Respiratory Technician Job Description
Respiratory therapy is a branch of the medical field that helps people breathe more easily. Some health conditions that require respiratory therapy include emphysema, asthma, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. The field shows promising growth for the future because the rate of breathing conditions is increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence of asthma has grown in the past 20 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts respiratory therapy jobs to grow much faster than average, with about 21 percent growth between 2008 and 2018.
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Job Duties
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Respiratory therapy technicians perform testing to measure pulmonary function and to measure the capacity of the lungs. They maintain patient charts and records. Technicians teach patients how to perform self-care treatments such as the use of nebulizers. They also use incentive spirometers and aerosol gases to help patients breathe better. Technicians may also perform positive pressure treatments, which apply intermittent external pressure. This procedure vibrates the ribcage to drain mucus from the lungs, which clears the breathing obstruction caused by the mucus. Some technicians also teach classes about asthma education and smoking cessation.
Skills
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Respiratory therapy technicians need excellent communication skills to work with patients. Technicians must determine how well patients respond to treatment, so they must communicate clearly with a diverse group of individuals. Some technicians work exclusively with children and need additional skills communicating with children. Technicians usually work under the supervision of respiratory therapists and physicians and need good listening skills to follow instructions. Computer aptitude and technical skill will help technicians operate some of the complex machinery used on the job.
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Education
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Jobs in the respiratory field require some additional education and training beyond high school. Many community colleges offer two-year programs designed to lead to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) designation. Colleges offer associate and bachelor's degrees in respiratory therapy. Technicians without the RRT license may only need some college-level classes in respiratory therapy. People wanting to work in this field should have a good background in math and science.
Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists earned a median salary of $52,200 in 2008. That salary, however, refers to therapists with the RRT certification. Respiratory technicians make slightly less to reflect the lower required amount of education. According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a respiratory technician was $46,919. Salaries ranged from $43,081 to $50,981. This variation takes into account years of experience and costs of living in different areas.
Work Environment
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Most respiratory therapy technicians work in hospitals. Some may specialize and work in children's hospitals. Other technicians work in home health care, assisted-living and nursing homes and equipment rental facilities. Because hospitals are open 24 hours a day, therapists may work on any shift or days of the week. The position requires a lot of standing and walking around to patient rooms.
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References
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