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6-10 years of experience
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to breathing treatment.
- Successfully weaned 20+ patients off mechanical ventilation
- Successfully change and replaced 60+ patient’s trach tubes without any adverse effects
- Developed and implemented 60+ treatment plans which lead to successful wean from mechanical ventilation and decannulations
- Trained and educated 5 + staff on quality control procedures
- Assisted in 30+ successfully trach decannulations
0-5 years of experience
Provided information and assistance, including addressing patient questions and needs.
- Compiled and maintained patient paperwork accurately, updating as necessary.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and company policies at all times.
- Completed SOPs and CMNs as well as documents on the tracking log efficiently.
- Checked and confirmed coverage information for insurance purposes.
- Maintained the referral log and all related paperwork as well as recordkeeping.
- Managed BI-PAP, CPAP, oxygen compressor, and liquid oxygen setup for patients.
10+ years of experience
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to design care plan for hospitalized patients
- Provided various modes of respiratory care to adult and geriatric populations within as ordered by physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant
- Night shift supervisor, ensured adequate staffing and equipment levels
- Assisted in designing and implementing strategies that improve ICU readmission rates as well as decreasing the occurrences of self-extubations
- Data extraction used for quality improvement and assurance tracking
- Trained, coached, and mentored new hires to ensure compliance with organizations policies and procedures
0-5 years of experience
Worked as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care
- Read prescription, measured arterial blood gases, and reviewed patient information to assess patient condition
- Monitored patient and evaluated specific symptoms and difficulties
- Conducted complex and difficult therapies as per the physical condition of the patient
- Inspected, cleaned, tested and maintained respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently
- Educated patients and their families on breathing techniques and home care
6-10 years of experience
Provided intensive care and monitoring for Pediatric unit ventilators; administered nebulizer treatments, and monitored patient’s overall respiratory health and recovery
- Monitored patient pulmonary health; analyzed breath sounds, x-rays and blood work
- Collaborated with physicians to update patient’s respiratory status and prior treatment; planned and administered new treatments based on diagnosis
- Monitored and maintained patient’s airway and ability to breathe which included tracheal tubes
- Documented patient’s respiratory charts using Point and Click Solutions EHR software
- Responded to all emergencies to maintain patient airway and initiate CPR
0-5 years of experience
- Over 90% sales rate from CPAP and Bilevel therapy setups
- Assessed and managed therapeutic needs of the patients in the home care setting.
- Evaluated the individual’s sleep therapy needs, monitored and interpreted test results.
- Inspected, analyzed, sanitized, trouble-shooting and selling of medical equipment.
- Performed in-home visits and set-up of home respiratory equipment to immobile patients.
10+ years of experience
Assessed patients, provided treatments, and performed critical care throughout the hospital.
- Evaluated diagnostic information and coordinated with physicians and nursing staff.
- Clinical Educator for the Respiratory Therapy Department for 6 years. Created policies and procedures, trained respiratory therapists and nursing on equipment functionality.
- Worked as a preceptor for college respiratory therapy students for 13 years.
0-5 years of experience
Provided care for a number of health care facilities (Children’s Institute, Allegheny Valley School, Kindred, LifeCare, Select Specialty)
- Critical care experience with adults and children
- Provided care for mentally handicapped adults and children
- Determined action plan for long term ventilation and tracheostomy care
- Supervised 20 therapists, planned team schedules, and worked with hospital management to determine patient care
0-5 years of experience
Performed varied tasks of patient care, including ABG draw, analysis and interpretation, ventilator care and O2 and nebulizer therapy
- Diagnostic Technician – Performed pulmonary function testing and methacholine challenges. Assists pulmonary physicians in bronchoscopies
- Maintained the Pulmonary Function Lab and Bronchoscopy Suite, including but not limited to equipment and troubleshooting, logs and record keeping, ordering supplies and educating the staff.
- Developed educational models for in-servicing staff and educating the community on asthma, smoking and other related topics
- Monitored and educated patients in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program
0-5 years of experience
Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, prevention and treatments using Cpap, Bipap and home O2.
- Monitored and recorded patient progress in response to therapy, identified and properly documented patient goals.
- Regularly evaluated effects of treatment and adjusted to achieve maximum benefit.
- Recommended equipment and in-home modifications.
10+ years of experience
- Delegated tasks and daily assignments of respiratory therapists as a charge therapist.
- Developed and expanded a hospital initiative to reduce readmissions through patient education and follow-up phone calls.
- Helped develop electronic charting and trained the department to use it
- Provided oversight for contracted services, documenting and tracking monthly charges and serving as department liaison in facility meetings.
- Explained treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears
10+ years of experience
Perform respiratory care in the treatment of pulmonary disease and disorders.
- Executed bedside and outpatient diagnostic tests and assessments.
- Evaluated the extent of pulmonary dysfunction.
- Managed and monitored mechanical ventilation and artificial airways.
- Assisted in emergency code situations, intubation, and ABG draw and analysis.
- Maintained working knowledge of department policies and procedures.
- Utilized specialized equipment and related computer systems.
- Projected an image of professionalism in communication, appearance and conduct.
10+ years of experience
Implemented/evaluated patient care for all ages, across in-home and clinical settings.
- Assessed and interpreted data to meet specific respiratory care needs.
- Educated patients and families regarding respiratory conditions and care.
- Instructed CPR classes for staff member certification/re-certification, and participated as member of the Asthma Education Team.
0-5 years of experience
Initiated and managed ventilators in the acute care, emergency, and long care setting
- Initiated and followed policy and procedures related to administration of medication and treatments
- Received blood gasses from patients and provided results to healthcare providers
- Helped with implementation of policies regarding spinal cord injury patients
0-5 years of experience
Provided emergency care, including artificial airways, external cardiac message, and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Performed frequent adjustments to ventilator parameters in patients with complex medical problems
- Determined requirements for treatment such as method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians’ orders.
- Assisted with difficult respiratory therapy procedures to include: endotracheal
- Provided training to new hires concerning various specialized areas of respiratory care.
- Worked with nurses and doctors in critical care units monitoring patients while on the ventilator.
- Monitored patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, blood chemistry charges, and consult with the physician if adverse reactions occur.
0-5 years of experience
Performed diagnostic tests and physical examinations on individual patients as required.
- Performed external cardiac massage and artificial respiration on a regular basis.
- Tested and maintained respiratory therapy machines and equipment on a regular basis.
- Monitored patient physiological therapy responses such as arterial blood gases, and vital signs.
- Provided assistance to other physical therapy and nursing staff members as needed.
- 350 + hours clinical experience.
6-10 years of experience
- Leadership role within the department coordinating staff meetings, ensured all staff received hospital policy updates, enforcement of quality control measures, and equipment management and product purchase.
- Educator of smoking cessation tailored to the needs of the patient, collaborated with other therapy team members teaching patients about COPD, and provided CPR instruction to staff.
- Participated with case management in the pulmonary plan of care for patient discharge to home or skilled nursing facility.
- Demonstrated proficiency in respiratory consultation throughout the hospital and provided excellence in treating patients with skilled respiratory care.
- Conducted assessments of patients in their homes on asthma self-management and care with the goal of reducing or preventing further emergency room visits.
- Accurately executed mechanical ventilator weaning protocols utilizing information from arterial blood gas analysis.
- Reacted calmly and effectively in emergency situations, and added the personal, caring touch that immediately put patients at ease.
0-5 years of experience
Made outbound calls to members with diagnosis of COPD and or Asthma. Also received inbound calls.
- Educated members on medication usage and triggers.
- Maintained charts, dccumented patients symptoms and doctor visits over a recorded line.
- Insured accuracy and maintained patent’s privacy.
0-5 years of experience
Performed patient care and assessments in compliance with Physician orders to provide optimal patient outcomes
- Administered medication, performed airway clearance, pulmonary function testing, and ventilator support
- Documented patient related policies and facilitated communication with Physician, Nursing staff and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate optimal patient care
- Provided instruction and education to patients and families to foster optimal outcomes and care
0-5 years of experience
Administered care, including nebulizer, DPI, and MDI treatments, to patients with pulmonary diseases, including asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.
- Performed and explained the purpose and benefits of hyperinflation therapy.
- Performed and interpreted ABG samples, and adjusted ventilator settings according to patient status.
- Assisted in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
6-10 years of experience
Strategically steered solutions-focused respiratory therapy initiatives for patients, including performing all patient stress testing, EKGs, and outpatient ABGs, as well as facilitating PFTs, nebulizers, and Holter monitors.
- Ensured seamless healthcare operations by providing optimal medical support within a fast-paced ER setting.
- Contributed to collaborative teamwork while delivering patient care to assist key staffing and caseload needs.
- Exhibited sharp analytical abilities toward performing accurate and detailed charting on Cerner HCIT systems.
0-5 years of experience
Area of experience: General Floor Care, Emergency Care, and Intensive Care Unit.
- Responsible for assessing and educating patients on their pulmonary disorder and/or treatment(s).
- Initiation of oxygen delivery and/or respiratory medication and assessing effectiveness.
- Performed arterial blood gas punctures and arterial line drawings ordered by a physician.
- Management of artificial airways and mechanical ventilation (Puritan Bennett 840 and BiPAP).
- Participated in cardiopulmonary resuscitative efforts, intubations assistance, and extubations.
- Provided accurate and complete documentation of patient charges and/or changes.
6-10 years of experience
Setup and managed mechanical ventilators and artificial airways for patients, responded to all code blues, traumas and all urgent calls within the hospital
- Responsible for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway management in emergency situations
- Drew arterial blood and analyzed the results with doctors to determine the best patient care
- Administered breathing treatments and utilized specialty gases for patients with various lung diseases
- Documented necessary patient information in the chart to communicate with other team members
0-5 years of experience
Provided technical assistance during procedures.
- Guided the subordinate staff and support staff for the proper use of equipments.
- Responsible to assist in the care of patients with respiratory diseases.
- Worked with doctors and specialists listening to breath sounds.
- Determined requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, etc.
- Monitored patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consulted with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Explained treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
0-5 years of experience
Performed pulmonary and Cardiology diagnostic testing in accordance with hospital policies
- Managed and maintained mechanical ventilators in the Adult ICU, CVICU, and made appropriate recommendations of care to physicians and/or licensed practitioner. Responded to all codes.
- Member of Rapid Response Team
- Student Trainer
0-5 years of experience
Responsibilities were to assist in the care of patients with Respiratory diseases (i.e. Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, Emphysema, Lung Cancer etc.)
- Followed written and/or verbal orders made by the doctor.
- Obtained Arterial Blood Gases on patients, give jet nebulizer treatments, intubated patients, make ventilator adjustments, perform weaning procedures, and bedside spirometry.
- PFT Tech
- Performed pulmonary-function, lung-capacity, diffusion capacity, and blood-and-oxygen tests to gather data for use by physician in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disorders: Conferred with patient in treatment room to explain test procedures.
- Explained specified methods of breathing to patient and conducted pulmonary-function tests, arterial blood gas analyses, and lung-capacity tests, such as vital capacity and maximum breathing capacity tests, using spirometer or other equipment.
- Measured expired air, using various analyzers.
- Observed and recorded readings on metering devices of analysis equipment, and conveys findings of tests and analyses to physician for interpretation.
- Performed blood analysis tests to measure such factors as oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions, hemoglobin saturation and levels, and pH of blood, using blood gas analyzer.
- Assisted physician in special procedures such as bronchoscopy.
0-5 years of experience
Worked in long term critical care with high acuity
- Worked closely with vent dependant patients, as well as rehabilitation transitioning to trach collars
- Obtained blood gases and analyzed result
- Worked in long term critical care with high acuity
- Worked closely with vent dependant patients, as well as rehabilitation transitioning to trach collars
- Obtained blood gases and analyzed results
- Documented care in charts as well as computer systems
0-5 years of experience
I served the first four months as a Location Manager. Responsible for total branch performance in accordance with company policy and procedures. Create and execute the branch business plan covering from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Saint Lucy Counties. Ensure store profitability and manage and develop branch personnel. Plan, implement, and manages areas of responsibility to facilitate continuous improvement and personal growth while supporting company goals, missions, and vision. Provide sound leadership for the branch.
- In the first four months of my management the Revenue on Hold went down by 52%.
- In the first four months of my management the total revenue of my location went up by 35%.
- In the first four month of my management the total Respiratory Equipment set up went up by 233%.
0-5 years of experience
Educate patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in the function of respiratory equipment by developing a positive professional relationship
- Ensure patients are using CPAP equipment accurately and safely
- Identify potential problems by listening to patients
- Collaborate with doctors to resolve patient issues
- Coordinate the highest level of patient care by following up on patient concerns/needs and documenting the Plan of Care according to PPS guidelines
- Accommodate patient needs by coordinating with other staff members
- Contribute toward improvement in patient satisfaction within the department by often being selected to effectively handle troubled patients
0-5 years of experience
Maintained knowledge of corporate policy and procedures.
- Reported team progress and goals to appropriate managers.
- Interviewed and hired prospective new employees.
- Facilitated communication between departments.
0-5 years of experience
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Monitor patient’s physiological responses to therapy
- Performed endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
- Determined requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians’ orders.
0-5 years of experience
Completed 210 hrs: Basic Modalities and Therapeutics
- Performed daily patient assessments vital signs respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, pulse auscultation
- Performed and interpreted ABGs arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry
- Performed chest therapy chest vest, percussion, cough assist
- Assisted respiratory therapist and charge nurse during emergencies CPR, resuscitation
- Transport patients to various appointments to ensure proper respiratory care ventilator management, suctioning, etc
- Gave accurate respiratory treatments as ordered by the physician via MDI, nebulizer
- Suctioned 14FR catheter, in-line patients as needed to remove bronchial secretions
0-5 years of experience
Worked with equipment decontamination and infection control
- Setting up ventilators for patients (PB 840, CPAP, BiPAP) and ventilation management
- Observed chest tube procedures and practiced bronchopulmonary hygiene therapy
- Assisted with pulmonary function tests (PFT’s)
0-5 years of experience
- Determined requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, and precautions to be taken.
- Performed pulmonary function and adjusted equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
- Changed Trach Tubes due to monthly maintenance, obstruction, or accidental decannulation.
- Connect and adjust patient settings on mechanical ventilation, while maintaining a patent airway.
0-5 years of experience
Monitor patient’s physiological responses to care and effectively communicate progress to physician/caregiver
- Interpreted and communicated complex policies and procedures in a language the public can understand
- Provided direct treatment to chronically and terminally ill patients
- Set up and operated mechanical ventilators and therapeutic gas administration
- Provide airway management
- Inspected and tested respiratory equipment to insure proper operation
- ABG and CBG punctures
- Arterial line starts
- Performed EKGs
- Awarded three Certificates of Excellence for providing exceptional service to patients
0-5 years of experience
Experience in critical areas: ICU, NICU (Level 3), PICU, and ER
- CPR, ACLS, PALS certified by American Heart Association
- Administered floor therapy with asthma protocols
- Equipment used: mechanical ventilators, nebulizers, oxygen delivery devices, arterial blood gas machines for sample analysis
- Arterial and capillary sampling
- Arterial blood gas machine calibration and maintenance
- Weaning protocols.
0-5 years of experience
My current position is similar to the Heart hospital only in a much larger hospital with a more diverse population of patients and ages. We had multiple Adult/Peds traumas, MVAs, ODs, seizures and basic respiratory distress patents through the largest ER in Colorado springs.
- Assisted in high risk births to stabilize, initiate CPAP/CODE or intubate new borns prior to there transport to NICU.
- We worked with the physicians to control and adjust the ventilators as well as determining the correct line of care.
- Provided respiratory care and assessment to all patient ages, in all critical care areas as ordered by physicians, or respiratory protocols.
- Placed/replaced A-lines in the ICU and assisted in all codes/met team calls throughout the hospital.
6-10 years of experience
Started this company by understanding of staffing needs across the greater Atlanta area, implementing and maintaining company policies and procedures, selecting and hiring staff, and marketing the solution
- Worked with hospital management to determine their needs and goals, fulfilling with contracted staff
- Identified knowledge base and experience level of support staff to tailor and provide education to them
- Practiced adult, pediatric and neonatal intensive care
0-5 years of experience
Ventilator and tracheostomy management/weaning of medically complex individuals with multiple co-morbidities.
- Initiate and implement physician orders in the assessment, management, and rehabilitative evaluation of patients.
- Work cohesively with physicians and other members of the inter-disciplinary team in achieving improvement and rehabilitation.
- Educate and instruct patients and family in preparation for discharge.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Airway Management.
0-5 years of experience
Implemented emergent care treatment to trauma patients.
- Administered clinical treatment, including monitoring, to critical care survivors of cardiac and thoracic surgeries.
- Rendered CPAP therapeutic care and services to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Initiated sleep studies for newborn patients.
10+ years of experience
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- 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.
- Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Maintain charts that contain patients’ pertinent identification and therapy information.
- 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.
0-5 years of experience
Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians’ orders.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
- Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians’ orders.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
0-5 years of experience
Assist in caring for patients suffering from various respiratory diseases including COPD, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Lung Cancer, and Cystic Fibrosis.
- Explain diagnoses and treatment plans to patients to dispel any fear they may have.
- Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patients’ conditions.
- Obtain Arterial Blood Gases, administer nebulizer treatments, make ventilator changes and perform weaning procedures.
- Train other employees on proper protocol and procedures for our facility.
- Follow written/verbal orders made by the doctor.
10+ years of experience
Collaborated with other members of the healthcare team and family members in planning, implementing and evaluating patient’s plan of care with assessments. Provided therapy for patients in collaboration with physicians
- Managed ventilators, bipap/cpap machines, oxygen therapy, drew arterial blood gases, attended all CPRs and performed PFTs
- BLS certified
- Registered Respiratory Therapist
- Lead Respiratory Therapist
0-5 years of experience
Teach Apnea monitors, oxygen, nebulizer, phototherapy lights, CPAP and Bilevels to patients and their family
- Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare and insurance regulations
- Initial Certification and Re-authorization on equipment
- Provide inservicing to nurses and fellow staff
- Assist with customer service and dispatch
- Help run the day to day business
0-5 years of experience
Implement respiratory diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures such as PFT, simple spirometry, pulmonary stress tests, oxygen weaning, etc.
- Ensure department is compliant with all Federal guidelines including proper documentation and billing
- Consistency with evaluations, on going patient assessments and patient/family education
- Assumed role of mentor for newly hired respiratory staff
- Experienced in geriatric care
0-5 years of experience
Develop patients care plans, including assessments, evaluations and cardio pulmonary diagnoses.
- Provide necessary health education training for patients.
- Administer medical gases, humidifiers, medication and aerosols for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
- Follows verbal and written orders from Physician.
- Clean, changes, and maintain all respiratory care equipments.
0-5 years of experience
Provide patient care in multiple problem areas and complex situations.
- Assess and evaluate patient therapy based on their specific needs, and recommendations to physicians to further improve patient care.
- Decision-making and self-direction in a critical care setting including initiating different modes of mechanical ventilation such as; BiPAP, Bi-Level/APRV, ACVC+, CPAP, PC, etc.
- Educate patients on their course of treatment and its benefits.
- Implementing plane of care as ordered by physician, and evaluating outcome.
- Follow infection control per hospital’s policy.
- Assessing each patient for extubation following hospital extubation protocol.
0-5 years of experience
Provides respiratory care in a 325 bed facility
- Proficient in all areas of Respiratory Care-ICU, ER, Med/Surg
- Interacts with all departments in order to ensure proper care is being delivered
- Works closely with nurses, physicians and ancillary staff in order to provide continuity of care
- Educates patients and families on diseases states, proper management and medication usage
10+ years of experience
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.
- Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians’ orders.
- 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.
- Maintain charts that contain patients’ pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians’ orders.
- Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
Respiratory Therapist Duties and Responsibilities
A Respiratory Therapist is responsible for completing several tasks to satisfy all job demands. We have analyzed several job listings for Respiratory Therapists and found the following to be among the most commonly listed duties relating to this occupation.
Monitor Pulmonary Equipment Respiratory Therapists are responsible for operating and monitoring ventilators and other oxygen machines for cardiopulmonary patients. This includes maintaining and order supplies for these machines as needed.
Provide Respiratory Care and Therapies From arterial blood gas sampling to administering medications, Respiratory Therapists are involved daily in overseeing respiratory therapies. They record and chart the progress of treatment plans and review these plans for any needed adjustments to facilitate the care of individual patients.
Analyze Diagnostic Tests To create effective treatment plans and therapies, Respiratory Therapists typically analyze chest x-rays and other test results. They might collaborate with physicians to discuss patient diagnoses and get help to formulate specific therapies needed for each patient.
Educate Patients Respiratory Therapists are generally responsible for explaining vital information to patients about cardiopulmonary issues and care. They might educate patients about the effects of smoking and smoking cessation plans or provide details about asthma and medication treatments. They also teach patients how to use inhalers and other devices.
Respiratory Therapist Skills
Relevant skills demonstrated by successful Respiratory Therapists include analytical, problem-solving and motivational skills. They should be comfortable working with diverse patients and have strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Respiratory Therapists should be organized, possess the desire to help people and have the ability to work in a collaborative environment, as they must often work closely with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Along with these crucial abilities, Respiratory Therapists should possess the following skills:
- Assess patient lung capacity and severity of lung conditions.
- Administer various types of respiratory therapies and medications.
- Operate and monitor respiratory equipment.
- Provide education about pulmonary care and diseases.
Respiratory Therapist Education and Training
Many employers seem to prefer Respiratory Therapist job candidates to hold at least an associate’s degree from an accredited program. Programs in respiratory care typically include clinical practice wherein students serve internships in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Licensing for Respiratory Therapists is required in all states except Alaska. Candidates should hold Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials.
Respiratory Therapist Salary
The BLS reports that the median annual salary of Respiratory Therapists is $58,670. Those earning at the lowest ten percentile realize a median annual wage of $42,490 and top earners make as much as $81,550. Those in specialty hospitals and nursing home facilities tend to make slightly more than those employed in hospitals or physicians’ practices. States in the west and the northeast are where Respiratory Therapists can earn the highest mean annual wages, led by California ($78,820), Nevada ($72,630) and New Jersey ($71,940).
Respiratory Therapist Resources
Below you will find additional resources to help you better understand what being a Respiratory Therapist entails. Access links to books, blogs and other resources to get more details to help you decide about becoming a Respiratory Therapist.
American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) – From online training courses and webcasts to advocacy and publications, AARC has been a source of support and education for Respiratory Therapists and related professionals since 1947.
International Association of Respiratory Therapists (IART) – The benefits of being a member of IART includes professional networking, a mentor program and latest news articles.
Respiratory Therapy Cave – A blog offering a look at practices, details about the respiratory therapy career and more.
Respiratory Care – An online journal providing articles about career challenges, respiratory equipment, patient care practices and more. Also provides a link to recent podcasts.
RT Magazine – This online publication offers clinical and research articles as well as product reviews. Find articles with news about asthma, COPD, bronchiolitis and other relevant topics.
Wilkins’ Clinical Assessment in Respiratory Care, 8th Edition by Al Heuer and Craig L. Scanlan – This book reveals how Respiratory Therapists assist physicians in patient care, evaluate treatment plans and make changes to treatments as needed. Includes real-life scenarios and credentialing information.
Mosby’s Respiratory Care Equipment 10th Edition by J.M. Cairo – This book provides the most updated information about respiratory equipment and devices. Get details about various types of ventilators and their applications.
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Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II -
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
