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Career Details : Respiratory Therapists

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Description

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.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Tasks

  • Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
  • Operates equipment to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients following specified parameters of treatment.
  • Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition.
  • Performs pulmonary function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
  • Determines requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy and medication and dosages.
  • Inspects and tests respiratory-therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
  • Demonstrates respiratory-care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
  • Orders repairs when necessary.
  • Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
  • Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
  • Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
  • Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and potential modifications needed, compatible with physician's orders.
  • Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood-chemistry changes.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Provide a Service to Others

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Cardiorespiratory Careadd Cardiorespiratory Care to MyFSA
    Cardiorespiratory Sciencesadd Cardiorespiratory Sciences to MyFSA
    Pre-Respiratory Therapyadd Pre-Respiratory Therapy to MyFSA
    Respiration Therapyadd Respiration Therapy to MyFSA
    Respiratory Careadd Respiratory Care to MyFSA
    Respiratory Care Administrationadd Respiratory Care Administration to MyFSA
    Respiratory Care Technologyadd Respiratory Care Technology to MyFSA
    Respiratory Therapyadd Respiratory Therapy to MyFSA
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