Respiratory Care is used primarily in the treatment of heart and lung diseases such as
cardiac failure, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and shock. The registered respiratory
therapist is trained to assist the medical staff with the treatment, management and care
of patients with cardiopulmonary abnormalities or deficiencies. This job entails a great
deal of diversity. On any given day, a therapist may give therapy for asthma, emphysema or
bronchitis; handle an emergency situation; run tests such as EKG's, stress tests, EEG's,
sleep studies; and perform many more duties.
Duties
Graduates in this field may be required to:
participate in the diagnosis, treatment and
control of cardio-respiratory problems and lung disease
assist physician in planning an appropriate
therapy program
discuss treatment with patient and provide
instruction on use of respiratory aids
test, monitor and prepare reports on patient
progress
perform research on respiratory problems,
preventive techniques, and new treatments
instruct students enrolled in respiratory
care programs
Working Conditions
Graduates in this field commonly experience:
work in hospitals/nursing homes/medical
clinics/ambulance services/home health care (drive to location(/rehabilitation
clinics/physician offices
work in cooperation with others
perform a variety of duties
work under little direct supervision
considerable paperwork required
overtime hours/weekends/night hours/holidays
sometimes required
exposure to blood borne pathogens such as
Hepatitis and HIV
Characteristics & Temperament
Graduates in this field should have:
lift up to 50 pounds to assist in moving
patients, supplies, equipment
lift up to 200 pounds when moving patients
stoop to adjust equipment
kneel: manipulate equipment, CPR, plug in
electrical equipment
reach overhead lights, equipment, cabinets,
attach oxygen to outlets, stocking shelves
motor skills, manual dexterity: small and
large equipment for storing, moving, apply sterile gloves, take BP, operate computers,
CPR, syringes, tubes, catheters, set up and maintain sterile field
stand for prolonged periods of time (deliver
therapy, check equipment, patient, surgical procedures)
feel: palpate pulses, physical exams,
arteries or veins for puncture, skin temperature
push/pull large wheeled equipment, i.e.,
mechanical ventilators, wheelchairs, patients, x-ray equipment, EKG machines, office
equipment
walk for extended periods of time
manipulate knobs, dials associated with
diagnostic or therapeutic devices, small instruments, syringes
hear verbal directions, alarms, telephone,
through a stethoscope for heart sounds, lung sounds and blood pressure
see patient conditions such as skin color,
work of breathing, read small print and calibration on equipment, perceive color
talk to communicate in English goals and
procedures to patients
read typed/handwritten, computer information
in English
write to communicate in English pertinent
information (patient assessment, outcome assessments)
function safely, effectively and calmly
under stressful conditions
maintain composure while managing multiple
tasks simultaneously
prioritize multiple tasks
social skills necessary to interact with
patients, families, co-workers of the same or different culture, respect, polite,
discrete, teamwork
maintain personal hygiene consistent with
close contact of patient care
display actions, attitudes consistent with
ethical standards of the profession
Employment Outlook
Employment statistics for 2002-2007 PTC graduates, who found jobs in
this field, are as follows:
salary average:
$30,768 per year
salary range:
$26-40,000 per year
100% placement rate
employment in cities and towns of all sizes
advancement possible with continued
education
certification
typically required for state licensure within one year of completion
of Associate Degree;
becoming a therapist requires completion of an advanced level
exam
therapist can do EKG's, stress tests, EEG's,
Echocardiograms, sleep studies and PFT's. Therapist work in NICU, ICU, CCU and can advance
to supervisor and management positions.
one of many magazine's top 20 "Hot
Jobs"
Employers
Recent graduates have found work at:
Program & Course Information
For information about Piedmont Technical College's programs and courses offered in
this area, visit the Respiratory Care Program's Web page.
Career Tracks is
a publication of Piedmont Technical College that reflects the current career statistics
for students who have completed programs of the college. Forward your questions
about this site to Andy Omundson at (864) 941-8376 or by e-mail to
omundson.a@ptc.edu.
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