For people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, respiratory health is always a top priority - and caring for those issues may be a career worth pursuing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 20%+ increase in job opportunities for respiratory care therapists, with a median wage of $45,000 per year.

This week the respiratory care profession is being recognized nationally, and here in Great Falls, people interested in the field have a local option.

The MSU-Great Falls College of Technology offers a two-year classroom and clinical program for just under $12,000.

Program director Brian Cayko says its an under-recognized profession: "Working in intensive care units, critical care units, taking care of life support systems, mainly mechanical ventilation and other cardiopulmonary type of systems...but its not just critical care, we are also involved in home care, sleep medicine, pulmonary function testing, lots and lots of education for patients as well."

Students in the program recently put up a display case at the college to highlight preventative measures against the H1N1 flu virus.

They're also speaking at elementary and high schools around the area promoting the profession.

WEB EXTRA: click here to learn more about the classes offered at MSU-GF.