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Respiratory Therapists

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
444 North Third Street, Suite 270
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 323-9983   (866) 375-0386 toll free
www.rcb.ca.gov

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.