Respiratory care practitioners use special equipment to test lung capacity and to analyze pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in the blood. They operate and maintain respiratory care equipment and record patient treatments and responses. As part of the health care team, respiratory therapists work closely with physicians and other allied health professionals. Respiratory therapists generally work a 40-hour week. Because hospitals operate around the clock, therapists may work evenings, nights, or weekends.
Respiratory therapists spend long hours standing and walking between patients' rooms.
In emergencies, they work under great stress. Respiratory therapists must adhere to proper procedures and safety precautions in order to avoid risks from infection and gases stored under pressure. Most accredited respiratory therapist programs last two years and lead to an associate degree. Entrance requirements may include prerequisite study of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Individuals who want to enter the field of respiratory therapy should enjoy working with others and be sensitive to the physical and psychological needs of patients.