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 |
| Southeast Minnesota | N/A | 360 | $32.72/hr | $0.96/hr | $25.59/hr | $29.29/hr | $33.63/hr | $37.01/hr | $39.03/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 2022 - 2032 | |
| Physical Therapists | 540 | $42.22/hr | 12.3% |
| Optometrists | 60 | $60.86/hr | 13.5% |
| Surgical Technologists | N/A | $28.67/hr | 5.5% |
| Physician Assistants | N/A | $57.88/hr | 30.5% |
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.
