Health Career: Respiratory Technician and Therapist
Who are respiratory technicians and therapists and what do they do?
Respiratory technicians and therapists help treat patients for lung-related health problems. They evaluate, diagnose and treat breathing disorders such as asthma and emphysema and provide emergency care for cardiac failure, strokes and shock. They work with respiratory equipment such as oxygen tanks, mechanical ventilators and heart monitors, perform medical tests and educate patients on breathing procedures and the use of respiratory aids and equipment.
How do respiratory technicians and therapists typically spend their workday?
As a respiratory technician or therapist, you can work in a hospital, doctor's office, nursing home or for a mobile respiratory service. In a hospital, you will regularly visit patients and test their breathing functions by having them breathe in a peak flow meter (a tube that measures a person's breathing ability) and then measure their responses. You will also instruct patients in proper breathing exercises. You may give certain drugs to patients to help ease their breathing. If you work for a mobile respiratory service, you will visit peoples' homes to treat them for respiratory problems. You will also set up breathing equipment in patients' homes.
What does it take to be a good respiratory technician or therapist?
If you enjoy working with technical equipment and want to work as part of a team in helping others, you would make a great respiratory technician or therapist. You should also be a good communicator, be interested in health and science and be able to work quickly and remain calm under pressure.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to those of a respiratory technician and therapist?
Cardiopulmonary technologist, EEG technician, EKG technician, surgical technologist, X-ray technologist, occupational therapist, ultrasound technologist, phlebotomist.
Related links and helpful information:
- AARC.org – American Association for Respiratory Care
- National Board for Respiratory Care
- Respiratory Care Online
- CoARC – Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
