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Respiratory Therapist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Respiratory Therapist Example Skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical respiratory therapist skills. We ranked the top skills for respiratory therapists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 18.2% of respiratory therapist resumes contained patients as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a respiratory therapist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 respiratory therapist skills for your resume and career

1. Patients

Here's how respiratory therapists use patients:
  • Performed invasive/non-invasive ventilator management, treatment medication preparation, and administration to sub-acute, rehabilitative, and chronic patients.
  • Enjoyed working with cystic fibrosis patients of all ages and delivered manual percussion/vibration therapy when requested or ordered.

2. Respiratory Care

Respiratory care is the medical care discipline of having expertise in the treatment of illnesses and preventative care related to cardiopulmonary health.

Here's how respiratory therapists use respiratory care:
  • Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures, including the supervision of other respiratory therapy technicians.
  • Assess and implement respiratory care Document and report information to physician Accomplishments Evaluate and collect relevant clinical data and patient histories.

3. BLS

Here's how respiratory therapists use bls:
  • Maintain certifications in BLS, PALS, ACLS, NRP as well as an active license for a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
  • Obtained BLS instructor certification, and one month later obtained Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) instructor certification.

4. RRT

Registered respiratory therapists (RRT) also stand for a Respiratory Care Practitioner. They care for patients that have trouble breathing. In the United States, the National Board for Respiratory Care issues the RRT to an individual after passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination NBRC-TMC and Clinical Simulation Examination NBRC-CSE examinations.

Here's how respiratory therapists use rrt:
  • Interpreted and communicated new Rapid Response Team (RRT) policies developed by LTC Crowley to 250 physicians and support staff.
  • Worked as an RRT II in an intensive care mobile environment to critical patients being transferred via air or ground transport.

5. Acls

Here's how respiratory therapists use acls:
  • Certified in ACLS and CPR -My duties consist of patient assessments, daily physician's interventions, and chart reviews.
  • Responded to all cardiopulmonary emergency requests and rendered care as per ACLS standards with strong knowledge of the process.

6. Ventilation

Here's how respiratory therapists use ventilation:
  • Provided accurate patient assessment and treatment in a protocol-driven setting Initiation and management of mechanical ventilation, both conventional and non-invasive.
  • Gained experience in negative pressure ventilation, mechanical ventilation, high frequency ventilation, and invasive and non-invasive respiratory monitoring.

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7. Life Support

Life support is a machine or equipment often used by the hospital for patients with severe conditions, such as those in the Intensive Care Unit or ICU. It is developed to provide short-term support to help patients have enough time to treat or recover from a severe health concern. It is typically a mechanical ventilation tool for patients who has difficulty in breathing. The life support can last for about a month or so, but if the patient is unconscious, it might be lower.

Here's how respiratory therapists use life support:
  • Experienced with utilizing, maintaining, and comprehending cardiopulmonary life support equipment and the proper use of invasive and non-invasive monitoring.
  • Provided emergency care, including artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support, and advanced cardiac life support.
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8. CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a medical procedure that involves chest compression to help a patient breathe. This artificial ventilation helps in keeping the brain function in place and regulates blood throughout the body. CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is used in emergencies.

Here's how respiratory therapists use cpr:
  • Participated in shift reports, CPR, ventilator management, administration of aerosol medications, oxygen administration, and patient assessments.
  • Managed artificial airways, mechanically ventilated patients, pulmonary rehab patients and perform CPR in code situations.

9. Critical Care

Here's how respiratory therapists use critical care:
  • Developed and presented respiratory therapy component for quarterly critical care course intended for newly hired respiratory therapists and registered nurses.
  • Registered respiratory therapist with experience in pulmonary function, floor therapy, critical care, and patient education.

10. Pulmonary Function

Pulmonary function refers to the proper function of a patient's lungs, which is often determined by completing a series of tests. These are non-invasive procedures, meaning no surgery is required. The tests record a variety of measurements, such as the total volume of air the patient's lungs can hold, to determine whether a patient's lungs are affected by allergies, disease, or a more serious medical condition.

Here's how respiratory therapists use pulmonary function:
  • Operate medical equipment and machinery to assist patients in rehabilitation therapy to restore pulmonary function according to Federal and State regulations.
  • Achieved Trauma Support Center Liaison, flight respiratory therapist for StatMedivac, Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist, and Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist.

11. NRP

Neonatal Resuscitation Program refers to a training program for providers of newborn resuscitation. It's a program created by the AAP and the American Heart Association to provide a comprehensive stepwise algorithm for assessing and resuscitating the infant at delivery.

Here's how respiratory therapists use nrp:
  • Involved in all labor and deliveries, utilizing NRP skills in a fast paced environment with quick decisions.
  • Respond to problematic deliveries and cesarean sections, and treat as needed based on NRP training.

12. Acute Care

The branch of secondary healthcare which is responsible for giving short-term care to patients recovering from severe injuries or urgent medical problems is known as acute care. Acute care comprises multiple domains like; emergency care, urgent care, short-term stabilization, pre-hospital care, critical care, and trauma care.

Here's how respiratory therapists use acute care:
  • Performed specified duties as a Respiratory Therapist in a pediatric acute care clinic in collaboration with attending physicians.
  • Staffed as an adult and pediatric Registered Respiratory Therapist in various acute care hospital settings throughout Phoenix.

13. Rehabilitation

Here's how respiratory therapists use rehabilitation:
  • Formulated respiratory rehabilitation education and exercise programs.
  • Facilitated pulmonary rehabilitation and education.

14. Patient Education

Here's how respiratory therapists use patient education:
  • Review all paperwork for eligibility for oxygen patients, patient education, follow-up and compliance monitoring and home visits when necessary.
  • Conducted patient education by explaining planned therapy or procedure & goals to patient in understandable terms to achieve optimal therapeutic outcome.

15. Resuscitation

Here's how respiratory therapists use resuscitation:
  • Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and related Respiratory Care responsibilities.
  • Performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation when warranted.
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List of respiratory therapist skills to add to your resume

Respiratory Therapist Skills

The most important skills for a respiratory therapist resume and required skills for a respiratory therapist to have include:

  • Patients
  • Respiratory Care
  • BLS
  • RRT
  • Acls
  • Ventilation
  • Life Support
  • CPR
  • Critical Care
  • Pulmonary Function
  • NRP
  • Acute Care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Patient Education
  • Resuscitation
  • Patient Assessment
  • Advanced Life Support
  • Mechanical Ventilation
  • Home Health
  • Oxygen Therapy
  • Medical Equipment
  • Vital Signs
  • Intubation
  • NICU
  • Compassion
  • Nebulizer
  • Airway Management
  • Pulse Oximetry
  • EKG
  • Physician Orders
  • Aerosol Therapy
  • Tracheostomy
  • Arterial Blood Gases
  • Ventilator Management
  • PFT
  • Incentive Spirometry
  • Excellent Interpersonal
  • Emergency Care
  • Manage Patient Care
  • Emergency Room
  • CPT
  • BiPAP
  • CPAP
  • Trach Care
  • O2
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Respiratory Therapy Equipment
  • PET
  • MDI

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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