Life As a Respiratory Therapy Technician
Respiratory Therapy Technician Definition Provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.
Respiratory Therapy Technician Responsibilities
- Assess patients’ response to treatments and modify treatments according to protocol if necessary.
- Read and evaluate physicians’ orders and patients’ chart information to determine patients’ condition and treatment protocols.
- Work with patients in areas such as the emergency rooms, neonatal or pediatric intensive care, or surgical intensive care, treating conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, or pneumonia.
- Explain treatment procedures to patients.
- Set equipment controls to regulate the flow of oxygen, gases, mists, or aerosols.
- Keep records of patients’ therapy, completing all necessary forms.
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Respiratory Therapy Technician Skills
Respiratory Therapy Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Respiratory Therapy Technician
- Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)
- Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA)
- Oxygen Equipment Technician
- Respiratory Therapy Assistant
- Respiratory Support Technician
Job Demand for Respiratory Therapy Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 10,800 jobs in the United States for Respiratory Therapy Technician. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Respiratory Therapy Technician.
The states with the most job growth for Respiratory Therapy Technician are Maryland, Texas, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Illinois, or Indiana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Respiratory Therapy Technician Make?
The salary for Respiratory Therapy Technicians ranges between about $31,240 and $73,530 a year.
Respiratory Therapy Technicians who work in Nevada, New Jersey, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Respiratory Therapy Technicians make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,740 |
| Arizona | $58,900 |
| Arkansas | $47,050 |
| California | $48,150 |
| Colorado | $42,070 |
| Connecticut | $54,680 |
| Florida | $49,670 |
| Georgia | $48,160 |
| Hawaii | $58,770 |
| Illinois | $56,340 |
| Indiana | $49,780 |
| Iowa | $44,690 |
| Kansas | $45,390 |
| Kentucky | $42,850 |
| Louisiana | $49,010 |
| Maryland | $61,220 |
| Massachusetts | $60,060 |
| Michigan | $38,420 |
| Mississippi | $45,730 |
| Missouri | $53,470 |
| Nebraska | $46,820 |
| Nevada | $78,380 |
| New Hampshire | $51,850 |
| New Jersey | $64,260 |
| New York | $56,780 |
| Ohio | $46,980 |
| Oregon | $55,270 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,430 |
| South Carolina | $49,520 |
| Tennessee | $40,560 |
| Texas | $51,930 |
| Utah | $49,680 |
| Virginia | $52,830 |
| Washington | $58,190 |
| West Virginia | $51,700 |
| Wisconsin | $37,290 |
What Tools do Respiratory Therapy Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Respiratory Therapy Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
Becoming a Respiratory Therapy Technician
Education needed to be a Respiratory Therapy Technician:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Respiratory Therapy Technicians Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Respiratory Therapy Technicians employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Career changers with experience as a Respiratory Therapy Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
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