RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS (TECHNICAL OCCUPATIONS IN MEDICINE) California Occupational Guide Number 2002-E (part) Interest Area: Emerging Occupations 1995
THE JOB 
Under the supervision of a physician, Respiratory Therapists administer routine respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficient and abnormal cardiopulmonary systems. They set up and operate respirators and mechanical ventilators. The Therapists monitor the equipment and the patient's response to the therapy. They maintain patient's charts and inspect, test, and order repairs on respiratory therapy equipment as required. Respiratory Therapists set up and operate special devices or equipment that are used in emergency (heart failure, drowning) or temporary (asthma, emphysema) relief from breathing difficulties.
COMPENSATION
Salaries differ from one district to another, by additional education, and amount of work or respiratory therapy experience. Therapists with no experience may earn an hourly wage from $11.00 to $15.25. With two years experience they usually earn $12.50 to $16.75, and Respiratory Therapists with three or more years of experience may make $15.00 to $18.75 per hour.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-- Operate sensitive equipment (i.e. respirators and mechanical ventilators
-- Interact with many kinds of patients and other health professionals
-- Work as a team member
-- Work precisely and accurately
Training Requirements
-- High School graduate
-- Graduate from a respiratory therapy program approved by the Joint
Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education
-- Licensed by the Respiratory Care Board, California Department of
Consumer Affairs
OCCUPATIONAL CODES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1): 076.361-014 OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System: 323020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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