Return to Respiratory Care

Other Occupational Programs of Study

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST*
High Level of Patient Contact


Types of patients
Adult
Pediatric
Neonatal


Types of facilities
Acute Care Hospitals
Home Care
Chronic Care
Asthma Programs
Smoking Cessation Programs
Sleep Study Laboratories
Medical Offices


Types of Activities
Respiratory assessment of the patient
Delivery of oxygen therapy and set-up of equipment
Delivery of humidity therapy and set-up of equipment
Delivery of chestphysiotherapy and use of equipment
Delivery of aerosolized medication and set-up of equipment
Delivery of hyperinflation therapy and set-up of equipment

Diagnostic testing
• Pulmonary Function
• Metabolic Studies
• Sleep Studies
• Electrocardiography
(Note: Some of the above may require further education and/or training.)

Pulmonary rehabilitation

Noninvasive monitoring
• Oximetry
• Transcutaneous
• End tidal C02
Arterial blood gas sampling and analysis
Emergency airway management
Artificial airways care
Mechanical ventilation (life support)
Bronchoscopy assisting
Patient education

Patient transport
• In-house
• Ambulance
• Air

*The above listed responsibilities are just a sampling of the skills needed to become a respiratory therapist. Graduates often specialize in one or more of these areas. Some remain generalists, while other geographical areas may have additional job responsibilities for respiratory therapists. These responsibilities may require additional training or education.

Denise Kruckenberg, program coordinator
IC 2100B
942-2518

Charles Vanderwarf, clinical coordinator
IC 2100A
942-2105


Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
IC 1028
942-2495