Respiratory care technicians play an important role in patient care by supporting respiratory therapists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. They help patients breathe, operate medical equipment, and assist with respiratory care procedures. This guide explains what respiratory care technicians do, where they work, how to become one, and the career opportunities available.
A respiratory care technician is part of the respiratory care team that provides treatment for patients with breathing disorders and lung disease. They work under the supervision of respiratory therapists and physicians to assist with patient care and clinical procedures.
Respiratory care technicians help care for patients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. They may provide direct support to patients with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, sleep apnea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Respiratory care technicians often perform clinical tasks, provide patient support, and work closely with other therapists.
Respiratory care technicians perform routine and technical duties, including:
Respiratory care technicians interact with patients and families during treatment. They provide education on treatment plans and equipment use. Clear instructions help families support patient care at home. This improves comfort and confidence for both patients and their caregivers.
Technicians also assist patients in breathing more comfortably through therapy. They record treatment options, outcomes, and programmatic results. Accurate documentation supports program effectiveness and guides physicians. These records also serve as performance indicators for professional growth and patient care quality.
Respiratory care technicians work closely with respiratory therapists, registered respiratory therapists, respiratory care practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. They support program effectiveness through accurate reporting and communication.
Ready to put your skills to work? Browse respiratory care technician roles with Flagstar Rehab and connect with a recruiter today.
Respiratory therapy technicians often work full-time in hospitals, intensive care units, skilled nursing facilities, and nursing homes. They may also work in diagnostic labs or outpatient clinics.
Because hospitals and nursing homes operate around the clock, technicians may work nights, weekends, or holidays. Shifts can be long periods of time, and most of the workday is spent on their feet.
Respiratory care technicians care for patients across all age groups:
High school students who want to become respiratory technicians should focus on science and health courses to prepare for further study. Many begin with an associate degree or applied science degree in a respiratory care technology program at a community college.
These are the main academic routes available for technicians.
Certification and licensing are required steps for respiratory care technicians. The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) designations are awarded through the National Board for Respiratory Care after successful completion of exams.
Most states require a state license and a background check before employment. Employers also expect candidates to hold Basic Life Support certification to demonstrate readiness for patient care.
Candidates should review program effectiveness, programmatic outcomes, and performance indicators before enrolling. Employers prefer graduates from accredited programs that show strong completion rates.
If you need help finding the right respiratory care technician job, Flagstar Rehab is here to help. Visit our respiratory therapist staffing page to explore opportunities.
Respiratory care technicians need a mix of technical and interpersonal skills.
Respiratory therapy technicians have many ways to grow in their careers. Advancement comes through education, certification, and clinical experience.
The career ladder shows how technicians can build skills and move into advanced roles. Respiratory therapy technicians often begin as respiratory care technicians. With more training, they progress to certified respiratory therapist roles. Many continue to advance to registered respiratory therapist positions. With further education, they may qualify for leadership or specialty roles in healthcare settings.
Specializations allow technicians to focus on areas of respiratory care that match their interests. Technicians may work in intensive care units supporting critical patients. Others choose neonatal or pediatric care to help premature infants and children. Pulmonary rehabilitation offers opportunities to support patients with chronic lung disease. Some focus on sleep disorder centers, while others prefer home care settings.
According to labor statistics, respiratory therapists earn a median annual salary of $80,450. Respiratory therapy technicians generally earn less, but exact figures vary depending on education and location.
The job outlook for respiratory care shows strong growth, with demand rising due to an aging population and higher rates of chronic lung disease. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities continue to hire respiratory therapy technicians to support patient care.
Respiratory therapy technicians rely on a variety of medical devices to support patient care. These tools help them measure, monitor, and treat respiratory conditions effectively.
Technicians use spirometers and other devices that measure lung capacity. They also operate blood gas analyzers to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Oxygen delivery systems and medical gases are managed daily to help patients breathe. In addition, technicians work with ventilators and other mechanical ventilation devices. Electronic health records are used to document patient care and track treatment progress.
When evaluating respiratory therapy education programs, candidates should review:
These factors help measure whether a program prepares graduates for successful completion and job placement.
Respiratory care technicians have many options when starting their careers. Knowing where to apply and how to stand out is key.
Respiratory care technicians often find work in hospitals and intensive care units. Skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes also provide many opportunities. Outpatient care centers are another setting where technicians can begin or grow their careers.
When writing a resume, highlight job duties performed in training or previous roles. List equipment experience, such as blood gas analyzers, ventilators, and oxygen systems. Mention the successful completion of national board exams and any certifications earned.
During interviews, be ready to explain treatment plans and available treatment options. Show knowledge of respiratory care procedures and patient care practices. Provide clear examples of problem-solving skills and teamwork with healthcare professionals.
This table highlights the differences between respiratory care technicians, certified respiratory therapists, and registered respiratory therapists.
| Role | Education | Scope of Practice | Work Settings | Career Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Care Technician | Associate degree or applied science degree | Assist with respiratory care procedures under supervision | Hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities | Entry-level |
| Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) | Associate or bachelor’s degree program | Broader patient care and diagnostic procedures | Hospitals, ICUs, rehab centers | Pathway to RRT |
| Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) | Bachelor’s degree or higher | Advanced respiratory care, independent patient care | Intensive care units, specialty centers | Leadership and specialty roles |
Working with a staffing agency gives respiratory care technicians a clear advantage when starting or advancing their careers. Agencies provide access to open positions across hospitals, nursing homes, and skilled nursing facilities nationwide. They also support candidates with licensing, background checks, and credentialing, which helps streamline the hiring process. By partnering with a staffing agency, technicians can secure faster placement, gain exposure to different work environments, and build professional growth through flexible assignments.
At Flagstar Rehab, we connect qualified therapy professionals with trusted medical facilities across the country. Patients choose us because we focus on program effectiveness, professional quality, and reliable staffing that supports consistent patient care. If you’re ready to move forward in your respiratory care career, contact Flagstar Rehab today. Explore open positions and speak with one of our recruiters about your goals.
Yes. Most employers require an associate’s degree or an applied science degree in respiratory care technology. Some community college programs also prepare students for certification and licensure. Without this degree, it is difficult to qualify for entry-level jobs.
Yes. Many respiratory care technicians progress to become Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) with only an associate degree. However, a bachelor’s degree program opens more doors, including Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) roles and leadership positions. Employers prefer candidates with higher education for advanced responsibilities.
Most new graduates find employment in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and nursing homes. These medical facilities hire respiratory therapy technicians to support respiratory therapists and provide direct patient care. Some graduates also find opportunities in outpatient clinics and diagnostic labs.
Respiratory care technicians must renew their state license every two to three years, depending on state regulations. Renewal usually requires a background check and continuing education credits. These requirements vary depending on the state where technicians work.
The most valuable skills in the first year include problem-solving skills, being detail-oriented, and having strong interpersonal skills. New technicians also need technical ability with medical equipment such as blood gas analyzers, ventilators, and oxygen systems. These skills help support patient care and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.