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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.
Time management is a common challenge since healthcare settings can be fast paced.