What does a Respiratory Therapist II do?
Respiratory therapists help patients who have trouble breathing by providing general and emergency respiratory therapy. This entails assessing patients by performing diagnostic tests and evaluations, treating patients, and tracking progress. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.
Respiratory therapists must have an associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited respiratory program and be licensed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. To become licensed, they must pass a national certification exam and complete any additional licensure requirements, as determined by the state of practice. The best respiratory therapists are compassionate, possess great interpersonal skills, and have a strong grasp on anaomy and physiology.
- Perform assessments and diagnostic procedures to determine patient treatment needs
- Make recommendations for respiratory care and treatment
- Perform treatment procedures according to patient needs
- Modify care plan based on patient progress and treatment effectiveness
- Operate, maintain, and repair respiratory equipment to ensure proper functioning, cleanliness, and operation
- Comply with all outlined safety and health standards
- Document patient's respiratory care
- Educate the patient, family, and team on respiratory problems and treatment
- associate's Degree in Respiratory Care from an accredited respiratory care program
- Current Registered Respiratory Therapist license in state of practice
- 1 year of experience in respiratory therapy
- Working knowledge of respiratory equipment and medical supplies
- Strong leadership skills and a professional attitude
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage the emotional stress of working with and caring for terminally ill patients/families
- Familiar with safety and confidentiality standards
- Comfortable working independently
How much does a Respiratory Therapist II make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$100,294
/ yrRespiratory Therapist II Career Path
Learn how to become a Respiratory Therapist II, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Respiratory Therapist II Insights
Hyur Staffing Services“I have been with 4 staffing agencies and Cody Rivera has been the best account manager to work with.”
Sutter Health“I am not sure how much longer it can remain such a great place to work.”
Baptist Medical Center South (AL)“Good team work and clean”
Emanate Health“Friendly staff and I enjoy working here”
Aya Healthcare“Good pay and I personally loved my recruiter”
Mayo Clinic“great facility to work and earn experiences”
Callmax Solutions“Providing opportunities to learn and grow in our careers”
Mercy“Mercy shift pay is great.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist II
When working as a Respiratory Therapist II, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Pulmonary Function, CPR, Critical Thinking, Intubation, and BCLS.
- Therapist
- Outpatient Therapist
- Mental Health Therapist
- Behavior Therapist
The most common qualifications to become a Respiratory Therapist II include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.