National

Provide specific, well defined respiratory care procedures under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.

Sample of reported job titles: Respiratory Therapy Technician, Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT), Respiratory Technician, Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist

Tasks

• Monitor patients during treatment and report any unusual reactions to the respiratory therapist.
• Use ventilators and various oxygen devices and aerosol and breathing treatments in the provision of respiratory therapy.
• Work with patients in areas such as the emergency room, neonatal or pediatric intensive care, and surgical intensive care, treating conditions including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.
• Collect and analyze arterial blood gas samples.
• Read and evaluate physicians' orders and patients' chart information to determine patients' condition and treatment protocols.
• Set equipment controls to regulate the flow of oxygen, gases, mists, or aerosols.
• Assess patients' response to treatments and modify treatments according to protocol if necessary.
• Perform diagnostic procedures to assess the severity of respiratory dysfunction in patients.
• Keep records of patients' therapy, completing all necessary forms.
• Prepare and test devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, aerosol generators and electrocardiogram (EKG) machines.

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Tools & Technology

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Technology used in this occupation: