How do they match: Respiratory Therapists

  • Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

  • Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.
  • Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
  • Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.
  • Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.

  • Repair medical facility equipment.
  • Implement advanced life support techniques.
  • Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.