O*NET Career Intelligence

Respiratory Therapists

SOC 29-1126.00

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.

Zone 3 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Active Listening

3.9

Critical Thinking

3.9

Monitoring

3.9

Speaking

3.8

Reading Comprehension

3.6

Active Learning

3.6

Social Perceptiveness

3.6

Service Orientation

3.6

Knowledge Areas 8

Customer and Personal Service

4.3

Medicine and Dentistry

4.3

English Language

3.9

Education and Training

3.7

Psychology

3.4

Biology

3.2

Computers and Electronics

3.2

Chemistry

3.1

Key Tasks

1Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

2Monitor 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.

3Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.

4Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.

5Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.

Also Known As

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist Cardiopulmonary Technician and EEG Tech (Cardiopulmonary Technician and Electroencephalogram Technician) Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy Inhalation Therapist Oxygen Therapist Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) Respiratory Therapist (RT) Respiratory Therapy Director