Respiratory Technician (ANZSCO 311217)
Updated
What a Respiratory Technician does
Performs routine lung function tests; uses and maintains diagnostic equipment under the supervision of Respiratory Scientists. Monitors patients on ventilation or those undergoing sleep studies.
- Also called
- Sleep Technician
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 311217
- Skill level
- 2Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma
- Skilled lists
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- National shortage
- No shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored RegionalNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Main tasks
- operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
- undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
- recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted
- taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
- preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
- performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
- testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
- setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
- referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications
- operating and maintaining equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders
Shortage by state
- NationalNo shortage
- ACTNo shortage
- NSWNo shortage
- NTNo shortage
- QLDNo shortage
- SANo shortage
- TASNo shortage
- VICNo shortage
- WANo shortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Respiratory Technician do?
Performs routine lung function tests; uses and maintains diagnostic equipment under the supervision of Respiratory Scientists. Monitors patients on ventilation or those undergoing sleep studies. Also called: Sleep Technician. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Respiratory Technician on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Respiratory Technician (ANZSCO 311217) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) (lists in force from 7 December 2024). It is listed for the 186 and 482 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Respiratory Technician?
311217. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Respiratory Technician migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Respiratory Technician for the Subclass 186 and Subclass 482 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Is Respiratory Technician in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.