Life As a Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapist Job 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.
Daily Life Of a Respiratory Therapist
- Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
- Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians’ orders.
- Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
- Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
- Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
- Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients’ cardiopulmonary functions.
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Respiratory Therapist Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Respiratory Therapists say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Other Respiratory Therapist Job Titles
- Staff Respiratory Therapist
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Inhalation Therapist
What Kind of Respiratory Therapist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 130,200 jobs in the United States for Respiratory Therapist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 23.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 30,400 new jobs for Respiratory Therapist by 2026. The BLS estimates 9,800 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Respiratory Therapist are Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maryland, or Nebraska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Respiratory Therapist
The average yearly salary of a Respiratory Therapist ranges between $43,750 and $83,520.
Respiratory Therapists who work in California, Alaska, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Respiratory Therapists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,770 |
| Alaska | $76,610 |
| Arizona | $58,420 |
| Arkansas | $52,050 |
| California | $79,640 |
| Colorado | $63,070 |
| Connecticut | $70,410 |
| Delaware | $67,950 |
| District of Columbia | $78,540 |
| Florida | $57,960 |
| Georgia | $57,520 |
| Hawaii | $71,460 |
| Idaho | $57,700 |
| Illinois | $60,500 |
| Indiana | $55,610 |
| Iowa | $53,870 |
| Kansas | $55,080 |
| Kentucky | $49,890 |
| Louisiana | $53,510 |
| Maine | $59,410 |
| Maryland | $67,660 |
| Massachusetts | $73,660 |
| Michigan | $57,040 |
| Minnesota | $67,190 |
| Mississippi | $49,220 |
| Missouri | $56,320 |
| Montana | $57,310 |
| Nebraska | $55,560 |
| Nevada | $73,530 |
| New Hampshire | $66,570 |
| New Jersey | $73,390 |
| New Mexico | $58,200 |
| New York | $74,890 |
| North Carolina | $56,620 |
| North Dakota | $57,720 |
| Ohio | $56,830 |
| Oklahoma | $54,540 |
| Oregon | $69,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,970 |
| Rhode Island | $67,060 |
| South Carolina | $55,990 |
| South Dakota | $51,510 |
| Tennessee | $51,400 |
| Texas | $59,930 |
| Utah | $61,480 |
| Vermont | $66,260 |
| Virginia | $60,200 |
| Washington | $69,540 |
| West Virginia | $50,420 |
| Wisconsin | $62,150 |
| Wyoming | $57,960 |
What Tools & Technology do Respiratory Therapists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Respiratory Therapists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Database software
- MEDITECH software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- HMS
How do I Become a Respiratory Therapist?
What education is needed to be a Respiratory Therapist?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
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