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 | 1,560 | 103 | $30.05/hr | $0.27/hr | $24.24/hr | $26.63/hr | $30.47/hr | $34.23/hr | $36.48/hr |
| U S | 113,980 | 1,254 | $27.64/hr | $0.06/hr | $19.97/hr | $23.12/hr | $27.14/hr | $31.97/hr | $36.55/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 | 4,260 | $34.33/hr | 24.8% |
| Physical Therapists | 3,220 | $35.04/hr | 33.0% |
| Surgical Technologists | 1,670 | $23.54/hr | 21.1% |
| Physician Assistants | 1,470 | $44.83/hr | 31.7% |
| Optometrists | 820 | $42.79/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.