Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment. You also work with patients to encourage healthy behaviors and improvement in quality of life.
A Typical Day
- Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
- Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
- Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
Recommended Credentials
Associate or Bachelor Degree
Education & Training
Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.
Northwest Lower Michigan
Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy-
Unique program offered on the Munson Campus
Elsewhere in Michigan
Associates Degree-
Bachelors Degree
Explore This Career
Try it before you buy it!
Take biology classes.
Visit the Northwest Ed (formerly TBAISD) Career Tech Center Health Sciences program and consider attending.
The Local Advantage Learning Pathway
Pathway 1
Northwest Education Services (formerly TBAISD) Career Tech Center - Health Sciences for basics in Medical Ethics, Law, Anatomy and Physiology
Consider enrolling in the Northwest Education Services Career Tech Early College program: Health Sciences
Pathway 2
Taking courses at Northwestern Michigan College in preparation of transfer to another university to complete the degree.
Pathway 3
Allied Health Science Bachelor's Program at the University Center through Grand Valley State University
Sample Employers in Our Region
Click the logos below to learn more.
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TIP
Contact one of these companies and ask for an informational interview, to see if you can job shadow, or to find out if they hire interns.
Sample Job Titles...
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
- Respiratory Therapy Director