ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Respiratory Care Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WakeMed

Respiratory Care Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As a Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) , you'll be part of a team that's deeply committed to delivering exceptional care to the patients within our community What You'll Do: As an RCA, you'll work ...

WakeMed

Respiratory Care Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As a Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) , you'll be part of a team that's deeply committed to delivering exceptional care to the patients within our community! What You'll Do: As an RCA, you'll work ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRespiratory Care JobsRespiratory Care Assistant Jobs

Respiratory Care Assistant information

See salary details

$11

$14

$17

How much do respiratory care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory care 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.

How much do RTs make?

Respiratory Care Assistants (RTs) in Virginia typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on healthcare facility, location, and demand for respiratory therapists in the region.

What does a respiratory assistant do?

A respiratory care assistant supports respiratory therapists by preparing equipment, assisting with patient assessments, and monitoring patients' breathing during treatments. They work in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics, often requiring knowledge of medical devices and patient care procedures.

What is the difference between Respiratory Care Assistant vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectRespiratory Care AssistantRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferredRequires an associate degree in respiratory therapy and licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, emergency settings, home care
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient care, basic respiratory treatments, equipment setupPerform advanced respiratory assessments, manage ventilators, develop treatment plans

The main difference between a Respiratory Care Assistant and a Respiratory Therapist lies in their education, responsibilities, and scope of practice. Respiratory Care Assistants support respiratory therapists by handling basic tasks, while respiratory therapists perform advanced assessments and treatments. Both roles are essential in respiratory care teams, but respiratory therapists have more extensive training and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Respiratory Care Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Respiratory Care Assistant, you need foundational knowledge in respiratory therapy, basic life support, and patient care, often supported by a certificate or associate degree in respiratory care or a related field. Familiarity with respiratory equipment, oxygen delivery systems, and electronic health records is typically required, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is commonly expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for effectively assisting patients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and compassionate respiratory care, directly impacting patient outcomes and team efficiency.

What are Respiratory Care Assistants?

Respiratory Care Assistants are healthcare professionals who support respiratory therapists and other medical staff in caring for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Their duties often include preparing and maintaining respiratory equipment, assisting with patient assessments, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities to help improve patient outcomes and comfort. While they do not typically perform advanced procedures, their role is essential in the overall respiratory care team.

Where do RTs make the most money?

Respiratory Care Assistants typically earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the healthcare facility type, with hospitals and specialized clinics often offering higher pay than outpatient settings.

What are some common challenges faced by Respiratory Care Assistants in a hospital setting?

Respiratory Care Assistants often work in fast-paced hospital environments where they must balance multiple patient needs and adapt to rapidly changing situations. A common challenge is managing the demands of assisting with emergency respiratory procedures while maintaining accurate documentation and equipment sanitation. Additionally, collaborating efficiently with respiratory therapists, nurses, and doctors requires strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Overcoming these challenges helps assistants develop valuable experience and can lead to increased responsibilities over time.

How long does it take to become a CRT?

To become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), individuals typically complete an associate degree in respiratory therapy, which takes about two years, followed by passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam. Some programs may offer accelerated options or require additional clinical hours, but generally, it takes around two to three years to become certified and qualified to work as a CRT.
More about Respiratory Care Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Respiratory Care Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Respiratory Care Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Respiratory Care jobs? The most popular types of Respiratory Care jobs are:
What states have the most Respiratory Care Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Respiratory Care Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Respiratory Care Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Respiratory Care Assistant jobs are:
Respiratory Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Respiratory Care Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,535 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Respiratory Care Assistant

Respiratory Care Assistant

Novant Health

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Per diem

Posted 10 hours ago

Novant Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 457 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

334th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

What We Offer
Novant Health seeks a PRN Respiratory Care Assistant at Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, NC!
  • Schedule: Flex schedule | 7am - 7pm or 7pm - 7am | PRN
  • Department: Respiratory Care - Adults
  • Location: Charlotte, NC

***Requirement: Must have completed 1st year of Respiratory Therapist Associate Degree Program and currently enrolled as a 2nd year student in the program.***
Our Respiratory Care Assistants serves as an intricate member of the healthcare team at Novant Health by establishing an authentic personalized relationship with the patient and their chosen support system. The Respiratory Care Assistant utilizes best scientific evidence and compassion to assist the patient in navigating their health journey. The Respiratory Care Assistant accepts responsibility, authority, and accountability for management and provision of care in accordance with the current policies, procedures and license.
What You'll Do
It is the responsibility of every Novant Health team member to deliver the most remarkable patient experience in every dimension, every time.
  • Our team members are part of an environment that fosters team work, team member engagement and community involvement.
  • The successful team member has a commitment to leveraging diversity and inclusion in support of quality care.
  • All Novant Health team members are responsible for fostering a safe patient environment driven by the principles of "First Do No Harm".

What We're Looking For
Education: Enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care Associate Degree program approved by the Commission on Accrediation for Respiratory Care; maintains a minimum 2.0 GPA required.
Experience: Completed 1st year of Respiratory Care Associate Degree Program. Demonstrated competencies verified by the educational institution for the procedures defined in the revised declaratory ruling by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board required.
Licensure/Certification: Registration as an RCA with the NC Respiratory Care Board required. BLS required. ACLS, PALS, NRP preferred.
Why Choose Novant Health?
At Novant Health, we believe remarkable care starts with compassion for our patients, our communities, and each other. We value belonging, courage, personal growth, and teamwork, creating a space where everyone is respected, supported, and safe to show up as their full selves.
Job Opening ID
173649

What Novant Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Novant Health logo

About Novant Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Novant Health is a not-for-profit integrated system of 16 medical centers and more than 1,900 physicians in over 800 locations, as well as numerous outpatient surgery centers, medical plazas, rehabilitation programs, diagnostic imaging centers and community health outreach programs. Novant Health's more than 36,000 team members and physician partners care for patients and communities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Winston-Salem, NC, US

Year founded

1997

View All Novant Health Jobs

Apply