What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
Respiratory therapists treat patients who have difficulty breathing due to chronic respiratory diseases, trauma, or premature birth. They manage ventilators, administer breathing treatments, and perform diagnostic tests to assess lung function. These professionals work in critical care, emergency departments, and pulmonary rehabilitation settings.
Respiratory Therapist Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a respiratory therapist include:
- Assess patients with breathing disorders by interviewing them, performing chest examinations, and reviewing medical histories.
- Administer oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, and chest physiotherapy treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Set up, operate, and monitor mechanical ventilators for patients who cannot breathe independently.
- Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and pulmonary function tests to evaluate respiratory status.
- Respond to code blue and rapid response emergencies to provide airway management and resuscitation support.
- Wean patients from mechanical ventilation using established protocols and clinical judgment.
- Educate patients on the use of inhalers, nebulizers, and home oxygen equipment before discharge.
- Collaborate with pulmonologists, intensivists, and nursing staff to develop respiratory care plans.
- Monitor and adjust ventilator settings based on patient condition, blood gas results, and clinical response.
- Document all treatments, assessments, and patient responses in electronic medical records accurately and promptly.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a respiratory therapist, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Mechanical ventilation management
- Arterial blood gas interpretation
- Airway management and intubation assistance
- Pulmonary function testing
- Critical thinking in emergencies
- Patient assessment and monitoring
- Oxygen delivery systems knowledge
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Education and Training
Respiratory therapists must earn at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor degree, and some positions in management, education, or research require it. Graduates must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) examination to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and can earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential by achieving a higher score. State licensure is required in most states, and continuing education is necessary to maintain credentials.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $55,000 - $80,000 per year
Employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13% over the next decade, much faster than average. The aging population faces higher rates of respiratory conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, and sleep apnea. Additionally, the growing awareness of respiratory health after recent global health events has increased demand for these specialists. Therapists with advanced credentials and experience in critical care or neonatal settings will have the strongest job prospects.