Respiratory therapists perform chest physiotherapy on patients. This is to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe. Respiratory therapists also administer aerosols and teach patients how to inhale the aerosol. Aerosols are liquid medications that are suspended in a gas that forms a mist. The patient then inhales the mist.
Therapists often work under the supervision of nurses.
They may be asked to perform tasks that fall outside of their traditional role. They are expanding into cardiopulmonary procedures like electrocardiograms and stress testing. In addition, they keep records of the materials used and charges to patients. Some therapists teach or supervise other respiratory therapy personnel. Respiratory Therapists is in the Health Services Career Cluster.