Respiratory therapists are members of the health care team that provide respiratory care for patients with heart and lung disorders. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals where they perform intensive care, critical care, and neonatal procedures. They are also typically a vital part of the hospital's lifesaving response team that handles patient emergencies. Of the more than 7,000 hospitals in this country, about 5,700 have separate respiratory care departments. An increasing number of respiratory therapists are now working in skilled nursing facilities, physicians' offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients' homes.
Respiratory therapists perform procedures that are both diagnostic and therapeutic.
They also take blood specimens and analyze them to determine levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Interpreting the data obtained from these specimens. Measuring the capacity of a patient's lungs to determine if there is impaired function. Performing stress tests and other studies of the cardiopulmonary system. Studying disorders of people with disruptive sleep patterns.