Respiratory therapists give treatment to people with lung and breathing disorders. They treat conditions such as asthma and emphysema. They also provide emergency treatment to victims of heart attacks or accidents such as drowning. You need formal training to enter this field so your respiratory therapy schools program is an essential preparation for your career. Respiratory therapy schools offer both bachelor and associate degree programs. An associate degree is the required minimum. You will take courses in subjects such as anatomy, chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to give you a strong scientific foundation. You will then add specialized courses including patient assessment and diagnosis, resuscitation, and respiratory health. Almost all states require you to obtain a license to work in respiratory therapy. After you complete your respiratory therapy schools program you can take further exams to earn the title of Certified Respiratory Therapist, which will qualify you for your state license. The growth of the elderly population combined with advances in treatment means that, as a graduate of a respiratory therapy school, you will find increasing numbers of jobs open to you. Hospitals provide the great majority of respiratory therapy jobs, and this trend will continue into the future. Outside of hospital care increasing numbers of therapists are finding work in the offices of healthcare professionals and in home health care. If you have special skills in heart and lung (cardiopulmonary) treatment, or infant care, your prospects will be particularly good.