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Respiratory Therapists
Description
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.
Common Tasks
- Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.
- Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.
- Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.
- 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.
- Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
Required Education
Associate's degree
Wages
In 2016 the mean hourly wage in the Greater Sacramento area was $43.17 . The hourly rate for this occupation typically paid between $35.95 and $49.97 .
In 2016 the mean annual salary in the Greater Sacramento area was $89,792.75 . The annual salary for this occupation typically paid between $74,778.25 and $103,934.78 .
Occupation Outlook
This occupation employed 760 people in the Greater Sacramento area during 2014.
By 2024, there is expected to be an increase of 17.1% in the number of jobs in the Greater Sacramento area for this occupation, bringing to total number to 890.
By 2024, in the Greater Sacramento area, the median hourly rate for this occupation is expected to be $44.00 with the median annual salary reaching $92,694.
