Respiratory Therapists
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
At a Glance
Respiratory Therapists earns a median of $80,450/yr with +12.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Attention to Detail, Cautiousness, Integrity.
$80,450/yr
+12.1%
9
Associate's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (12)
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Knowledge (6)
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Abilities (12)
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Technology (7)
Work Activities (23)
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Work Styles (6)
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Registered Nurses
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical · 192 shared skills
Patient Representatives
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical · 191 shared skills
Medical and Health Services Managers
Management · 191 shared skills
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Office and Administrative Support · 191 shared skills
Medical Assistants
Healthcare Support · 191 shared skills
Social and Human Service Assistants
Community and Social Service · 190 shared skills
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Office and Administrative Support · 190 shared skills
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical · 190 shared skills
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