A respiratory care practitioner works with patients to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and problems that affect the respiratory system. Better known as a pulmonologist, a respiratory care practitioner commonly cares for and treats chronic respiratory diseases.

Respiratory Care Practitioner Job Description Template

We are looking for a dedicated, caring respiratory care practitioner to diagnose and treat respiratory problems such as emphysema, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disorders. The respiratory care practitioner’s responsibilities include diagnosing and treating chronic respiratory diseases, prescribing medications, and advising patients on the management of their illnesses.

To be a successful respiratory care practitioner, you should have good diagnostic, analytical, and critical-thinking skills. You should provide excellent care to your patients and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Respiratory Care Practitioner Responsibilities:

  • Diagnosing and treating hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other issues affecting the functioning of the lungs, brain, cardiopulmonary system, and gastrointestinal tract.
  • Treating breathing disorders, some sleep disorders, severe allergies, and other lung conditions.
  • Administering and interpreting diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests, reviewing patients’ histories, and assessing patients’ exposure to hazards like asbestos and tobacco smoke.
  • Performing angiographic visualization and various specialized procedures to obtain lung or chest wall lining samples.
  • Assessing patients’ ability to withstand the stress caused by surgeries, working with Surgeons to create breathing management strategies, and possibly monitoring patients’ conditions during surgeries.
  • Advising Surgeons about patients’ risk statuses and recommending interventions.
  • Administering immunizations to protect patients from diseases.
  • Consulting with other Physicians.
  • Researching, testing, and developing new medications or treatment methods.
  • Adapting and using interventional techniques from other medical fields, such as fine needle biopsies, implanting stents, and balloon angioplasty to keep the airways open.

Respiratory Care Practitioner Requirements:

  • A medical degree and the successful completion of a residency and fellowship in internal medicine and pulmonary care.
  • A license and certification to practice medicine.
  • Excellent diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient service skills.
  • Willingness to remain up-to-date with current trends, developments, research, and innovations in the field.
  • Good creative thinking and innovation skills.