RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS Number 454 Interest Area 13 1998
THE JOB
Respiratory therapy is used in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and care of patients cardiopulmonary problems. Increasing numbers of persons suffering from respiratory diseases need complex treatment and rehabilitation, creating a need for specialists to assist doctors and nurses. As a result, RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS (also known as respiratory care practitioners), have become an essential part of the health team.
Respiratory Therapists work under the direction of physicians and follow their prescriptions for treating patients. Their duties range from giving temporary relief to persons with asthma, pulmonary edema, or emphysema to giving emergency care for asphyxiation, heart failure, stroke, drowning, or shock. Respiratory Therapists are among the first persons called to work with doctors and other specialists to give treatments for acute respiratory conditions, head injuries, and drug poisoning. Therapists' duties can also include treating gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, tetanus, and the respiratory care of newborn infants.
Respiratory Therapists make sure that physician's orders are carefully followed. They set up and operate respirators, masks, incubators, and positive breathing machines designed to give respiratory assistance to patients. They use other mechanical devices such as percussors to stimulate the flow of mucus from the lungs, as well as aerosol inhalants and sprays that supply the lungs with medication. They do blood-gas analyses. They explain treatment to patients so as to gain cooperation and to allay fears. They also instruct patients and their families on the performance of breathing exercises, handling of equipment, and continuance of treatment at home.
Therapists monitor equipment, observe patient reactions, assess conditions, assure comfort, and recommend changes in therapy to physicians. They record relevant information on patients' charts. They may also use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in medical research and to diagnose disorders. Respiratory Technicians, who perform similar duties but with less critical patients, assist them. Other duties may include the maintenance, sterilization, proper assembly, and testing of the machines and equipment they use.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Respiratory Therapists work in modern, well-equipped medical facilities that are adequately lighted and ventilated. Considerable walking, prolonged standing, and some lifting of patients and equipment are necessary. Hazards include muscle strain from lifting and bending, as well as exposure to infectious and communicable diseases. Following safety standards and precautions minimize hazards. Interruptions of regular assigned tasks to handle emergency cases and accident victims may result in emotional stress. Therapists may have to provide their own lab coats.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 8,900 Estimated number of workers in 2005 12,820 Projected Growth 1993-2005 44 % Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,360
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
As of early 1998, there were about 13,000 registered Respiratory Therapists in California. They enjoy one of the most favorable employment outlooks in California. Health care costs have risen faster than the rate of inflation during the past several decades, leading to increasing pressure to control costs. The health care industry has responded in part by taking advantage of lower-cost employees where practical. Salaries for Respiratory Therapists are lower than those for registered nurses or physicians, so job prospects are enhanced by this trend. Also fueling growth is the aging of the population, an increase in lung damage because of air-borne pollutants, and the development of new drugs and delivery systems to help treat lung disease.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Respiratory Therapists earned an average of $17.26 per hour in 1996. Those at a supervisory level or senior level may expect to receive up to $25.00 or more an hour. Therapists working for the State of California earn starting wages of $13.18 per hour. The maximum salary in State service is $17.22 per hour. The normal work week is 40 hours.
Since respiratory departments in hospitals operate on a 24-hour basis, day and night shifts as well as holiday and weekend work are required. Most facilities have rotating schedules for holidays and weekends. Fringe benefits generally include paid group health and life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans. In addition, some institutions provide credit unions, tuition assistance, and parking.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Persons engaged in respiratory or inhalation therapy must be certified. There are two exams a prospective therapist may take. Both exams require the completion of an American Medical Association approved one- or two-year program. The entry-level exam, which all candidates must take, is for the "Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician" (CRTT). This exam requires at least one year of approved training, and consists of a multiple-choice written test. The advanced exam, "Registered Respiratory Therapist" (RRT), can be taken by persons who have completed at least two years of approved training. This exam consists of a written and clinical simulation test. All candidates must present proof of high school graduation or its equivalent. Examination fees are required for the examinations. To maintain active certified status, annual renewal is also required.
Training programs are conducted by community colleges, universities, and hospitals. Eighteen such programs are accredited in California. Courses vary in length from 18 months to four years and consist of classroom instruction and clinical training at one or more hospitals. After July 1, 2000, it is anticipated that all applicants must complete an accredited two- year program.
The Respiratory Therapy program includes human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, mathematics, and psychology. The clinical program deals with patient care, hospital procedures, and the maintenance and operation of equipment. Therapists must continue their formal education and technical training to keep up with of medical discoveries and equipment changes.
A genuine interest in people, a strong sense of responsibility, patience, tact, good judgment, and the ability to endure stress are personal traits important to success in this occupation. The job requires good vision and hearing, manual dexterity and mechanical aptitudes. Some employers may give achievement tests and require physical examinations. Applicants for civil service positions must take and pass written and oral examinations.
ADVANCEMENT
Therapists who have a higher level of expertise may advance to teaching or supervisory positions. Therapists who have higher education and experience have a better chance to advance.
FINDING THE JOB
Respiratory Therapists with outstanding achievement during training are frequently hired by the hospitals where they obtained their training. Others may apply directly to hospitals and civil service agencies. They may also register with the California Employment Development Department Job Service, private registries and medical employment agencies. Other sources of assistance are professional associations, a in newspapers or medical journals classified ads, and referrals from instructors.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Respiratory Care Board 1426 Howe Ave., Suite 48 Sacramento, CA 95825-3234 (916) 263-2626
National Board of Respiratory Care 8310 Nieman Road Lenexa, KS 66214 (913) 599-4200 www.nbrc.org
Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care 1701 West Euless Blvd., Suite 300 Euless, TX 76040 (817) 283-2835
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Registered Nurses & Nurse Practitioners No. 29 Psychiatric Technicians No. 95 Physical Therapists No. 117 Licensed Vocational Nurses No. 313 Nurse Aides/Nursing Assistants No. 442 Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants No. 451
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Physical Therapist 076.121-014 Industrial Therapist 076.167-010 Respiratory Therapist 076.361-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Respiratory Care Practitioners 323020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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