Overview
Advanced-level respiratory therapists and entry-level respiratory therapists (also called respiratory care practitioners) evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under physician direction, advanced-level respiratory therapists assume primary responsibilty for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures, including the supervision of entry-level respiratory therapists. Entry-level respiratory therapists follow specific, well-defined respiratory care procedures, under the direction of physicians and advanced-level respiratory therapists.
Both advanced and entry-level respiratory therapists have the same education and training, and in clinical practice many of their duties overlap. However, Advanced respiratory therapists generally have demonstrated advanced competency and therefore are given greater responsibility. For example, they consult with physicians and other health care staff to help develop and modify individual patient care plans, and they execute patient-driven protocols.
Advanced respiratory therapists also provide the sort of complex therapies that require considerable independent judgment, such as caring for ICU patients on life support. Respiratory therapists interview patients, perform physical examinations, and conduct diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity or measuring a patient's oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels.
Physicians rely on the data provided by respiratory therapists to make treatment decisions.
To learn more about this career, watch the video profile of "Respiratory Therapists."
You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:
Respiratory Therapist 14 May 2008 [pdf, 167 KB]
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