Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. They are employed in hospitals, medical clinics, health units, extended care facilities, public health centres and respiratory home care companies. Supervisors and instructors of respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologist are included in this unit group.
Respiratory therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
Perform diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis and cardiopulmonary functions tests
Operate and monitor respiratory equipment to administer treatments such as oxygen, oxygen-air mixtures, humidified air or medications
Operate, monitor, maintain and test a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
Assess patients and perform or assist with interventions such as airway maintenance, line insertions, inductions and intubations
Perform artificial respiration and external cardiac massage
Assist with transport of high-risk patients
Supervise and train students and other respiratory therapists
Participate in home care programs for chronic respiratory patients and provide patient and family education
Participate in research related to cardiac and pulmonary disorders.
Respiratory therapists may specialize in areas such as anaesthesia, critical care, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary diagnostics and respiratory home care.
Employment Requirments:
Respiratory therapists require the completion of a two to three year college, hospital or university degree program in respiratory therapy, including clinical training.
Licensing is required for respiratory therapists in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.
Additional information:
Supervisory and instructor positions in this unit group require experience in their respective fields as a respiratory therapist, clinical perfusionist or cardiopulmonary technologist.
Courtesy of: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada