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Respiratory Therapists

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 517 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 32% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Relay blood analysis results to a physician.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. 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 could help, but needs extra software

  5. Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress testing, or lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Perform endotracheal intubation to maintain open airways for patients who are unable to breathe on their own.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Provide emergency care, such as artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, or assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. 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.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Set up and operate devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, or aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. 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.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Physician Assistants

    Very similar work
    +49% pay1,935 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 49% more—$165,381 vs your $110,829 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Psychology
    • Oral Expression
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Biology
    • Therapy and Counseling
  • Radiation Therapists

    Very similar work
    +20% pay64 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 20% more—$133,250 vs your $110,829 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires an associate's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • English Language

    New skills to build

    • Physics
  • Nurse Anesthetists

    Very similar work
    +198% pay88 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 198% more—$330,017 vs your $110,829 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Education and Training
    • Psychology
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Administration and Management
    • Physics
  • Physical Therapists

    Similar work
    slightly less pay1,011 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$103,479 vs your $110,829 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Education and Training
    • Psychology
    • Oral Expression

    New skills to build

    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Administration and Management
    • Administrative
    • Sales and Marketing
    • Personnel and Human Resources