Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

The Work

Respiratory physiology technicians perform a wide range of investigations to assist in the diagnosis of respiratory disorders such as asthma. They use technical equipment to measure the functioning and efficiency of patients' breathing systems. Most measurements are now made on automated computerised systems that have replaced the old chart recorder system. Computers now form the mainstay of these systems.  
 
Patients are usually referred as a result of problems such as coughing, wheesing, shortness of breath, abnormal chest X-rays and chest pains. Test results provide the doctor with additional information that aids diagnosis and helps to assess patients' likely response to treatment or the probable risks of surgery.  
 
Respiratory physiology technicians administer a range of tests, many of which require the patient to breathe into equipment through a mouthpiece. Measurements are then made from chart readings and meters that measure concentrations of physiological and other gases. Most measurements are taken when the patient is at rest, and some during and after physical exertion.  
 
Many laboratories in Ireland are becoming involved to some degree in sleep assessment, in particular assessing the patient's breathing during sleep.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, or blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
• Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
• Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals to manage patient care by assisting with medical procedures or related duties.
• Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
• Relay blood analysis results to a physician.
• Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
• Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
• Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Those interested in becoming a Respiratory Technician, must first obtain suitable employment in an appropriate hospital department e.g. Respiratory Laboratory (Pulmonary Function Lab as some are called). These posts are usually advertised in the media, HSE.ie, and Publicjobs.ie. Students can enter a two-year programme of on-the-job training combined with part-time study at college. Some enter this area after completing a science degree.

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant, Healthcare, General Management at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied science, Healthcare, Nursing, Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science, Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Advance healthcare, Lab Technician & Lab Analyst Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Nursing, Applied Biology, Medical Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Applied Biosciences, Health Science and Physiology NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Nursing - Adult Respiratory Nursing Practice, Nursing - Respiratory Care, Nursing - Respiratory Care in Nursing, Nursing - Respiratory Care in Nursing Practice, Medical Physics, Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs, Medical Technologies - Advanced Medical Technologies, Medical Device Technology & Business NFQ level 9

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €41k - €68k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was strong for this occupation, particularly between 2021 and 2022. Census data shows that employment grew across all roles in this group between 2016 and 2022, with the strongest growth for pharmaceutical technicans.

The number of online job adverts for pharmaceutical technicians grew strongly in 2022 (+14%); skills in demand included, among others pharmaceutical knowledge, the ability to provide customer service & advice, and business skills, such as product sales.

A small number of employment permits were issued in 2022 for cardiac physiologists and paramedics. The available data sources do not signal any issues in relation to supply and demand for health associate professional occupations; however, if employment was to continue to increase, recruitment issues may emerge.

• IICMP Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here