CHAPTER 29: RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS

What are the primary roles of Respiratory Therapists?

Evaluate, educate, treat, and care for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.

Who supervises Respiratory Therapists?

Physicians

In which unit can Respiratory Therapists provide complex care?

the ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

What are three conditions Respiratory Therapists can treat?

chronic asthma, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis

What machine does a diagnostic test to measure lung capacity?

Spirometer

How do Respiratory Therapists check blood pH and oxygen or carbon dioxide levels?

arterial blood samples

What is the purpose of chest physiotherapy?

To help a patient’s lungs return to their normal state after surgery and to remove mucus from the lungs

What equipment might a Respiratory Therapist use to aid in patient breathing?

ventilators

What is polysomnography for?

diagnosis of sleep disorders

What is the average salary for a respiratory therapist?

$62,810

What is the lowest 10% of earnings for a Respiratory Therapist?

$45,940

What is the highest 10% of earnings for a Respiratory Therapist?

$89,170

81% of Respiratory Therapists work in…

hospitals

Licensure is required all states except…

Alaska

What degree is needed to become a Respiratory Therapist?

an associate’s or higher

What degree is needed for a Respiratory Therapist to advance?

a bachelor’s or master’s

What are the two credentials for Respiratory Therapists?

CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) and RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)

What organization accredits programs for Respiratory Therapists?

CoARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care)

What are three specialties in respiratory therapy?

adult critical care, neonatal care, sleep disorders, pulmonary function technology

What is the projected growth for Respiratory Therapists?

79%

What soft skills are important for Respiratory Therapists?

communication skills, attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, teamwork skills, digital/computer proficiency

How can Respiratory Therapists advance in their careers?

moving into critical care for specific body systems, managerial or supervisory positions, moving into other fields like development, marketing, pharmaceutical sales, etc.

What are the responsibilities of Respiratory Therapy Technicians?

helping with patient evaluation, treatment, and care, administering oxygen & breathing treatments, maintaining patient records

What is the average salary for Respiratory Therapy Technicians?

$51,210

Why are job prospects poor for Respiratory Therapy Technicians?

changes in credentials

What credential can Respiratory Therapy Technicians obtain?

CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist)

What was the old credential for Respiratory Therapy Technicians called?

CTT (Certified Therapy Technician)