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Respiratory Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FMOLHS

Respiratory Care Assistant

Baton Rouge, LA

The Respiratory Assistant cleans and disinfects patient equipment, sterilizes reusable equipment prior to reuse, assembles and performs basic calibrations on ventilators and other critical ...

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How much do respiratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory assistant in the United States is $14.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $14.66 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.
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Respiratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Respiratory Assistant job openings in the United States 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 $30,535 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Respiratory Assistant or Respiratory Apprentice-PRN

Mary Washington Hospital (MediCorp Health System)

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Start the day excited to make a difference...end the day knowing you did. Come join our team.

Available to current students pursuing a respiratory care degree. Grow through your program with us! The Respiratory Assistant and Respiratory Apprentice roles at MWHC offer hands on opportunities to support and enhance your education.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities for Assistant:

  • Processes respiratory equipment for cleaning/sterilization after patient use; cleans, calibrates, and assembles equipment in preparation for the next patient.
  • Logs, delivers, and retrieves equipment sent to Sterile Processing for cleaning.
  • Inventories, documents, and verifies availability of all life support equipment and medical gases for department operation. Stocks respiratory care equipment to ensure appropriate par levels are available. Notifies leadership when additional inventory or equipment is needed.
  • Replaces and maintains equipment set-ups in assigned areas (i.e. emergency airway carts) according to department guidelines.
  • Maintains rental logs of vendor-supplied equipment and notifies leadership when the rentals are ready to be returned to the vendor.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Essential Functions & Responsibilities for Apprentice:

  • Administers basic respiratory therapy tasks in accordance with required school validation. Processes respiratory equipment for cleaning/sterilization after patient use; cleans, calibrates, and assembles equipment in preparation for the next patient.
  • Logs, delivers, and retrieves equipment sent to Sterile Processing for cleaning.
  • Inventories, documents, and verifies availability of all life support equipment and medical gases for department operation. Stocks respiratory care equipment to ensure appropriate par levels are available. Notifies leadership when additional inventory or equipment is needed.
  • Assists ABG Lab supervisor in maintaining and troubleshooting ABG instruments. Replaces and maintains equipment set-ups in assigned areas (i.e. emergency airway carts, bronchoscopy carts) according to department guidelines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications for Respiratory Assistant:

  • High school graduate or equivalent required.
  • Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification required within 90 days of hire.
  • Experience in a patient care setting preferred.

Qualifications for Respiratory Apprentice:

  • Candidate must be enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program in their 3rd semester or higher.
  • High school graduate or equivalent required.
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification required within 90 days of hire.
  • Experience in a patient care setting preferred.

As an EOE/AA employer, the organization will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.


Required

Physical Requirements: Constant (67-100% of workday) walking, standing, use of arms and hands; frequent (34-66% of workday) bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting; ability to lift 35 lbs.; ability to push and pull 20 lbs.; auditory and visual skills to include color determination; ability to work in confined spaces; ability to reach above/overhead.

Mental Requirements: Possesses critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to multi-task. Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team. Capacity to cope with difficult situations. Ability to tolerate irregular hours including evenings, nights, and weekends.

Environmental Requirements and Exposure Hazards: Potential risk of exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals. Potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens; must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

*Clinical positions in Mary Washington Home Health and/or Hospice must also meet driving requirements.

"It is the policy of Mary Washington Healthcare to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability who are applicants for employment or Associates."

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