Respiratory Therapists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (9%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 5 (23%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 15 (68%)

• Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Relay blood analysis results to a physician.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, or medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac or pulmonary research or to diagnose disorders.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor cardiac patients, using electrocardiography devices, such as a holter monitor.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises or the use of medications or respiratory equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees or other healthcare personnel.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport patients to the hospital or within the hospital.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Teach, train, supervise, or use the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians, or assistants.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about respiratory therapists and AI