Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Respiratory Therapist

🎯 Role Definition

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a specialized healthcare practitioner and an indispensable member of the patient care team. This role focuses on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with breathing and other cardiopulmonary disorders. Working under the direction of physicians, Respiratory Therapists are on the front lines, providing critical interventions for patients of all ages, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic lung disease. Your expertise is crucial in both emergency situations and long-term patient care, directly impacting patient outcomes and quality of life through advanced therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate of a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Therapy program
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) seeking advancement
Respiratory Therapy Student Extern/Intern

Advancement To:

Lead Respiratory Therapist or Shift Supervisor
Respiratory Therapy Department Manager/Director
Clinical Educator or Instructor for Respiratory Care
Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT) or Sleep Disorder Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Clinical Application Specialist for medical device companies
Polysomnographic Technologist (Sleep Lab)
Medical Science Liaison

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive patient assessments by performing bedside evaluation of cardiopulmonary status, including physical exams, patient history review, and interpretation of chest x-rays and lab results.
Initiate, manage, and wean patients from invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, meticulously adjusting parameters to optimize patient-ventilator synchrony and support respiratory function.
Administer a wide range of prescribed respiratory care treatments, including aerosolized medications, medical gas therapies (oxygen, heliox), and humidity therapies, ensuring proper dosage and delivery.
Perform advanced airway management, including assisting physicians with endotracheal intubation, managing artificial airways, and providing tracheostomy care and suctioning.
Respond urgently to "Code Blue" and other medical emergencies, providing critical life support through manual resuscitation, airway management, and assisting with ACLS/PALS protocols.
Obtain and analyze arterial blood gas (ABG) samples, interpreting the results to make informed clinical decisions and recommend adjustments to therapy.
Perform and interpret diagnostic procedures such as spirometry, pulse oximetry, capnography, and other pulmonary function tests to assess lung health.
Develop and implement respiratory care plans in collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Provide clear and compassionate education to patients and their families on respiratory conditions, therapeutic procedures, and the proper use of equipment like inhalers and home oxygen.
Maintain meticulous and timely documentation of all patient assessments, interventions, responses, and care plan updates within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Assemble, test, and troubleshoot complex respiratory equipment, including ventilators, BiPAP/CPAP devices, and high-flow nasal cannula systems, to ensure patient safety and functionality.
Participate in patient care rounds, offering expert insights and recommendations on respiratory management to the clinical team.
Assist with bronchoscopy procedures by preparing equipment, managing the patient's airway, and collecting diagnostic specimens as directed.
Implement and monitor specialized treatments such as nitric oxide therapy, prone positioning for ARDS patients, and advanced ventilation modes.
Perform electrocardiograms (ECGs) to assist in the diagnosis of cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
Transport critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients to and from diagnostic imaging departments or for inter-facility transfers, ensuring continuous respiratory support.
Uphold all infection control policies and procedures to prevent healthcare-associated infections related to respiratory care.
Evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of respiratory care plans and make recommendations for modifications as patient conditions change.
Act as a key resource for other clinical staff, providing guidance and in-service education on new respiratory therapies and equipment.
Participate in discharge planning to ensure a safe transition for patients requiring ongoing respiratory care at home or in a sub-acute facility.

Secondary Functions

Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement projects to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Assist in the orientation, training, and precepting of new respiratory therapists, students, and other healthcare professionals.
Maintain, clean, and troubleshoot respiratory care equipment to ensure patient safety, operational readiness, and compliance with manufacturer guidelines.
Serve as a clinical resource and subject matter expert for nurses, physicians, and other healthcare team members on respiratory-related matters.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Mechanical Ventilator Management: Expertise in setting up, operating, and troubleshooting various models of mechanical ventilators (e.g., Draeger, Puritan Bennett, Hamilton) in critical care settings.
Airway Management: Proficiency in intubation assistance, extubation procedures, tracheostomy care, and emergency airway techniques.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis: Skill in performing arterial punctures and interpreting ABG results to guide therapeutic decisions.
Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): Competency in the application and management of CPAP and BiPAP therapy for patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT): Ability to perform and coach patients through spirometry and other diagnostic lung function tests.
Aerosolized Medication Delivery: Knowledge of various nebulizers and inhalers and the principles of effective medication deposition in the lungs.
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Charting: Experience with accurate and efficient documentation in systems like Epic, Cerner, or Meditech.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): Current certification and ability to apply protocols in adult resuscitation events.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Current certification for managing respiratory and cardiac emergencies in pediatric patients.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): Current certification and skill in resuscitating and stabilizing newborns.
Diagnostic Interpretation: Ability to interpret data from pulse oximetry, capnography, ECGs, and chest radiographs in the context of a patient's clinical presentation.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to rapidly assess complex situations, analyze data, and make sound clinical judgments under pressure.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting effectively with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary care team.
Empathy & Compassion: A genuine desire to provide comfort and care to patients, demonstrating sensitivity to their physical and emotional needs.
Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in administering therapies, monitoring patients, and documenting care to ensure safety and accuracy.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A collaborative spirit and the ability to work seamlessly with physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals.
Adaptability & Composure: The capacity to remain calm and function effectively in high-stress, fast-paced, and rapidly changing clinical environments.
Patient Education: Skill in explaining complex medical information in a clear, understandable, and reassuring manner.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Respiratory Therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) may be considered for some roles.
Must hold an active state license to practice as a Respiratory Therapist.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related science field.
Additional certifications such as Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS), Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS), or Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Respiratory Care / Therapy
Cardiopulmonary Sciences

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
0-2 years of clinical experience in an acute care hospital setting for entry-level positions. 3-5+ years of experience is typical for senior or specialized roles.

Preferred:

At least 1-2 years of experience in a critical care environment (e.g., ICU, CVICU, NICU, PICU) is highly desirable.
Experience working with a diverse patient population, from neonatal to geriatric.