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Respiratory Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

OT-Assistant

Hemet, CA · On-site

$40/hr

As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults ... Occupational Therapy Assistant Location/work environment: In facility Reporting structure:

As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults ... Occupational Therapy Assistant Location/work environment: In facility Reporting structure:

PT Assistant

Hemet, CA · On-site

$40/hr

As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults ... Physical Therapist Assistant Location/work environment: In facility Reporting structure: Reporting ...

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Respiratory Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$15

$18

How much do respiratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory assistant in Riverside, CA is $15.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 do respiratory assistants do?

Respiratory assistants support patients with breathing problems by monitoring respiratory equipment, assisting with procedures like oxygen therapy, and recording patient data. They work under the supervision of respiratory therapists or healthcare professionals in hospitals or clinics, often requiring certification and knowledge of medical devices. Their duties help ensure effective respiratory care and patient comfort.

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 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.

How much does an RRT make?

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) in Ohio typically earn an average annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, hospital size, and shift differentials. RRTs often work in hospitals, clinics, or respiratory care centers and may require state licensure and certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care.

How much do RTs make?

Respiratory therapists (RTs) in Virginia typically earn an average annual salary of around $65,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, healthcare facility, and shift differentials, with some RTs earning higher with specialized skills or advanced certifications.

What are Respiratory Assistants?

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.

Is RRT harder than RN?

A Respiratory Therapist (RRT) typically requires specialized training and certification in respiratory care, which involves technical skills and knowledge of respiratory equipment. Registered Nurses (RN) have a broader scope of practice, including patient care and medical procedures, often requiring a nursing degree and licensure. The difficulty depends on individual skills and interests, but RRT programs are generally focused on respiratory-specific skills, while RNs cover a wider range of healthcare tasks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Respiratory jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Respiratory jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Respiratory Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Respiratory Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Respiratory Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Respiratory Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Respiratory Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Respiratory Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Respiratory Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,856 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Respiratory Care Practitioner Per Diem Nights

Respiratory Care Practitioner Per Diem Nights

ScionHealth

Santa Ana, CA

$28.56 - $36.22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


ScionHealth rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

727th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Respiratory Therapist

Kindred Hospital Santa Ana is a long-term acute care hospital offering the same in-depth care you would receive in a traditional hospital, but for an extended recovery period. We partner with your physician and offer 24-hour clinical care seven days a week so you can start your journey to wellness. We are conveniently located between the Santa Ana Freeway I-5 and Santiago Creek and the close to many shops and restaurants.

Job Summary

Responsible for administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician, monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, understanding ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, understanding blood work results, monitoring, teaching, and training.

Essential Functions
  • Competent delivery of Respiratory Care procedures in all areas of the hospital as outlined in the Respiratory Care policies, procedures and protocols.
  • Maintain accurate and complete documentation and charge capture of all Respiratory Care procedures. Develop, document and maintain respiratory care elements of the patient plan of care.
  • Verify and initiate all physician orders for Respiratory Care.
  • Demonstrate competency and working knowledge of all Respiratory Care instruments and equipment.
  • Perform troubleshooting, problem resolution and proper disinfection/sterilization.
  • Initiate, monitor and maintain oxygen/aerosol delivery devices and non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation devices.
  • Perform effective airway management including oral/nasal airway placement, bag/mask ventilation, intubation and/or intubation assistance, emergent and scheduled tracheostomy tube changes.
  • Demonstrate safe and appropriate suction techniques and use of artificial airways. Initiate and perform "CPR".
  • Perform tracheostomy, endotracheal tube and oral care.
  • Implement one way speaking valve trials per physician order.
  • Assist physician with diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures.
  • Complete initial and ongoing decannulation risk assessments with appropriate interventions and documentation.
  • Perform and document timely Spontaneous Breathing Trial assessments for weaning readiness.
  • Initiate and advance mechanical ventilator weaning per protocol.
  • Actively participate in the multidisciplinary early patient mobility program
  • Perform pulse oximetry and carbon dioxide gas monitoring.
  • Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analysis.
  • Perform and document ongoing ABG analyzer quality control and maintenance as required.
  • Perform and document patient and family teaching/education.
  • Provide and receive accurate and complete patient handoff reports.
  • Participate in department/hospital in-services, meetings, and patient care rounds.
  • Notify immediate supervisor of changes in workload and patient acuity.
  • Provide timely and accurate updates to healthcare team members and make recommendations for modification to patient therapy as clinically indicated.
  • Assist in orientation and training of new employees/ students, and precept new employees during orientation.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
  • Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations.
  • Utilize appropriate interpersonal communication skills when interacting with all healthcare team members, patients, and their families.
  • Understands principles of lifespan growth and development with the ability to provide care appropriate for the adult and geriatric patient population.
  • Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
  • Must have good and regular attendance.
  • Must read, write and speak fluent English.
  • Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0%
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $28.56-$36.22/hr.

ScionHealth has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit-eligible employees that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness.

Qualifications

Education

  • Respiratory Therapy education as required for attainment of credentialling by the National Board for Respiratory Care

Licenses/Certifications

  • Current Respiratory Therapy license from the appropriate state licensing body.
  • Current Certified, Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT or RRT) credential or Respiratory Care Practitioner Certification in compliance with the National Board for Respiratory Care Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).
  • Current BLS and ACLS certifications.

Experience

  • 1 year experience preferred.

What ScionHealth employees say

Pay

Benefits

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