Without the ability to breathe effectively and efficiently, a person's health quickly deteriorates, often resulting in death. Respiratory therapists care for those who have trouble breathing, whether from chronic conditions or acute illnesses. Found in hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities, respiratory therapists help patients with one of the most basic functions of the human body - breathing. With more than 120,000 respiratory therapists currently working in the country and an expected 12 percent future job growth, this growing profession is an important member of the allied health care team. Readers will find out what a respiratory therapist does, what it takes to become one, and what the job outlook of the future looks like. Every book in the Careers in Healthcare series gives readers the necessary tools to evaluate pursuing a career in the healthcare profession. Unique to this series are firsthand interviews with professionals aimed to give readers an upfront and close perspective into the daily lives of those currently working in the field. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions—building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.