Respiratory Therapists
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory Therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the assessment, treatment, and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system, working with patients of all ages—from infants with respiratory distress to elderly individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their primary focus is on helping patients improve their breathing and overall respiratory health. This profession requires a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and the various technologies utilized in respiratory care, including ventilators and other breathing apparatus.
Education and Training
To become a Respiratory Therapist, individuals typically need to obtain an associate's or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. These educational pathways include both theoretical and practical training, covering topics such as cardiopulmonary anatomy, oxygen therapy, and critical care techniques. After completing their education, graduates must pass a national certification exam to become licensed to practice. Continuing education is also essential, as it allows Respiratory Therapists to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.
Work Environment
Respiratory Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare agencies. In hospitals, they often work in critical care areas, such as the intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department, where they may assist in life-supporting measures for patients in acute respiratory distress. Outside of the hospital setting, they may be involved in educating patients and families about managing chronic respiratory conditions, as well as providing therapies and equipment for home use.
Impact and Job Outlook
The impact of Respiratory Therapists on patient care is significant, as they help to improve the quality of life for individuals with breathing difficulties. With the growing prevalence of respiratory illnesses and an aging population, the demand for skilled Respiratory Therapists is expected to rise. As a result, job opportunities in this field are projected to grow faster than the average for all healthcare occupations, making it a promising career choice for individuals interested in making a difference in people's lives through respiratory care.
Tasks
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
- Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Spirometers
- Nebulizers
- Medical oxygen masks or parts
- Arterial blood gas monitors
- Flow sensors or regulators or components
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Implement advanced life support techniques.
- Treat medical emergencies.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$59180.0 - $104480.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.