Respiratory Tech

Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory techs, help patients who have trouble breathing. They work with patients who have chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma or emphysema, and they provide emergency care to patients who are suffering from heart attacks, stroke, or shock.

Responsibilities of Respiratory Techs

Respiratory techs evaluate patients by performing diagnostic tests and consulting with physicians to develop treatment plans. They treat patients using various methods, including chest physiotherapy and aerosol medications. Respiratory techs also monitor and record the progress of treatment.

In addition, respiratory techs may provide complex therapy requiring additional training, such as connecting patients who cannot breathe on their own to ventilators to deliver oxygen to the lungs. They may also perform diagnostic procedures, such as measuring the capacity of a patient's lungs to determine if there are any impairments.

Respiratory techs typically work in hospitals, though they may also work in nursing care facilities or travel to patients' homes. They may work nights, weekends, and holidays, and they may be on call for emergency situations.

Respiratory Tech Salary Details

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for respiratory therapists is $61,830 per year. Respiratory therapists working in nursing care facilities typically earn more than those at hospitals. Through 2026, it is projected that employment for the role will grow 23 percent, much faster than average.

Education Requirements

Respiratory therapists typically need an associate's degree, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska, and some states have additional requirements for certification.

The online BSHS from Shawnee State University Online Campus can be the perfect stepping-stone to a career as a respiratory tech. Conveniently offered online, the program focuses on the various issues in the dynamic healthcare industry, as well as topics including epidemiology, diseases, disabilities, and medical terminology. While learning from educators who are experienced in their respective fields, you can study at your own pace.