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.
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
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
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 statistics for 2009 - 2011 PTC graduates, who found jobs in this field, are as follows:
salary average: $38,174.00 per year
salary range: $27,500-48,000 per year
85% 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"
Recent graduates have found work at:
Greenwood Home Respiratory Care Inc.