Respiratory therapists (RTs) evaluate, monitor, and treat patients with breathing or cardiovascular problems. Their activities include administration of oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, management of ventilators, and measurement of lung function. They work in intensive care units, pediatric and neonatal units, emergency rooms, operating rooms, delivery rooms, and acute care areas. The job outlook for respiratory therapists is favorable, especially since with the aging of the population the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease will rise. It is estimated that employment of respiratory therapists will grow 19 percent between 2006 and 2016. Median annual earnings are about $50,000.