Respiratory Therapy Technician

Respiratory therapy technicians help MDs take care of patients with pulmonary problems. Their work overlaps somewhat with respiratory therapists but they tend to have much more responsibility. In fact, they typically supervise respiratory therapists. They also consult directly with physicians and other healthcare staff to plan treatment, and administer complex therapies such as those to patients on life support systems in ICUs.

Respiratory therapy technicians need to have excellent attention to detail. They follow instructions well and are able to work in a group environment. Additionally, they need strong mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Proficiency with computers is also extremely useful.

Education and Credentials Required
Respiratory therapy technicians must have, at minimum, an associate degree. Training can be obtained from colleges, universities or trade schools, others are veterans of the armed forces, and still others are trained by hospitals. There are approximately 59 entry-level and 319 advanced programs in the US. Respiratory therapists must be licensed in over 40 states.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for respiratory therapy technicians are expected to rise faster than average. The ageing of the baby boomers drives the increase in demand. While hospitals will continue to be the main type of employer, most new jobs will arise in offices of physicians and clinics. Those specializing in care of premature infants or possessing CPR skills will be the most in demand.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for respiratory therapy technicians was $40,220, respiratory therapy technicians can expect to earn somewhat more, as the title implies that they are senior respiratory therapists. Self-employed Respiratory therapists can expect to earn significantly more than salaried Respiratory therapists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Respiratory therapists rarely pay for their own health benefits and retirement benefits, as they are rarely self-employed.