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Respiratory Therapist job description

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a medical professional who specializes in providing care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They assess patients, conduct diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans, and administer respiratory therapy to improve lung function and manage respiratory conditions.

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Refreshed on

June 13, 2023

Reviewed by

Eftychia Karavelaki

Senior Recruitment Manager

Use this Respiratory Therapist job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates. Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs.

What is a Respiratory Therapist (RT)?

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a medical professional who specializes in caring for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They play a critical role in assessing and treating respiratory conditions, conducting diagnostic tests, and administering respiratory therapy. RTs work collaboratively with healthcare teams to provide comprehensive care for patients with respiratory diseases, aiming to improve lung function and enhance overall respiratory health.

What does a Respiratory Therapist (RT) do?

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is responsible for assessing patients with respiratory disorders, conducting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and administering respiratory therapy. They operate medical devices, monitor patient responses, and provide emergency care when needed. RTs work closely with healthcare teams to manage respiratory conditions, improve lung function, and enhance patient well-being. They also educate patients about respiratory health and disease prevention.

Respiratory Therapist responsibilities include:

  • Monitoring patient physiological responses to therapy 
  • Working as part of a team of health care professionals to manage patient care 
  • Setting up and operating devices

Job brief

We are looking for a Respiratory Therapist to join our team of experienced medical professionals. 

Respiratory Therapist responsibilities include operating therapeutic gas administration equipment and mechanical ventilators and providing emergency care such as external cardiac massage or artificial respiration during medical emergencies.

Respiratory Therapists help patients who have trouble breathing by providing general and emergency respiratory therapy. This entails assessing patients and performing diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the illness or injury that’s causing it.

Ultimately, you will treat patients in need with prescribed medications and  supportive devices for respiratory diseases like asthma.

Responsibilities

  • Meets patient’s goals and needs and provides quality care
  • Conduct pulmonary function tests
  • Assess and interpret evaluations and test results
  • Determine respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians
  • Help patient accomplish treatment plan 
  • Administer inhalants, operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators
  • Directs treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants
  • Evaluate effects of the respiratory therapy treatment plan 
  • Complete discharge planning by consulting with medical staff members

Requirements and skills

  • Proven work experience as a Respiratory Therapist or similar role
  • Respiratory care, emergency care, and intensive care experience
  • Must possess a valid and current driver’s license and auto insurance
  • Strong knowledge of pulmonary function and pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Experience with respiratory equipment
  • Associate’s degree with major in Respiratory Therapy

Frequently asked questions

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