Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Respiratory therapists use ventilators and breathing therapy to help patients breathe better.

Description

Provide patient care with breathing machines like mechanical ventilators.
Adjust ventilator settings based on each patient's specific condition.
Recommend alternative machines or treatments.
Administer drugs to a patient's lungs and measure their lung function.
Maintain breathing machines.

Entry requirements

You need at least a Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy. Since there are no such courses in Singapore, the Ministry of Health offers allied health scholarships to study overseas.

Salary

$3,300 – 5,000

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Did you know that a respiratory therapist can help a baby draw its first breaths?

What to expect

You'll typically work in ICUs, where you will think quickly in critical situations. This is demanding work, which will require building resilience and taking good care of yourself.

Soft
skills

Critical Thinking

Ability to analyse complicated data and make informed decisions under pressure.

Problem-Solving

Skilled in identifying and fixing respiratory issues.

Compassion

Ability to show empathy and understanding towards patients, offering emotional support during respiratory therapy.

Oxygen Administration

Skilled in giving oxygen therapy, adjusting flow rates and delivery methods.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Certified and equipped to handle respiratory emergencies and assist with cardiac function.

Respiratory Assessment

Able to evaluate how well patients' lungs work and diagnose breathing problems.

Hard
skills

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

Crystaline Poh, Respiratory Therapist

Care to Go Beyond

Frequently asked questions

You might work in emergency rooms, ICUs, or respiratory diagnostic labs. Other options include medical clinics, home care services, and sleep disorder centres.

Some fields include asthma management, intensive care, neonatal, paediatrics intensive care, and sleep disorder management.

They may provide immediate assistance like emergency medicine or perform Basic Life Support procedures.

They speak with patients to learn about their medical history, current symptoms, and any concerns.