All About Respiratory Therapists
Example of Respiratory Therapist Job 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.
Life As a Respiratory Therapist: What Do They Do?
- Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.
- Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
- Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
- 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.
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What a Respiratory Therapist Should Know
Respiratory Therapists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
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.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Respiratory Therapist
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist
- Staff Therapist
- Cardiopulmonary Technician and EEG Tech (Cardiopulmonary Technician and Electroencephalogram Technician)
Respiratory Therapist Employment Estimates
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.
Respiratory Therapist Average Salary
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Respiratory Therapists 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Respiratory Therapists
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 to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Education needed to be a Respiratory Therapist:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
Where Respiratory Therapists Work
Below are examples of industries where Respiratory Therapists work:
References:
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