A Day In The Life
Health Sciences Industry
Health Sciences
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders.
Health Sciences Industry
Respiratory Therapists
Average
$60,880
ANNUAL
$29.27
HOURLY
Entry Level
$47,380
ANNUAL
$22.78
HOURLY
Mid Level
$60,450
ANNUAL
$29.06
HOURLY
Expert Level
$76,970
ANNUAL
$37.00
HOURLY
Respiratory Therapists
4,610
Projected job openings through 2030
Respiratory Therapists
Supporting Programs
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory Therapists
01
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
02
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.
03
Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
04
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.
05
Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
06
Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
07
Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
08
Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
09
Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
10
Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
Respiratory Therapists
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Medicine and Dentistry
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Education and Training
KNOWLEDGE
Psychology
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Active Learning
ABILITY
Inductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Deductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Information Ordering
Health Sciences
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