Respiratory therapy technician

About this occupation

Respiratory therapy technicians assist doctors and surgeons to treat respiratory problems. They work in hospitals and medical facilities where they operate medical equipment to test patients' respiratory conditions and aid in their treatment. Respiratory therapy technicians also tend to breathing equipment and machines during surgery.

• Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
• Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
• Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
• Supervise food production or service or assist dietitians or nutritionists in food service supervision or planning.
• Plan menus or diets or guide individuals or families in food selection, preparation, or menu planning, based upon nutritional needs and established guidelines.
• Develop job specifications, job descriptions, or work schedules.

Typical education (US)

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Social, Conventional, Realistic

Top skills: Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Learning

US median pay: US$37,640 a year (2025), 31,560 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.5)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.0)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
• Agriculture or Foods and NutritionO*NET: Food ProductionVery important (3.9)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree

Education

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

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.