Respiratory Therapists
Also called:
Respiratory Therapist (RT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
Business
Health
Education and Training
- teaching and course design
Arts and Humanities
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Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
- looking for ways to help people
- understanding people's reactions
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Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- order or arrange things
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Attention
- pay attention to something without being distracted
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People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Concern for Others
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Independence
- Attention to Detail
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You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Medical software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
Electronic mail software
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associate's degree
usually needed
Get started on your career:
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New job opportunities are likely in the future.
$55,870
per year, on average
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You might like a career in one of these industries:
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