I've been thinking about a career change and being that my wife has asthma, I see the Resp Techs all the time and I like what they do. I'm just interested in what it takes to become one. I know school for sure, but should that be something I could find at a community college?
I also imagine it pays better than what I make.
My ex is a RRT (registered respiratory therapist); she got her degree at a community college and makes about $65K/yr. She does have some special accredidations (like neo-natal), but all that can be done thru the CC.
I think Respiratory Therapist is a good lower level career choice in the medical field. At the hospital, I was used to the comatose patient set, and a good one can really help the patient. The bad ones just go through the motions and somehow still get paid. Cleaning snot and spit out of lungs is not exactly glamorous.
A woman in my class was a RT and she worked evenings while in medical school.
I think my brother in law is. He was going to school for web design, and needed part-time work to pay the bills. He was trained by the company who hired him, and ended up liking the hospital more than web design. So he put his degree in a drawer and forgot about it and is still working the hospital. He has moved up a few times and is doing OK. No background or schooling before he started, they paid him to learn. I think he is one of the people up near your head putting you to sleep when you are in surgery. Not the anesthesiologist, but part of their team.
I dated a girl from Mensa in the 80's that was an RT. Only worked weekends at the main public hospital in Miami, Jackson Memorial. Called it the Miami Knife and Gun Club. Liked the work, made GOOD money. Saw a lot of blood.
I've gotten fairly good at breathing. Does that count? 
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