Respiratory Therapists

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.99
Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.95
Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.95
Relay blood analysis results to a physician.95
Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.93
Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.93
Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.93
Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.92
Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.92
Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.91
Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.91
Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.90

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Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.87
Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.86
Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.85
Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.85
Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.84
Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.83
Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.81
Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.80
Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.76
Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.67
Attend high-risk and caesarian section infant deliveries to provide neonatal respiratory care as needed.64

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension72
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness72
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation69
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Complex Problem Solving66
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Learning60
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making60
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Writing56
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operation and Control53
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring53
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis53
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Science50
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Personnel Resources44
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics44
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation44
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Equipment Selection35
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Troubleshooting35
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance28
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing25
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service93
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry85
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Public Safety and Security80
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language76
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Psychology72
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Mechanical71
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Biology70
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Administration and Management66
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics64
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Physics64
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Education and Training62
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Chemistry61
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

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Administrative59
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Law and Government56
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Sociology and Anthropology56
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Mathematics55
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Therapy and Counseling53
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Personnel and Human Resources52
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Telecommunications52
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation51
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Production and Processing45
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology44
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Philosophy and Theology42
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Communications and Media40
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting38
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography36
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sales and Marketing36
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Foreign Language35
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Building and Construction33
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Design29
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Food Production25
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology21
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts20
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Problem Sensitivity81
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Multilimb Coordination47
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Trunk Strength47
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Extent Flexibility44
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Mathematical Reasoning44
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Auditory Attention38
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity38
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Reaction Time35
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Static Strength31
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Dynamic Strength28
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Rate Control28
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Response Orientation22
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Gross Body Equilibrium19
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Peripheral Vision16
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Speed of Limb Movement16
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity6
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision6
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Assisting and Caring for Others97
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Getting Information95
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials95
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems94
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Documenting/Recording Information93
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge85
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work84
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events83
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People81
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards80
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information79
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others79
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings78
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes76
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Working with Computers74
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information73
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships73
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Processing Information73
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others73
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public71
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing General Physical Activities70
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects67
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Thinking Creatively62
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing and Building Teams61
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies59
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment59
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates57
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Scheduling Work and Activities56
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others54
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization52
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others52
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others51
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others47
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment42
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Performing Administrative Activities37
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources36
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment35
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Selling or Influencing Others23
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units22
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment18
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Stress Tolerance84
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation82
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control81
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Empathy80
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Cautiousness76
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Integrity75
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Adaptability68
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance67
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Sincerity65
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation64
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

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Achievement Orientation58
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Intellectual Curiosity57
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Self-Confidence53
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Optimism52
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Initiative51
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Leadership Orientation43
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity41
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Humility37
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Innovation32
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic67
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social65
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative62
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional49
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising11
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day99%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day99%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)99%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day99%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important85%
- Very important15%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important74%
- Very important25%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility70%
- High responsibility29%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important47%
- Very important52%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom57%
- Some freedom28%
- Very little freedom15%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom72%
- Some freedom11%
- No freedom15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results16%
- No results15%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually31%
- More than half the time57%
- About half the time12%

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Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time16%
- Less than half the time13%
E-Mail
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never15%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others57%
- Contact with others most of the time15%
- Occasional contact with others28%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never15%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day44%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important41%
- Very important17%
- Important14%
- Fairly important27%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious16%
- Not serious at all29%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important54%
- Important15%
- Fairly important16%
- Not important at all13%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time66%
- About half the time32%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually25%
- More than half the time32%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time15%
- Never13%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility30%
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility24%
- Limited responsibility31%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never16%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours14%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually15%
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time28%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive16%
- Highly competitive16%
- Slightly competitive15%
- Not at all competitive13%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important30%
- Very important25%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never30%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day30%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never45%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time25%
- Less than half the time74%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month46%
- Never17%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
- Never31%
Degree of Automation
- Completely automated15%
- Moderately automated12%
- Slightly automated15%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day23%
- Never76%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time11%
- Never58%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never46%
Work Schedules
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time43%
- Never42%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day12%
- Never88%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never73%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never72%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never76%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never90%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never99%
Exposed to High Places
- Never99%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never99%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
eClinicalWorks EHR software, Electronic medical record EMR software, HMS, MEDITECH software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
Database software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
Gather medical information from patient histories.
Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
Implement advanced life support techniques.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
Treat medical emergencies.
Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.
Maintain medical facility records.

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Repair medical facility equipment.
Clean medical equipment or facilities.
Determine protocols for medical procedures.
Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
Train medical providers.
Test patient heart or lung functioning.
Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
Supervise patient care personnel.
Move patients to or from treatment areas.
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Respiratory Therapist (Rt)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology