Mississippi's Respiratory Therapy pathway prepares students for careers treating patients with respiratory conditions and providing respiratory care. Students develop expertise in respiratory assessment, ventilator management, therapeutic techniques, and patient communication while understanding respiratory therapy practices. This pathway serves demand for respiratory therapists in Mississippi's healthcare facilities.
Curriculum emphasizes respiratory physiology, patient assessment, and therapeutic interventions. Students gain hands-on experience with respiratory equipment, patient interaction, and clinical procedures reflecting practices used by respiratory therapists throughout Mississippi.
Graduates qualify for respiratory therapist positions in hospitals, clinics, or specialty care settings. Growing respiratory disease prevalence and critical care needs create strong employment opportunities.
Respiratory Therapy at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Mississippi CTE Standards for Respiratory Therapy require demonstrated competency in respiratory assessment, therapeutic techniques, and equipment operation. Students must achieve proficiency in respiratory care protocols aligned with state framework from Mississippi Department of Education and Career Success.
Pathway standards integrate respiratory science with patient communication and clinical judgment. Students develop understanding of respiratory diseases and therapeutic management.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Health Science Core |
| Respiratory Therapy - Year 1 |
| Respiratory Therapy - Year 2 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Respiratory Therapist - Entry
Entry LevelSalary range: $53,100 - $70,500
Adjusted for cost of living: $60,832
Respiratory Therapist
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,100 - $70,500
Adjusted for cost of living: $70,249
Respiratory Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,100 - $70,500
Adjusted for cost of living: $70,249
Respiratory Services Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,100 - $70,500
Adjusted for cost of living: $70,249
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete clinical rotations in hospitals and respiratory care settings throughout Mississippi.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Mississippi CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Mississippi Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Mississippi's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Mississippi standards and industry needs evolve
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