Respiratory Care Week 2025: Celebrating the Heroes Who Keep the World Breathing

By Sarah Knight, ShiftMed Content Manager//Respiratory Therapy, Holidays and Celebrations
Respiratory Care Week is a national recognition that takes place in October.

Respiratory therapists keep the world breathing. You manage ventilators, provide oxygen therapy, teach patients how to breathe better, and respond fast when every second counts. Your work is demanding, precise, and lifesaving—making Respiratory Care Week 2025 your week.

Started in 1982 by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), Respiratory Care Week has grown into a nationwide celebration of your skills, dedication, and impact on patient care.

“Respiratory therapists provide unparalleled care to their patients, work with multiple departments to maintain the best outcomes and improve quality of life, all while attempting to minimize hospital readmissions. We recognize and celebrate their dedication to the profession and to the industry during RC Week,” said Dan Garrett, AARC Executive Director.

Respiratory Care Week 2025 Dates

Respiratory Care Week 2025 (#RCWEEK25) takes place October 19-25. Hospitals, clinics, and organizations nationwide will celebrate RTs with events, stories, and shout-outs.

How to Celebrate During Respiratory Care Week

Take a moment to recognize the work you do every single day. Share your stories—about the patients you’ve helped, the challenges you’ve faced, and the skills you’ve mastered. Celebrate your team, too. Say thanks to colleagues, give a shout-out, or grab a small team lunch because every little gesture counts.

Use the week to teach others, whether it’s patients, coworkers, or your community, about respiratory health and your work. Take a second to notice your wins and the difference you make. And don’t forget to give yourself a break, join hospital or AARC events, and connect with other RTs who get what your job is really like.

Respiratory Care Fast Facts

Here’s a quick look at respiratory care today. These numbers show the impact, growth, and opportunities for RTs in the field.

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 133,900 respiratory therapists worked in the U.S. in 2023, which is expected to grow to 139,600 by 2024.

  • Respiratory therapist jobs are growing fast—expected to rise 12% from 2024 to 2034—and the median annual wage was $80,450 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • About 80% of respiratory therapists work in hospitals or other acute care settings.

  • About 12 million people have undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

  • All 50 states require the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, but many employers prefer candidates with the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

A Quick History of Respiratory Care

Respiratory care has a long and fascinating history. In the early 1900s, doctors like Dr. Alvan Barach began using oxygen therapy. Staff called "oxygen technicians" or "orderlies" handled the heavy work of handling gas cylinders and oxygen tents. These early caregivers laid the groundwork for the profession we know today.

In the mid-1940s, Dr. Edwin Levine in Chicago created formal on-the-job training for these technicians. His work led to the Inhalation Therapy Association (ITA) creation in 1946. By 1950, the ITA officially recognized the profession, marking the birth of respiratory therapy as a distinct field.

The 1950s polio epidemic drove rapid growth. The demand for respiratory support highlighted the need for specialized skills, helping the profession split from general physical therapy. Around this time, dedicated inhalation therapy schools began graduating the first accredited clinicians, and a national registry was created to ensure competency.

The 1960s brought new challenges and opportunities. Mechanical ventilators became more sophisticated, and respiratory therapists took on managing these complex devices. This period cemented their role as essential, highly skilled members of the healthcare team.

By the 1970s, the profession had professionalized further. The American Association for Inhalation Therapy changed its name to the American Association for Respiratory Care, and in 1974, the title "respiratory therapist" became standard. The role continued to grow, incorporating arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, patient education, and care coordination. The AARC also began recommending a bachelor’s degree as the minimum standard for the profession.

Today, respiratory therapists are indispensable in healthcare. They treat patients of all ages, manage various cardiopulmonary conditions, and use advanced technologies and techniques to help people breathe easier and live better.

Many respiratory therapists also enjoy flexibility in their schedules, from per diem shifts to travel assignments, giving them the ability to balance work and life while making a difference every day.

Conclusion

Respiratory Care Week 2025 is more than just a celebration; it’s a moment to pause and recognize the incredible work you do every day. From managing complex ventilators to teaching patients how to breathe easier, your skills, dedication, and compassion save lives. Take pride in your accomplishments, share your stories, celebrate your team, and explore the flexibility your role can offer. This week is for you. Breathe in the recognition, enjoy the appreciation, and remember that your work makes a lasting difference in the lives of patients and the healthcare teams around you.

If you’re interested in top-paying flexible RT jobs, ShiftMed hires CRTs and RRTs in Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Apply today!