Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

Some duties and responsibilities for a respiratory therapist are:

• Interview and examine patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders
• consult with physicians to develop patient treatment plans 
• preform diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity
• treat patients by using a variety of methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medication
• Monitor and record patients’ progress
• Teach patients how to take medications and use equipment, such as ventilators

The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $59,710 in May 2017. The median annual wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less, The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,120, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,030.

Respiratory therapist need at least an associate's degree, but employers may prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree. Educational programs are offered by colleges and universities, vocational technical institutes, and the Armed Forces. Completion of a program that is accredited by the commission on Accreditation for Respiratory care may be required for licensure.   

Some demands and needs are:

• Compassion
• Detailed oriented
• Interpersonal skills
• Patience
• Problem-Solving skills
• Science and Math skills