Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
13 alternate job titles:
Salary Information
Respiratory Therapists: $80,450 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use. | General |
| Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment. | General |
| Treat medical emergencies. | General |
| Implement advanced life support techniques. | General |
| Determine protocols for medical procedures. | General |
| Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care. | General |
| Gather medical information from patient histories. | General |
| Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation. | General |
| Clean medical equipment or facilities. | General |
| Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses. | General |
| Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members. | General |
| Test patient heart or lung functioning. | General |
| Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment. | General |
| Treat chronic diseases or disorders. | General |
| Train medical providers. | General |
| Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments. | General |
| Repair medical facility equipment. | General |
| Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment. | General |
| Move patients to or from treatment areas. | General |
| Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities. | Maintenance |
| Maintain medical facility records. | Maintenance |
| Maintain medical equipment or instruments. | Maintenance |
| Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards. | Communication |
| Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals. | Analysis |
| Supervise patient care personnel. | Management |
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| MEDITECH software | Medical software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| eClinicalWorks EHR software | Medical software |
| Calendar and scheduling software | Calendar and scheduling software |
| Electronic medical record EMR software | Medical software |
| HMS | Medical software |
| Database software | Data base user interface and query software |
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Critical Care Specialty | National Board for Respiratory Care | Not Available |
| Certificate of Added Qualification in Neonatal Pediatric Transport | The National Certification Corporation | Not Available |
| Certified Hyperbaric Technologist | National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology | Not Available |
| Certified Respiratory Therapist | National Board for Respiratory Care | Not Available |
| Certified Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorders Specialty | National Board for Respiratory Care | Not Available |
| Infection Control Certification | Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. | Not Available |
| Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist | National Board for Respiratory Care | Not Available |
| Registered Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Disorders Specialty | National Board for Respiratory Care | Not Available |