The scope of practice for respiratory therapist professionals defines the responsibilities, procedures, and patient care activities that these healthcare providers are trained and licensed to perform. Respiratory therapists play an important role in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with abnormalities or deficiencies of the cardiopulmonary system. Understanding the scope defined by regulatory boards and professional associations helps physicians, hospitals, and patients know what services respiratory care practitioners can provide in different settings.
The practice of respiratory care is always directed by a licensed physician. In many settings, respiratory therapists also collaborate with advanced practice registered nurse providers and other clinicians. State licensure boards regulate what licensed respiratory therapists can do, and those responsibilities may vary depending on location.
Respiratory care practitioners must hold the proper licensure to perform diagnostic tests, treatment, and rehabilitation. Licensure also requires continuing education to maintain skills and knowledge. While the practice of respiratory therapy is broad, some services are limited or require specialized training and competency validation within each hospital or clinic.
Respiratory therapists provide care in many healthcare settings. In hospitals, they support emergency rooms, intensive care units, and general wards, where patients often need oxygen, ventilatory support, or airway care. Long-term acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities depend on licensed respiratory therapists to monitor and treat patients with chronic breathing problems.
Outpatient clinics use respiratory therapy for evaluation and treatment planning, while sleep labs focus on diagnosing and managing sleep disorders. Respiratory care is also part of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs, where patients exercise under supervision while learning how to manage lung or heart conditions. Many therapists also provide home care, setting up oxygen, maintaining equipment, and teaching families how to manage breathing disorders.
The responsibilities of respiratory care practitioners cover every stage of treatment. They assess patients through physical exams and diagnostic evaluation, then monitor physiological data and reactions during therapy. Respiratory therapists carry out respiratory care procedures such as oxygen delivery, airway care, and ventilator management under physician supervision. \
Education is another key responsibility. Therapists teach patients and families how to use medications, oxygen equipment, and breathing techniques. At every step, they follow infection control practices to keep patients and staff safe.
Respiratory therapy requires formal education, licensure, and ongoing training to provide safe and effective care.
To practice respiratory therapy, students complete either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care. Programs focus on anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and the cardiopulmonary system. Clinical rotations provide experience in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation settings.
After graduation, candidates must pass licensure exams to become licensed respiratory therapists. Licensure requires continuing education to maintain skills and stay current with new respiratory care procedures. Many therapists also pursue specialized training in areas such as neonatal care, sleep disorders, or mechanical ventilatory support.
Respiratory therapists perform and interpret a variety of diagnostic tests. Examples include:
These tests help physicians create accurate diagnoses and guide treatment plans.
Table: Common Diagnostic Tests Performed by Respiratory Therapists
| Diagnostic Test | Purpose | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Pulmonary function testing | Measures lung capacity and volumes | Hospital/Clinic |
| Blood gas analysis | Assesses oxygen and CO2 levels | Hospital |
| Sleep study (polysomnography) | Identifies sleep disorders | Sleep lab |
| Oximetry and capnography | Continuous monitoring of oxygen/CO2 | ICU, Transport |
Respiratory therapy includes treatments that help patients breathe better and manage lung disease. Therapists administer medical gases such as oxygen and adjust levels based on patient needs. They also use aerosol and humidity therapy to deliver pharmacological agents directly into the lungs.
Other treatments include breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, and bronchopulmonary hygiene, which help patients clear mucus and improve airflow. Therapists may also give medications related to lung care as ordered by a physician. All interventions are carefully monitored to track patient symptoms and expected outcomes.
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Respiratory therapists are trained to manage patients who need mechanical ventilatory support. They set ventilator settings, monitor ventilatory volumes, and adjust machines based on patient data. Their work is critical in intensive care and during recovery from major illness or surgery.
Therapists also help patients come off ventilators when possible. Airway management is another responsibility. Many patients require artificial airways such as endotracheal tubes or tracheostomies, and therapists provide artificial airway care, suctioning, and infection control to keep them safe.
Respiratory therapy extends into the management of sleep disorders. Respiratory care practitioners may:
Respiratory therapists are involved in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs that combine exercise, education, and monitoring. These services improve outcomes for patients with chronic respiratory or cardiac disorders.
Typical responsibilities include:
Infection control is part of every respiratory care procedure. Therapists use personal protective equipment during treatments and disinfect equipment like ventilators and nebulizers to prevent cross-infection. They also maintain environmental control systems such as isolation rooms or negative pressure areas in hospitals. Infection control applies to the administration of medical gases and medications as well, where strict protocols protect patients.
By following these practices, respiratory care practitioners keep both patients and healthcare workers safe.
Respiratory therapists do not work alone. They practice under physician direction and in collaboration with nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Supervision levels vary depending on the procedure and hospital policy.
Providing respiratory care also involves patient and family education. A licensed respiratory therapist may teach:
Research is part of the practice of respiratory therapy. Therapists may contribute to clinical studies, equipment testing, or quality improvement projects. Continuing education is required for licensure renewal, keeping professionals current with new therapies, medications, and procedures.
Therapists also play a role in rehabilitation programs and long-term management of chronic lung and heart conditions.
Therapists also provide ongoing management in rehabilitation centers and home care. Their responsibilities include equipment maintenance, monitoring of symptoms, and patient education on lifestyle changes that support lung health.
The scope of practice is broad but may be limited in certain settings. Some procedures require specialized training, such as:
Hospital policies, state regulations, and physician supervision define what respiratory care practitioners are authorized to do.
This table highlights the main areas of practice and example services that respiratory therapists provide in healthcare settings.
| Area of Practice | Example Services |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic evaluation | Pulmonary function testing, blood gas analysis, and sleep studies |
| Therapeutic procedures | Oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy |
| Ventilatory support | Mechanical ventilatory support, monitoring ventilatory volumes |
| Airway management | Artificial airway care, suctioning, and infection control |
| Rehabilitation | Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, breathing exercises |
| Patient education | Medication use, equipment care, lifestyle coaching |
| Research and continuing ed. | Clinical trials, device evaluation, licensure, and training |
The scope of practice for respiratory therapist professionals is wide and supported by licensure, education, and specialized training. By performing diagnostic tests, delivering treatment, managing ventilation, and educating patients, respiratory care practitioners help manage both acute and chronic disorders of the lungs and cardiopulmonary system.
At Flagstar Rehab, we connect licensed respiratory therapists with hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation programs nationwide. Whether you are a healthcare facility seeking respiratory care services or a therapist looking for new opportunities, our team provides staffing solutions and job placements that match skills, scope, and patient needs. Start your journey today by browsing our current respiratory therapist job listings or connecting with our team to find the right placement for your skills.
The scope of a respiratory therapist includes evaluating patients, performing diagnostic tests, providing respiratory care procedures, managing mechanical ventilatory support, and educating patients and families under physician supervision.
The scope of respiratory care covers the prevention, treatment, monitoring, and rehabilitation of patients with lung and cardiopulmonary system disorders across all ages and care settings.
Yes, respiratory therapists are in high demand due to an aging population, more chronic lung disease, and the need for specialized respiratory care in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
In some states, licensed respiratory therapists can start IVs when related to respiratory care medications, but this depends on licensure laws and facility training requirements.
Yes, respiratory therapists are trained in artificial airway care and may perform intubation in certain hospitals, usually under physician supervision and based on local scope of practice guidelines.