Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists help patients with breathing difficulty to breathe better through the use of sophisticated medical machinery like ventilators and breathing therapy.

Respiratory Therapist Job Description

Provide patient care through the use of breathing machines (mechanical ventilators).

Adjust settings of the mechanical ventilator according to a patient's condition.

Recommend alternative machines or therapy (e.g. Oxygen therapy that delivers oxygen gas for the patient to breathe).

Administer drugs to a patient's lungs and measure the patient's lung function.

Maintain and troubleshoot the functionality of the breathing machines.

Note

Respiratory Therapists specialise in patient care for those with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They play a crucial role in both emergency response and long-term management.

A day in the life

Respiratory Therapist

Beyond helping people breathe, Respiratory Therapists played a critical role in the fight against Covid-19. Hui Min shares more about how meaningful it can be.

Respiratory Therapist

As a Respiratory Therapist, Crystaline provides support to her patients in the ICU and wards when they have trouble breathing and based on their specific needs.

What you should know about Respiratory Therapist jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

Respiratory Therapists are usually assigned to ICUs in Singapore. You’ll need to think on your feet and cope with patient deaths.

Key Advice

Being Respiratory Therapists can be very stressful and can take a toll on your overall well-being. Resiliency and the ability to take care of yourself is important.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy is required.

There are no training courses for Respiratory Therapy in Singapore. However, the Ministry of Health (MOH) offers an allied health scholarship that you can take to study overseas. Check them out here: https://www.healthcarescholarships.sg/
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Respiratory Therapist career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Oxygen Administration

Proficiency in administering oxygen therapy, adjusting flow rates and delivery methods to patient needs.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Certified and equipped to handle emergency respiratory situations and aid cardiac function.

Respiratory Assessment

Proficiency in evaluating lung function and diagnosing respiratory conditions for effective treatment.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking

Ability to analyse complex clinical data and make informed decisions in fast-paced, challenging situations.

Problem-Solving

Skillful in identifying and resolving respiratory issues, ensuring effective patient treatment and care.

Compassion

Empathetic approach towards patients, providing comfort and reassurance during Respiratory Therapy.

“We ensure a patient's breathing is regulated by managing ventilators and artificial airway devices.”

Crystaline Poh, Respiratory Therapist

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where do Respiratory Therapists work in Singapore?

Respiratory Therapists may work in Emergency Rooms, Intensive Care Units, or Pulmonary Diagnostic Laboratories in hospitals. They may also work in clinics, home care, and Sleep Disorder Centres.
What fields can Respiratory Therapists work in?

They can work in Asthma Management, Intensive Care, Neonatal and Paediatrics Intensive Care. They can also work in Sleep Disorders Management.
How do Respiratory Therapists handle emergency situations?

Respiratory Therapists quickly evaluate the patient's condition before providing assistance such as administering emergency medications. They will perform Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures if necessary.
How do Respiratory Therapists interact with patients?

A common way they interact is by speaking with patients to gather information about their medical history, current symptoms, and any respiratory concerns they may have.
What is a common challenge faced by Respiratory Therapists?

A common challenge would be time management as Healthcare settings can be fast-paced. Respiratory Therapists need strong time management skills to prioritise and deliver respiratory care effectively.