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Respiratory Assistant information

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$10

$13

$15

How much do respiratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory assistant in Tennessee is $13.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.32 and $13.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a respiratory assistant?

Respiratory Assistants, also known as respiratory therapy assistants or aides, are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of Respiratory Therapists and other medical staff. They help with patient care by preparing equipment, maintaining supplies, and assisting with basic respiratory treatments. Their duties often include cleaning and sterilizing respiratory equipment, monitoring patients during procedures, and ensuring the smooth operation of respiratory therapy departments. They play a vital role in supporting the care of patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.

What are some typical challenges a respiratory assistant may face when supporting respiratory therapists during patient care?

Respiratory Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple patient needs in a fast-paced environment and adapting to rapidly changing clinical situations. They must be prepared to assist with equipment setup and troubleshooting under time constraints, communicate clearly with both patients and the healthcare team, and maintain strict infection control standards. Balancing these responsibilities while providing compassionate care can be demanding, but strong organizational skills and teamwork help ensure quality patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a respiratory assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Respiratory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of respiratory care procedures, patient assessment, and basic medical terminology, usually supported by a relevant certificate or associate degree. Familiarity with respiratory therapy equipment, spirometry testing devices, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and compassion are key soft skills that help in supporting patients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate care delivery and patient safety in respiratory therapy settings.

What is the difference between Respiratory Assistant vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectRespiratory AssistantRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often requiredAssociate's degree or higher; state licensure required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, pulmonary rehabilitation centers
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient care, basic respiratory treatments, equipment setupPerform advanced respiratory assessments, develop treatment plans, manage ventilators

Respiratory Assistants support respiratory care teams with basic tasks and patient care, while Respiratory Therapists perform advanced assessments and develop treatment plans. Both roles work in similar healthcare settings, but Respiratory Therapists require more education and licensure, handling complex respiratory conditions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Respiratory jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Respiratory jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Respiratory Assistant jobs in Tennessee?

For Respiratory Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Respiratory Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Respiratory Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Respiratory Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Respiratory Assistant job openings:

Respiratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Respiratory Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,714 per year, or $13.3 per hour.

Certified Respiratory Therapist (6p-6a) Elizabethton, TN

Elizabethton, TN • On-site

Ballad Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

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Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
Summary:
The Certified Respiratory Therapist provides general, acute/intensive, and emergency respiratory care to patients ranging from neonatal,
infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric. This care includes
routine cardiopulmonary diagnostics, cardiopulmonary emergency
resuscitation, airway management, ventilator support, blood gas lab
analysis, phlebotomy, electrocardiograms, and basic pulmonary
function testing. The Therapist will demonstrate a team/multidisciplinary
approach to patient care and related services adhering to all
regulatory requirements under the direction of a Medical Director.
This approach provides appropriate patient care to assess, treat,
support, and diagnose patients with cardiopulmonary disorders and
documentation of this care, in accordance with policy and
procedures.
The certified respiratory therapist's role shall not require the exercising of independent, clinical judgment; however, the certified respiratory therapist may be expected to adjust or modify therapeutic techniques within well-defined procedures based on a limited range of patient responses. Therefore, the effective use of the certified respiratory therapist, especially in the critical care setting, shall require the supervision of a physician experienced in respiratory care. The certified respiratory therapist may accept telephone or verbal orders and responsibilities involving the supervision of respiratory care therapists and respiratory assistants.
The Certified Respiratory Therapist working in Sleep Medicine will perform specialized procedure such as, but not limited to, polysomnograms, MSLTs and titrations of either CPAP or BIPAP which are utilized in providing diagnostic information regarding the patients neurological and/or pulmonary function during sleep. They will be able to perform evaluation and treatment to patients ranging from neonatal, infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric.
Requirements:
Graduate of an AMA approved program for Respiratory Care.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid and active CRT licensure in the appropriate state
BLS, ACLS, PALS NRP required dependent upon area
Sleep Medicine CRT requirements: Valid and active CRT certification or licensure in appropriate state Obtain Sleep Disorder Specialty (SDS) endorsement or obtain registry status through BRPT or ABSM within 12 months of hire. AHA BLS, ACLS, PALS NRP required dependent upon area
NBRC Credentials earned on or after July 1, 2002 will require participation in the NBRC Continuing Education program.
Work Requirements:
Shift: Night
On Call: No
Weekends: Rotating
Travel Required: No Travel
Shift Details: 6p-6a
City/State: Elizabethton, TN
Location:
Sycamore Shoals Hospital
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