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A Respiratory Therapist works under the direction of a physician and is primarily responsible for the testing and treatment of patients with breathing disorders. As a Respiratory Therapist, you would care for patients who have chronic lung problems like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, or those with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and AIDS. You might also give emergency care to heart attack, stroke, drowning and shock victims. Premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed and patients on life support need help from Respiratory Therapists as well.
Following a physician-prescribed treatment plan, Respiratory Therapists analyze their patients' breathing capacity and test levels of different blood gases. They select and maintain specialized equipment and teach patients and their families how to use medication and devices correctly. Observing their patients' symptoms and progress, Respiratory Therapists consult with physicians and other health care providers to modify treatment plans.
Respiratory Therapists supervise Respiratory Therapist technicians and are health care team members. Their responsibilities demand good judgment and interpersonal and observation skills. Because they work in potentially hazardous situations, they adhere to strict safety procedures to protect themselves and their patients.
The Respiratory Therapist role is expanding in smoking cessation counseling, lung rehabilitation, disease prevention and diagnoses for patients who experience breathing difficulties while sleeping. These professionals are also becoming more common members of rapid-response teams.
Video Description of Respiratory Therapists
Source: CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Where Respiratory Therapists Work
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing Care Facilities
- Businesses that specialize in Respiratory Therapy
Educational Requirements
Respiratory Therapists must have an Associate's Degree, but a Bachelor's Degree gives you a competitive edge. For a list of educational programs, see the OED's profile on Respiratory Therapists:
Career Pathway Roadmaps
Licensure Requirements
A license is required to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in Oregon. See:
Respiratory Therapist Earnings
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) reports that in 2009 in Oregon, the average hourly wage for Respiratory Therapists was $27.01 and the average annual salary was $56,168.
Employment Outlook for Respiratory Therapists
The OED estimates that between 2008 and 2018, there will be 441 job openings for Respiratory Therapists in Oregon.
Part of the demand for Respiratory Therapists stems from the growing elderly population who suffer most from respiratory illnesses and diseases like pneumonia and emphysema. In addition, advances in technology and medicine, such as improvements in inhalable medications and treatments for lung transplant patients, are increasing the need for these professionals.
Occupations with Skills Similar to Respiratory Therapists:
- Registered Nurses
- Respiratory Therapy Technicians
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Orthotists and Prosthetists
Explore the following sources for this page for more information:
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