How to Be Respiratory Therapy Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 30, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Respiratory Therapy Managers are essential in ensuring that all aspects of a respiratory therapy department are running smoothly. The successful management of the department has a positive effect on the quality of patient care and outcomes. The manager is responsible for overseeing staff, implementing policies, monitoring patient progress, and maintaining necessary equipment.

they ensure compliance with regulations, manage budgets, and provide educational materials to staff and patients. Poor management can lead to inefficient operations, staff dissatisfaction, decreased patient satisfaction, and even medical errors. Therefore, it is essential to have a qualified and experienced Respiratory Therapy Manager in order to provide the highest quality of care.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Respiratory Therapy Program. The first step to becoming a Respiratory Therapy Manager is to become a qualified respiratory therapist by completing an accredited respiratory therapy program. These programs typically involve a two-year associate degree, though some schools offer programs at the bachelor's or master's level.
Obtain Licensure and Certification. All states require respiratory therapists to be licensed, and some may require certification by the National Board of Respiratory Care. The certification process involves passing exams and demonstrating competency in the field.
Earn Professional Experience. After completing your educational and licensing requirements, you'll need to gain experience as a respiratory therapist. You can work in the field while continuing to learn and gain experience in different practices and techniques.
Pursue Management Training. To be a successful manager, you'll need to have an understanding of the business side of respiratory therapy, such as budgeting, hiring, and employee management. Consider pursuing a college degree in business or healthcare management to gain the necessary skills.
Apply for Management Positions. Once you have the necessary credentials, experience, and training, you can start applying for management positions in hospitals and other medical settings. To increase your chances of getting hired, make sure your resume highlights your managerial experience and qualifications.

As a respiratory therapy manager, it is important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends, regulations and best practices in the healthcare field. Keeping oneself qualified and up-to-date is critical to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. By attending professional development courses and seminars, reading industry-related publications, and staying connected with professional organizations, managers can stay abreast of the latest developments and ensure the highest quality of care for their patients. Additionally, seeking out mentorship from experienced professionals in the field and building strong relationships with other healthcare professionals can provide invaluable guidance and insight that will help keep managers informed and qualified.

You may want to check Respiratory Therapist Educator, Respiratory Care Supervisor, and Respiratory Therapy Clinical Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and evaluate respiratory therapy staff performance and provide guidance to ensure quality patient care
Develop and implement policies and procedures for respiratory therapy services
Coordinate the scheduling of respiratory therapists and other staff in the department
Ensure compliance with all applicable standards and regulations in the delivery of respiratory therapy services
Oversee the maintenance of respiratory equipment and supplies
Develop and manage department budget
Manage the day-to-day operations of the respiratory therapy department
Educate and mentor respiratory therapy staff
Serve as a liaison between the respiratory therapy staff, physicians, other departments, and vendors
Participate in hospital committees to ensure quality patient care

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge of respiratory care principles, equipment, and procedures
Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and manage time
Ability to develop and implement protocols and procedures
Leadership and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of hospital policies and procedures
Ability to train and supervise staff
Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to monitor patient progress and make appropriate adjustments
Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems
Knowledge of current laws and regulations related to respiratory care
Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills

An effective Respiratory Therapy Manager must possess a wide range of skills to be successful. Many of those skills include strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Leadership is key in this role as it involves the ability to motivate and manage teams of respiratory therapists while ensuring that their job is completed efficiently and effectively.

organizational skills are essential as they allow the manager to provide direction and guidance in the planning and implementation of patient care activities. Communication is also an important skill to have as it allows the manager to provide clear and concise instructions to their team and communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals. Finally, problem-solving skills are also essential for this role as they allow the manager to identify and address any issues that may arise in the course of providing care to patients.

All of these skills are integral for a Respiratory Therapy Manager to be successful in their role.

Neonatal Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Care Manager, and Respiratory Therapy Sales Representative are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in management specifically within the field of respiratory therapy?
How do you ensure that respiratory therapy staff are adequately prepared to provide quality patient care?
What strategies do you use to promote a team-oriented environment?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation or personnel issue with a respiratory therapy employee.
What initiatives have you implemented to increase efficiency in the respiratory therapy department?
How do you stay up to date on new advancements in respiratory therapy?
What methods do you use to motivate your team and keep morale high?
How do you balance budgetary constraints with providing the best possible care for patients?
What challenges have you faced in the past as a respiratory therapy manager?
What have been your greatest successes as a respiratory therapy manager?

Common Tools in Industry

Ventilator Management Software. A software program designed to help manage and track patient ventilator settings and enable clinicians to remotely monitor and control the ventilator from a computer. (eg: Varian Medical Systems' Ventilator Manager)
Clinical Information Systems. A computerized system that allows healthcare professionals to document and access clinical information such as patient data, medical records, lab results, and digital images. (eg: Epic System's Electronic Medical Record)
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) Software. A software program used to analyze pulmonary function data and provide comprehensive reporting capabilities. (eg: GE Healthcare's Pulmonary Function Testing Software)
Patient Monitoring Systems. Software and hardware systems used to monitor patient vital signs, breathing patterns, and other medical data in real-time. (eg: Philips Healthcare's IntelliVue Patient Monitor)
Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Software. A software program designed to analyze and interpret cardiovascular and pulmonary data. (eg: Siemens Healthineers' Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)
American Thoracic Society (ATS)
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care (NAMDRC)
Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
American Lung Association (ALA)
COPD Foundation
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)
Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors (APCCMPD)

We also have Clinical Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Respiratory Therapist Supervisor, and Respiratory Therapy Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ventilation. The process of controlling the air pressure, flow, and composition of air supplied to a patient in order to maintain adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal.
Oxygen Therapy. The delivery of oxygen to a patient to compensate for inadequate oxygen levels in the blood.
Bronchoscopy. An examination of the airways and lungs using a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end.
Pulmonary Function Testing. Testing that measures how well the lungs are functioning.
Respiratory Therapy Equipment. Equipment used to help manage respiratory illnesses, such as ventilators, oxygen therapy machines, and nebulizers.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation. A program designed to help people with chronic lung disease improve their breathing and quality of life.
Respiratory Therapist. A health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of breathing disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Respiratory Therapy Manager?

A Respiratory Therapy Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a respiratory therapy department, providing clinical and administrative guidance to staff, and ensuring quality of care for patients.

What qualifications are needed to become a Respiratory Therapy Manager?

To become a Respiratory Therapy Manager, one must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy and at least five years of experience as a respiratory therapist. Additional certifications from the National Board for Respiratory Care may also be required.

What duties does a Respiratory Therapy Manager perform?

Duties of a Respiratory Therapy Manager include planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of the respiratory therapy department, developing and implementing policies and procedures, monitoring patient care and outcomes, and providing training and development opportunities to staff.

What is the average salary of a Respiratory Therapy Manager?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Respiratory Therapy Managers was $85,890 in May 2020.

What is the job outlook for Respiratory Therapy Managers?

The job outlook for Respiratory Therapy Managers is expected to grow by 21% from 2019-2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to an increase in demand for respiratory care services due to an aging population and the prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions.