How to become a Respiratory Therapy Technician

In the environment, smoke and gas emissions, air contamination, are contributing to increased respiratory care requirements in the general population, generating a great requirement for respiratory therapy technicians and respiratory therapists.

Respiratory therapy technicians are working together with doctors and respiratory therapists to aid patients with respiratory issues. Such workers often execute processes under the supervision of a therapist or a doctor and aid in the management, assessment and care of patients.

Job description, Profiles, Roles and Duties:

• Collaborate with patients in areas like intensive neonatal or pediatric or surgical intensive care, emergency departments, treatment of illnesses like asthma, cystic fibrosis or pneumonia, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
• Track patients during treatment and notify the respiratory therapist of any adverse reactions
• Maintain patient therapy records and fill out all required forms
• Utilizing aerosol and breathing treatments, or ventilators or different oxygen machines to provide respiratory therapy
• Follow and implement safety legislation applicable to equipment
• Fix controls on equipment to control the flow of aerosols, gases, mists, or oxygen
• Gathering and analysing arterial blood gas samples
• Read and review the order of the physicians and chart details of the patient to assess the condition and treatment plans of patients
• Evaluate the response of patients to treatments and, where necessary, change treatments according to protocol
• Formulate or test equipment, like mechanical ventilators, aerosol generators, environmental control systems, therapeutic gas administration device or machines with electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Direct breathing or oxygen exercises, like incentive spirometer treatments, ultrasonic nebulizer treatments or intermittent high respiratory pressure treatments
• Give details of the treatment processes to patients
• Consult or test patients to gather clinical data
• Deliver respiratory treatment where well-defined therapeutic procedures are applied under the guidance of a respiratory therapist and a physician
• Carry out diagnostic processes to evaluate the extent of patients' respiratory dysfunctions
• Clean, disinfect, track and preserve the respiratory therapy devices
• Demonstrate to patients how to utilize respiratory equipment at their home
• Recommend or evaluate bedside processes, x-rays or lab tests
• Teach or supervise other staff who deliver respiratory care

Professionals should have the essential abilities to consult and test patients and recognize their cardiopulmonary or breathing ailments to be an efficient Respiratory Care Practitioner. Additionally, they must counsel the patients efficiently in order to recognize programmes and possible remedies.

Other duties involve being able to conduct diagnostic tests, treating patients utilizing approaches like aerosol medicine and chest physiotherapy, and fixing patients with ventilators.

Eventually, a respiratory therapist technician must be able to monitor the improvement of the patient and guide them on how to take the medicine/utilize the essential equipment as required.

Respiratory therapist technicians work meticulously with individuals and they should work comfortably as part of a care group. Supplementary to treatment, patients should be provided with emotional support and understanding of their diverse requirements as they relate to respiratory care. They must pay attention to details to make sure that they implement care plans correctly and collect details about the patient's treatment accurately. Lastly, they should possess a developed knowledge of physiology and human anatomy, science, and mathematics to aid in assessing accurate dosages of medication and ventilator settings correctly.

Salary for Respiratory Therapy Technician in India:

• Minimum Monthly Salary: For entry-level Respiratory Therapy Technicians or those with limited experience, the monthly salary might be around INR 20,000 to INR 30,000.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: Highly experienced and senior-level Respiratory Therapy Technicians, especially those working in reputable healthcare facilities or with specialized certifications, may earn a monthly salary ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 or more.
• Annual Salary: The annual salary for entry-level Respiratory Therapy Technicians could be approximately INR 2.4 lakhs to INR 3.6 lakhs per year. Experienced and well-qualified Respiratory Therapy Technicians may earn a maximum annual salary ranging from INR 6 lakhs to INR 8.4 lakhs or more.
• Highest-Paying Jobs and Scope: The highest-paying jobs for Respiratory Therapy Technicians in India are typical of major hospitals, healthcare organizations, and specialized medical centres. Respiratory Therapy Technicians who demonstrate solid clinical skills, keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in respiratory care, and work in high-demand areas like critical care or neonatal units can command higher salaries and may have opportunities for career growth into supervisory or management roles. With the increasing focus on healthcare services and advancements in medical technology, the career scope for Respiratory Therapy Technicians in India is promising. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can provide specialized care to patients with respiratory conditions and contribute to improving overall respiratory health in the country.

Respiratory Therapy Technicians can find employment opportunities in various industries and healthcare settings that involve respiratory care and patient support. Some of the common industries where Respiratory Therapy Technicians may work include:

• Hospitals: Hospitals are the primary employers of Respiratory Therapy Technicians. They work in various departments, such as intensive care units (ICU), emergency rooms, neonatal units, and general respiratory therapy departments, providing care to patients with breathing difficulties and respiratory conditions.
• Clinics and Medical Offices: Respiratory Therapy Technicians may work in outpatient clinics and medical offices specialising in pulmonary and respiratory care. These settings often handle patients with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and sleep apnea.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Respiratory Therapy Technicians can work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, providing respiratory support to elderly patients with chronic respiratory issues.
• Home Healthcare: Some Respiratory Therapy Technicians work in home healthcare settings, providing respiratory treatments and education to patients who require ongoing care but prefer to stay home.
• Sleep Disorder Centers: Technicians may be employed in sleep disorder centres, where they assist in diagnosing and treating patients with sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centers: Respiratory Therapy Technicians can work in pulmonary rehabilitation centres, helping patients recover from lung conditions and improve their respiratory function through exercise and therapy.
• Medical Equipment Sales: Some Respiratory Therapy Technicians transition to careers in medical equipment sales, where they may work for companies specialising in respiratory devices and equipment.
• Education and Training: Experienced Respiratory Therapy Technicians may pursue opportunities in education and training. They may become instructors in respiratory therapy programs or conduct workshops and training sessions for healthcare professionals.
• Research and Development: In some cases, Respiratory Therapy Technicians may be involved in research and development in collaboration with medical device companies or research institutions, contributing to advancements in respiratory care.