The University of Texas Health Science Center - School of Health ...Respiratory therapists, also known as respiratory care practitioners treat patients suffering from breathing difficulties. They work in a hospital under the supervision of a senior pulmonologist. They are responsible for the treatment given to the patients. They coordinate the working of the respiratory therapy assistants.

Many are unaware of the duties of a respiratory therapist. A respiratory therapist diagnoses the lungs and the breathing capacity of the patients. They can recommend treatment procedures for the patients. Thy can conduct examination of the patient’s chest. They analyze the blood, breath, and tissue samples of the patients. They are responsible for managing the ventilator equipment in intensive care unit. Devices assisting the patients with artificial breathing are administered by registered respiratory therapists.

Respiratory therapists care for small infants to aged patients. They work as instructors in schools and institution for educating them. They are the ones who respond to emergencies like heart attacks and accidents.