Respiratory Therapy Technicians - 29-2054.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Provide specific, well defined respiratory care procedures under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

No information available.

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

29-2011.00 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
29-2012.00 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
29-2021.00 Dental Hygienists
29-2031.00 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
29-2032.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
29-2033.00 Nuclear Medicine Technologists
29-2034.00 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
29-2034.01 Radiologic Technologists
29-2034.02 Radiologic Technicians
29-2041.00 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
29-2051.00 Dietetic Technicians
29-2052.00 Pharmacy Technicians
29-2053.00 Psychiatric Technicians
29-2054.00 Respiratory Therapy Technicians
29-2055.00 Surgical Technologists
29-2056.00 Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
29-2061.00 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
29-2071.00 Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
29-2081.00 Opticians, Dispensing
29-2091.00 Orthotists and Prosthetists
29-2099.99 Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other

Related Occupations

No information available.

Tasks

  • Administer breathing and oxygen procedures such as intermittent positive pressure breathing treatments, ultrasonic nebulizer treatments and incentive spirometer treatments.
  • Assess patients' response to treatments and modify treatments according to protocol if necessary.
  • Clean, sterilize, check and maintain respiratory therapy equipment.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients.
  • Follow and enforce safety rules applying to equipment.
  • Interview and examine patients to collect clinical data.
  • Keep records of patients' therapy, completing all necessary forms.
  • Monitor patients during treatment and report any unusual reactions to the respiratory therapist.
  • Perform diagnostic procedures to assess the severity of respiratory dysfunction in patients.
  • Prepare and test devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, aerosol generators and electrocardiogram (EKG) machines.
  • Provide respiratory care involving the application of well-defined therapeutic techniques under the supervision of a respiratory therapist and a physician.
  • Read and evaluate physicians' orders and patients' chart information to determine patients' condition and treatment protocols.
  • Recommend and review bedside procedures, x-rays, and laboratory tests.
  • Set equipment controls to regulate the flow of oxygen, gases, mists, or aerosols.
  • Teach or oversee other workers who provide respiratory care services.
  • Teach patients how to use respiratory equipment at home.
  • Use ventilators and various oxygen devices and aerosol and breathing treatments in the provision of respiratory therapy.
  • Work with patients in areas such as the emergency room, neonatal or pediatric intensive care, and surgical intensive care, treating conditions including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.

Detailed Work Activities

  • administer medications or treatments
  • analyze medical data
  • assist patient in performing breathing exercises
  • collect clinical data
  • communicate technical information
  • follow infectious materials procedures
  • follow patient observation procedures
  • identify body response variations
  • inventory medical supplies or instruments
  • lift or transport ill or injured patients
  • maintain dental or medical records
  • make presentations on health or medical issues
  • monitor medical oxygen equipment
  • observe patient condition
  • position patient for therapy
  • prepare medical treatment room
  • prepare patient reports
  • prepare patients for tests, therapy, or treatments
  • set up medical oxygen equipment
  • set up patient care equipment
  • take vital signs
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use clinical sterilizing technique
  • use emergency medical procedures
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of medical terminology
  • use quality assurance techniques
  • use respiratory equipment
  • use sanitation practices in health care settings