DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
29-1126 Respiratory Therapists
Occupational 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.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 1,610 | 101 | $29.95/hr | $0.33/hr | $23.69/hr | $26.39/hr | $30.47/hr | $34.21/hr | $36.45/hr |
| U S | 116,960 | 1,170 | $27.88/hr | $0.08/hr | $19.97/hr | $23.16/hr | $27.23/hr | $32.34/hr | $36.76/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2010 - 2020 | |
| Dental Hygienists | 4,630 | $33.61/hr | 24.8% |
| Physical Therapists | 3,320 | $36.19/hr | 33.0% |
| Surgical Technologists | 1,770 | $24.12/hr | 21.1% |
| Physician Assistants | 1,620 | $46.12/hr | 31.7% |
| Optometrists | 710 | $43.97/hr | 30.9% |
Tasks for Respiratory Therapists
- Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
- Operates equipment to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients following specified parameters of treatment.
- Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition.
- Performs pulmonary function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
- Determines requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.
- Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
- Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
- Orders repairs when necessary.
- Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
- Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
- Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
- Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and potential modifications needed, compatible with physician's orders.
- Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.