A respiratory technician is an entry-level medical professional who assists patients with breathing problems in learning to use various equipment and techniques to help them breathe more clearly and efficiently. A respiratory therapist or a respiratory physician supervises the technician, who may be guided in his or her work specific procedures prescribed a cardiopulmonary doctor. People in this position are permitted to assist with tests such as determining a patient’s lung capacity in order to diagnose respiratory problems. They can also administer oxygen and a variety of aerosol medications.
Patient education is one of the most important aspects of a respiratory technician’s job. This could include information on the advantages of quitting smoking, how to prevent further respiratory disease, and how to recover from the patient’s current illness. Despite the fact that this type of technician can work in almost any medical setting, they are most commonly found in emergency rooms, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, and surgical units.
A respiratory technician’s other responsibilities may include keeping accurate records of a patient’s therapy and progress, setting breathing equipment to proper levels to control oxygen flow, and preparing various respiratory-related medical devices for use. A blood gas analyzer, oxygen tents, oxygen masks, sputum collectors, suction kits, and nebulizers are some of the tools used respiratory techs.
A respiratory technician’s typical job involves having a patient blow into a peak flow meter, which measures the patient’s breathing capacity. He or she may also use various breathing exercises to teach patients proper breathing techniques. This is common when a patient is recovering from surgery, but it can also be part of a patient’s regular care if he or she has breathing problems like asthma.
Respiratory technicians may also work in sleep disorders clinics, such as those that diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. He or she monitors testing equipment and the patient’s breathing during the testing in this type of clinic setting in order to provide enough data for diagnosis.
To work as a respiratory technician in the United States or Canada, you’ll need an associate’s degree from a post-secondary institution. Hospitals, community colleges, vocational schools, and universities frequently offer training programs. Except for Alaska and Hawaii, every state requires licensing to work in this field, and each province in Canada administers a national test for licensing purposes. The standards in Europe are similar, but they differ from country to country.