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Respiratory Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.52 - $30.88/hr

PRN Respiratory Therapy Assistant Position. Ideal for current Respiratory Therapy Students who are pursuing a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. (Various shifts available - days, nights ...

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.52 - $30.88/hr

PRN Respiratory Therapy Assistant Position. Ideal for current Respiratory Therapy Students who are pursuing a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. (Various shifts available - days, nights ...

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.52 - $30.88/hr

About the Job General Summary of Position PRN Respiratory Therapy Assistant Position. Ideal for current Respiratory Therapy Students who are pursuing a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist ...

Medical Equipment Setup, CSR

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

This employee will set up CPAPs, Respiratory Assist Devices (RADs), maintain CPAP/RAD Compliance, manage CPAP/RAD supplies/inquiries/orders, call mdINR missed appointments, manage Oximetry process ...

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Respiratory Therapist II (RRT)

Manassas, VA · On-site

$33.50 - $46.76/hr

The Registered Respiratory Therapist utilizes best scientific evidence and compassion to assist the patient in navigating their health journey. The Registered Respiratory Therapist accepts ...

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Respiratory Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$12

$16

$19

How much do respiratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory assistant in Washington is $16.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $16.59 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Respiratory jobs in Washington are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Respiratory Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Respiratory Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Respiratory Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,583 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Respiratory Therapy Assistant

MedStar Health

Washington, DC • On-site

$20.52 - $30.88/hr

Per diem

Posted 22 days ago


Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 240 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

127th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
PRN Respiratory Therapy Assistant Position. Ideal for current Respiratory Therapy Students who are pursuing a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. (Various shifts available - days, nights, weekends).
PRN Respiratory Therapy Assistant Position. Ideal for current Respiratory Therapy Students who are pursuing a career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. (Various shifts available - days, nights, weekends).
Responsible for providing basic assistive therapeutic procedures that does not require state licensure in the management and preventive care of patients with cardiopulmonary problems. Maintains and cleans departmental equipment. Assembles and checks equipment for proper functioning. Performs inventory control of department equipment and related supplies restocks as needed. May assist with cleaning rooms between surgical procedures and transporting of patient and/or supplies/specimens.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Performs simple spirometry.
  • Cleans and processes instrumentation between procedures following established protocol. Ensures equipment is functioning properly.
  • Disassembles and reassembles department equipment performing related equipment function checks. Cleans equipment/parts according to established protocols.
  • Obtains and delivers instrumentation/supplies to/from Sterile Processing Department stock area and/or Material Management.
  • Maintains stock levels of supplies including sterile and disposable supplies for designated locations throughout the hospital including but not limited to: The Operating Room Labor & Delivery MedSTAR the Emergency Room etc. Replaces depleted stock to par levels. Places orders to replenish stock.
  • Monitors oxygen tanks throughout all ICUs and the Respiratory Department and replaces as needed. Assists in supplying tanks to others as requested.
  • May be required to answer telephone providing information as requested or relaying/referring the caller to the appropriate personnel.
  • Attends staff meetings and in-services as required.

Minimal Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Up to 1 year of technical or other specialized training. preferred

Experience
  • Six to twelve months of hospital experience preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Requires the ability to read and write; and knowledge of grammar and arithmetic including fractions and decimals.
  • May require the use of standard office/medical equipment (i.e. personal computer data terminal on-line printer calculator telephone facsimile copier sterilizing equipment); the preparation comparison or checking of reports records and related data; and basic use of formulas charts tables drawings and knowledge of their application.

This position has a hiring range of
USD $20.52 - USD $30.88 /Hr.

What Medstar Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Medstar Health logo

About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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