Respiratory Therapy Technicians: Schools and Careers

About Respiratory Therapy Technicians

Respiratory therapy technicians evaluate, monitor, treat and care for patients with breathing disorders. They provide specific respiratory procedures under the supervision of doctors and respiratory therapists. They perform various tests and based primarily on the test results, a breathing treatment program is created for the patient. Most respiratory therapy technicians are employed in hospitals, however some work in doctor offices, respiratory clinics and nursing homes.

Some of the duties of therapists and technicians overlap, however the therapists have more responsibility. Therapists provide more complex therapies which need independent judgement. Respiratory therapists consult with doctors and other healthcare personnel in order to create and modify the treatment strategies for patients.

Respiratory Therapy Technician Responsibilities

• Test the capacity of a patient's lungs
• Treat patient's health problems such as asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia and bronchitis
• Adhere to the safety rules of the equipment
• Perform diagnostic procedures to evaluate the severity of the patient's respiratory problem
• Provide respiratory care using well-defined therapeutic techniques under the supervision of doctors and respiratory therapists
• Interview and examine patients in order to gather data
• Utilize ventilators, aerosol, various types of oxygen equipment and breathing treatments
• Explain treatments to patients
• Evaluate patient's response to treatments
• Modify treatments
• Monitor patient's during their treatments
• Clean and sterilize respiratory therapy equipment
• Test equipment
• Keep records of patient's therapy

They typically work between 35 and 40 hours per week. They may have to work during the evenings, nights and weekends. Technicians stand and walk for long periods of time. Respiratory therapy technicians are sometimes exposed to infectious diseases, however risks are minimized by adhering to appropriate procedures. They also handle high-pressure cylinders.

Employment Outlook

in 2007, the mean annual earnings for respiratory therapy technicians was $41,590. There were approximately 17,610 respiratory therapy technician jobs in 2007 and 15,250 of the jobs were provided by hospitals. The growth rate for respiratory therapy technicians jobs is projected to be faster than the average for all occupations. The growth is primarily due to the increase of the middle-aged and elderly populations. Also, the vast majority of new jobs will continue to be in hospitals.

Respiratory Therapy Technician Schools, Certification, and Licensing

Typically, employers prefer to hire respiratory therapy technicians who have certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care, graduated from an accredited school of respiratory therapy and have a license. One and two year programs for respiratory therapy technicians are available at institutions that has been accredited by the Joint Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education.

Resources for Respiratory Therapy Technicians

• American Association for Respiratory Care
• Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs
• National Board for Respiratory Care

Major Employers of Respiratory Therapy Technicians

General medical and surgical hospitals are the primary employers for respiratory therapy technicians.

Schools for Respiratory Therapy Technicians are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Respiratory Therapy Technicians by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Respiratory Therapy Technicians, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.