Respiratory Therapist
A Respiratory Therapist is a specialized healthcare professional focused on treating individuals with breathing disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as conditions arising from strokes, heart attacks, and complications from surgeries. These therapists work under the supervision of licensed physicians in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, and may also provide in-home care. Their responsibilities include performing diagnostic tests, administering therapeutic treatments, and offering emergency care during critical situations. They are equipped with the skills to operate advanced medical equipment like mechanical ventilators and incubators, while also ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout procedures.
To succeed in this field, therapists should possess strong analytical skills, remain calm under pressure, and have the physical stamina to handle equipment and assist patients. Educational paths typically include earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited institution, with advanced positions potentially requiring a master's degree. With opportunities to specialize in various areas, respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, contributing to patient well-being and recovery.
Respiratory Therapist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Respiratory disorders, anatomy, physiology, biology, clinical science, health science technology
Earnings (Yearly Median): $70,540 per year $33.91 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 13% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree; state licensing requirements
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Respiratory therapists provide treatment for individuals with breathing disorders, such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as breathing problems associated with premature births, strokes, post-surgery complications, and heart attacks. They work under the supervision of licensed physicians and may, at times, supervise one or more respiratory technicians. Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic, therapeutic, and acute or emergency care. They are also responsible for maintaining their equipment and keeping records.
Work Environment. Most respiratory therapists spend their workdays in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and medical clinics, while some work with medical agencies or insurance providers to provide in-home respiratory therapy or support to patients. To meet the medical community’s constant need for both therapeutic and emergency respiratory care, they generally work forty-hour weeks that may include days, evenings, weekends, and on-call hours. Respiratory therapists may risk exposure to infectious diseases and injury from moving or lifting equipment and patients.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of respiratory therapist tend to be analytical and detail-oriented. They must be able to remain calm under pressure, as therapists frequently must perform emergency care. Respiratory therapists should enjoy working in a medical environment, possess the necessary hand-eye coordination, and physical strength and stamina to operate the equipment and move patients safely.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Respiratory therapists are responsible for performing procedures to treat patients with breathing disorders or other lung ailments. Based on requests or prescriptions from physicians, therapists prepare respiratory equipment and tools, such as mechanical ventilators, incubators, and aerosol medications. They perform procedures to increase the patient’s ability to breathe. Such procedures may involve removing mucus from the lungs or increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream with pressurized oxygen. Respiratory therapists may evaluate the patient’s lung capacity, teach breathing exercises, or administer medications. Respiratory therapists are also responsible for ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout testing or treatment. To that end, therapists instruct patients how and where to position the body during treatment and monitor patients' vital signs, blood gases, and blood chemistry levels. When emergencies occur, respiratory therapists act quickly to perform cardiac massage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or other forms of emergency care. Therapists must follow safety guidelines during medical evaluations and treatments.
In addition to their medical responsibilities, respiratory therapists participate in the daily operations of the respiratory care center as required. They work with office staff to plan and schedule appointments, greet patients, explain the role of respiratory care in their treatment, and keep patient records and medical histories. Therapists report all findings to supervising physicians and may be responsible for supervising technicians who assist with medical duties. Respiratory therapists also maintain, calibrate, and sterilize all equipment used and report equipment failures to the appropriate personnel when necessary.
Respiratory therapists may choose to specialize in a number of areas, including diagnosis and evaluation, therapeutic care, acute or emergency care, or in-home care. Regardless of specialty, all respiratory therapists are responsible for educating themselves about the administrative, physical, and technical patient privacy safeguards included in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Respiratory therapists provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and emergency respiratory care to patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and medical clinics. Some may also travel to patient homes or to the scene of medical emergencies.
Human Environment. Respiratory therapists should be comfortable interacting with physicians, laboratory technicians, nurses, and office staff. They treat a wide range of patients, including infants, children, adults, and older adults. Due to the sensitive nature of medical diagnosis and treatment, respiratory therapists should be empathetic, tactful, and committed to patient confidentiality at all times.
Technological Environment. In their work, respiratory therapists use tools, such as computers, mechanical ventilators, resuscitators, incubators, positive pressure breathing apparatus, and environmental control systems. They also use equipment dedicated to blood gas analysis, pressure regulation, and gas and aerosol therapy. Respiratory therapists should also be adept at using office suite software, scheduling software, and Internet communication tools.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in respiratory therapy should study health, anatomy, physiology, biology, and mathematics. Students interested in this career path will benefit from seeking volunteer opportunities, internships, or part-time work in medical settings. Participation in a first-aid training program may also be helpful.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming respiratory therapists should work toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field from a school accredited either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). Some advanced positions may require a master’s degree, so students should educate themselves about the requirements of their prospective employers. Coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, chemistry, computer skills, clinical science, and medical ethics is particularly useful for aspiring respiratory therapists. In addition, postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in their future job searches by securing internships or part-time employment in medical settings.
Related Occupations
− Occupational Therapy Assistant
Bibliography
"Respiratory Therapists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.