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Respiratory Therapy Technicians - 29-2054.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Provide respiratory care under the direction of respiratory therapists and physicians.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Respiratory Therapy Technician
  • Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)
  • Respiratory Technician
  • Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Administer breathing or oxygen procedures, such as intermittent positive pressure breathing treatments, ultrasonic nebulizer treatments, or incentive spirometer treatments.
  • Assess patients' response to treatments and modify treatments according to protocol if necessary.
  • Clean, sterilize, check, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment.
  • Collect and analyze arterial blood gas samples.
  • Explain treatment procedures to patients.
  • Follow and enforce safety rules applying to equipment.
  • Interview or 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 or test devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, aerosol generators, or 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 or review bedside procedures, x-rays, or 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 or various oxygen devices or aerosol and breathing treatments in the provision of respiratory therapy.
  • Work with patients in areas such as the emergency rooms, neonatal or pediatric intensive care, or surgical intensive care, treating conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, or 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

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Respiratory Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Respiratory Therapy Technician (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

No information available.