JOB DESCRIPTION

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

Ability to pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team Ability to be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs Mechanical ability and manual dexterity to operate complicated equipment Knowledge in health, biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics

Respiratory therapists treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed, to elderly people whose lungs are diseased. These workers provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning, or shock.

To evaluate patients, respiratory therapists test the capacity of the lungs and analyze oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration. They also measure the patient’s potential of hydrogen (pH), which indicates the acidity or alkalinity level of the blood.

To treat patients, respiratory therapists use oxygen or oxygen mixtures, chest physiotherapy, and aerosol medications.