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 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Central Minnesota | N/A | 91 | $34.13/hr | $0.57/hr | $27.40/hr | $31.38/hr | $34.74/hr | $37.92/hr | $40.05/hr |
| Minnesota | 1,840 | 396 | $33.14/hr | $0.33/hr | $26.25/hr | $29.67/hr | $33.86/hr | $37.30/hr | $39.42/hr |
| U S | 132,090 | 1,453 | $31.07/hr | $0.09/hr | $21.78/hr | $25.65/hr | $29.79/hr | $36.02/hr | $42.25/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 2020 - 2030 | |
| Physical Therapists | 410 | $40.97/hr | 15.4% |
| Surgical Technologists | 220 | $29.03/hr | 6.0% |
| Physician Assistants | 160 | $58.41/hr | 30.9% |
| Optometrists | 80 | $52.84/hr | 8.1% |
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.
