What do you want to be when you grow up? How about a respiratory therapist? According to U.S. News & World Report, Respiratory Therapy ranks 9th Best Job in Health Care and 25th among the Top 100 Best Jobs. At Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), we couldn’t agree more.

So, what makes respiratory therapy such a top-tier career choice? We asked Kirsten Holbrook, a Respiratory Therapy program instructor at CVTC and self-described "lung health superhero," to share her insights.

A Real-Life Superhero

“Being a respiratory therapist is like being a superhero,” Holbrook said. “We have the ability to make a profound difference in the quality of life for individuals with chronic lung conditions. Helping someone breathe easier, literally, is incredibly rewarding.”

Whether it’s helping a newborn take their first breath or supporting a senior citizen through a chronic condition, respiratory therapists play a vital role at every stage of life. And it’s not just about oxygen tanks and inhalers. Respiratory therapists work on ventilators, assist in emergency care, manage airways, and are crucial members of ICU and ER teams.

Why It's a Top Job

It’s no surprise to Holbrook that respiratory therapy has landed on the “Best Jobs” list. “Especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, RTs gained much-deserved recognition for the critical role we play,” she said.

With rising demand for respiratory care, particularly among aging populations, and a deeper appreciation for pulmonary health, RTs are seeing higher wages, increased job security and expanded professional autonomy.

“We’ve always been the cardiopulmonary experts,” Holbrook added. “Now the rest of the world is starting to see it too.”

More Than Just a Job

So, why did Holbrook choose respiratory therapy?

“It wasn’t one thing—it was how the job aligned with my values,” she explained. “As RTs, we’re trusted to create treatment plans, think critically, and collaborate with a diverse healthcare team. We care for everyone—from fragile infants to patients at the end of life. That broad impact, paired with the autonomy and teamwork, drew me in.”

Ready to Join the Ranks?

If you’re passionate about health care, love science, and want a career where you make a direct, life-saving impact every day, respiratory therapy might be your perfect fit.

At CVTC, the Respiratory Therapy program offers hands-on training, supportive instructors, and the real-world experience needed to launch you into this top-ranked career.