Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Respiratory Therapist
Job description
A respiratory therapist, with supervision of a physician, treats patients who have difficulty breathing due to heart or lung problems. A respiratory therapist performs the tests that aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of respiratory problems using special apparatus and administering therapies. The work of a respiratory therapist includes monitoring patients progress and teaching patients how to use prescribed respiratory treatment methods and equipment. A respiratory therapist provides emergency respiratory care and in some hospitals routinely visits surgical patients teaching them exercises to reduce respiratory complications after surgery.
Activities may include
●
collect, review, and maintain a patient's medical history and records
●
select, assemble and check equipment used in the respiratory treatment
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give temporary relief to patients with conditions ranging from chronic asthma to heart failures, stroke, drowning or shock
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use equipment to administer oxygen, gases or aerosol treatment to patients
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perform diagnostic tests and monitor patients treatment
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teach patients and their families to use equipment
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assist physicians to perform special procedures in a clinical laboratory, procedure room or operating room
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administer pulmonary function tests for assessment of lung function
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draw blood and analyze the oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH levels
Salaries and benefits*
Wages for beginning workers vary depending on the employer and whether the worker is registered or eligible for registry. The entry-level wage range for Respiratory Therapists is $1,600 to $2,790 per month. Experienced Respiratory Therapists may earn $2,700 to $3,300 per month. In the Pacific Northwest, Registered Respiratory Care Practitioners average $2,990 to $3,368 per month. Working for a state institution of higher education, a Respiratory Care Associate earns $2,204 to $2,794 per month, and a Respiratory Practitioner earns $2,477 to $3,161 per month. The average wage for Respiratory Therapists in Washington State is $2,750 to $3,319 per month. Nationally, recent college graduates with a bachelor's degree working as Respiratory Therapists average $2,654 per month. Most respiratory therapists work in a medical facility where they receive a full benefit package.
Training and requirements
Formal training programs vary in length and in the credential or degree awarded. Some programs award associates or bachelor's degrees and prepare graduates for jobs as registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). Other, shorter programs award certificates and lead to jobs as entry-level certified respiratory therapists (CRTs). In Washington two-year courses are available at Highline, Seattle Central, Spokane, and Tacoma Community Colleges.
Necessary skills
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flexibility to respond to different patient needs as they arise
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ability to make sound judgments
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strong interest in science and math
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ability to work well with diverse patients
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ability to work with details
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ability to work as a team member and take instruction
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good mechanical aptitude
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good manual dexterity
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excellent oral and written communications
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ability to work well in emergent medical situation
Licensure/Certification
Respiratory therapists must be certified by the state (as Respiratory Care Practitioners). Requirements include: completion of an approved training program; a background investigation; and passing the entry level registry examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Helpful high school courses
Include biology, physics, chemistry, health, math, English, computer science, and psychology if possible.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
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Highline Community College
2400 South 240th St.
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800
(206) 878-3710
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Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 587-3800
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Spokane Community College
North 1810 Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99207-5399
(509) 533-7000
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Tacoma Community College
6501 S. 19th St.
Tacoma, WA 98466-6139
(253) 566-5000
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 30 percent by 2008.
Professional Associations
●
American Association for Respiratory Care
11030 Ables Lane
Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 243-2272
http://www.aarc.org
●
Respiratory Care Society of Washington
PO Box 242
Seahurst, WA
98062-0242
http://www.rcsw.org/
●
The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc.
8310 Nieman Road
Lenexa, KS 66214
(913) 599-4200
http://www.nbrc.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04