersen, Chief People Officer Emplify Health, emphasizes the organization's commitment to expanding its respiratory therapy team.

“While we have a fantastic staff in place, we are excited to add more respiratory therapists that fit the mission, vision and values of Emplify Health," Andersen said. "Our respiratory therapists are integral to delivering high-quality care and improving patient outcomes across our health system. We saw that more than ever during the height of the pandemic, and we continue to rely on these professionals to provide expert care for our patients."

Holly Bechtum, RT, clinical manager, Emplify Health by Gundersen, has been a respiratory therapist for nearly 20 years.

“Respiratory therapy allows for independence in day-to-day work, while capitalizing on the art of teamwork,” Bechtum said. “As a respiratory therapist, I get to work closely with a team of professionals to collaborate and deliver the best care for our patients. Something that keeps me motivated is the ability to continually find better methods to do our work in conjunction with the medical team. It’s a very fulfilling position, and I like knowing the work I do makes a difference.”

For information about respiratory therapy careers at Emplify Health, please visit https://www.gundersenhealth.org/careers/find-a-career?search=respiratory or contact the Human Resources department.