Respiratory Therapy Technicians Job Description

Online Bachelor's in Health Sciences

Respiratory therapy technicians perform functions that are needed to complete patient treatment plans. Respiratory technicians help patients with breathing disorders and illnesses by evaluating patient response to treatment and managing patient records. Respiratory technicians can use relevant medical equipment when performing some tasks, such as setting up the equipment, collecting samples, and conducting various tests.

They may be in charge of ordering supplies and equipment. Respiratory tech doesn't create treatment plans The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a median annual salary for respiratory technicians.

Respiratory tech salaries can vary depending on location and industry. Respiratory technicians looking for work may prefer a hospital position over home health services as the median wage is higher. The Bachelor's in Health Sciences online program at the Shawnee State University Online Campus will help you get a job as a respiratory tech.

Respiratory Therapists in Hospital Environment

Respiratory therapists maintain prescribed volumes of oxygen and other inhalants. They monitor the equipment to make sure it is operating correctly, and also watch the patient's response to therapy, and consult with physicians if there is an adverse reaction. They keep records of the cost of materials and the charges to patients, as well as identification and therapy information each patient.

Respiratory therapists teach patients and their families how to use respiratory equipment at home, and they can demonstrate respiratory therapy procedures to health care personnel. Their responsibilities include testing equipment. Minor repairs or major repairs are possible if it is faulty.

Hospitals are great places to get part-time and summer work. They need helpers in many departments. Even though the work may not be related to respiratory therapy, you will gain knowledge of the operation of a hospital and be able to observe respiratory therapists as they carry out their duties.

If you can't find a part-time or temporary job, you may want to volunteer. Respiratory therapists are usually assistants or technicians. They can advance to therapist level with appropriate training courses and experience.

Respiratory therapists with experience may be promoted to a higher position. They may be qualified to teach respiratory therapy at the college level if they have graduate education. Respiratory therapists earned a median salary of $43,140 in 2004.

Respiratory Therapy Technicians in Hospital and Nursing Homes

Respiratory therapy technicians are employed in hospitals and nursing homes. Some full-time positions are available, but most of the positions are part time. Respiratory therapy technicians help people with cardiopulmonary ailments, such as emphysema, asthma, and other cardiopulmonary problems.

People with heart attack and stroke victims are included in the patients. The technicians provide bronchopulmonary drainage treatments, teach patients how to breathe, and monitor vital signs. They test medical equipment for use in diagnostic procedures.

There are machines that administer gas therapy. Respiratory therapy technicians who are in degree programs are hired by hospitals and clinics. Employers prefer seniors when it comes to hiring, so it is possible to get a job as early as the freshman year.

Respiratory therapy training can be done in a 1 to 2 year program. They offer courses in lung rehabilitation, lung function testing, respiratory care, airway management, and pharmacology. Students take part in clinical practicums.

Most employers require that one have an associate's degree. Four years of study is included in bachelor's degree programs. They teach classes in health sciences.

The Employment Growth of Respiratory Therapists in the United States

Respiratory therapy programs can be found in colleges, medical schools, and the armed forces. Respiratory therapy students will take courses in human biology, physics and microbiology. They will learn about patient assessment, therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, and medical record keeping.

Respiratory therapists will have their employment grow by 23 percent from 2016 to 2026 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's much faster than the average for all occupations. Respiratory therapists can work for long periods of time.

Respiratory care, anesthesiology and pulmonary medicine departments are where most work. Others work in nursing care facilities. Some are employed by home health care agencies.

Respiratory Therapists

Listen, people. It is a long time. It is important to have good physical endurance to work as a Respiratory Therapist because you may be required for a procedure or at the patient's bedside for several hours on end.

You need to be mobile when you work as a Respiratory Therapist. You will need to report to the location as soon as possible when the code blue announcement is made. Respiratory Therapists need to be able to read and comprehend.

You need to be able to read and comprehend the doctor's orders. You may need to read through the nurse's notes and patient history at a certain time. You may need to support the patient.

It is part of the job in the medical field. When a full cardiac arrest arrives in the emergency room, you must adapt. Respiratory Therapists should always show compassion when communicating with patients.

An Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

An associate degree in Respiratory Care will give you the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in a variety of career options. You will learn how to use aerosols to relieve breathlessness, and how to use a ventilator to help patients who cannot breathe on their own, but you will also master the Respiratory Therapist skills. If you want to make a difference in the healthcare world without spending a lot of money on medical school, then Respiratory Therapy is a career you should consider pursuing. Call or visit us online to learn more about the program at Goodwin College.