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Pathway: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services
Job: Respiratory Therapy Technician
Job Description
Respiratory technicians evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. They provide specific, well-defined respiratory care procedures under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians. In clinical practice, their duties may overlap with those of respiratory therapists, although therapists generally have more experience than technicians.
Necessary Education
Varies – Certificate, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree
Helpful High School Courses
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English, Health
Working Conditions
- Usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week
- May work evenings, nights, or weekends
- May spend long periods standing and walking
- May work under much stress during emergencies
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary,
$56,440
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$27.13
Career Ladder Information
- Job opportunities should be best for those with cardiopulmonary care skills or experience working with newborns and infants
- Although hospitals will continue to employ the vast majority, a growing number can expect to work in respiratory therapy clinics, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, or firms that supply respiratory equipment for home use
- Advancement can occur when moving from care of general to critical patients, supervisory, management, or teaching positions
- In home care, they may teach patients and their families to use ventilators and other life support systems, as well as inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining equipment, and making emergency visits if needed
- The majority of the States have licensing requirements
- The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers voluntary certification and registration to those who satisfy designated requirements
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Are sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs
- Pay attention to detail and follow instructions
- Are able to work as part of a team
- Have mechanical ability and manual dexterity (for operating complicated equipment)
- Have an understanding of basic mathematical problem solving and chemical and physical principles
Did you know?
In some hospitals, tasks are expanded outside the traditional job role (like stress testing patients and keeping records of materials used)
Additional Information
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