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Respiratory Care Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Troy - Casual/PRN About the Unit Our Respiratory Care Department is dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory therapy services to patients of all ages. Our team of skilled respiratory ...

Provide care to patients with acute and chronic illness under the supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist; Follow the patient care plan as developed by the respiratory therapist, adhering ...

Under the supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist, provides care to patients with acute and chronic illness by administering various therapeutic modalities and by providing reinforcement ...

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Respiratory Care Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$9

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How much do respiratory care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory care assistant in Michigan is $12.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $12.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Respiratory Care jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Respiratory Care jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Respiratory Care Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Respiratory Care Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Respiratory Care Assistant job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $26,614 per year, or $12.8 per hour.
Respiratory Care Assistant

Respiratory Care Assistant

MyMichigan Health

Clare, MI • On-site

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago


MyMichigan Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

594th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Summary
This position performs all routine respiratory care modalities, sets up or changes all oxygen equipment, participates at codes and stat calls and performs other shift related duties as assigned or needed.
Responsibilities
(60%)* Administers medications and treatments based on patient outcomes, under appropriate supervision. (20%)* Completes training and demonstrates proficiency in all competencies, age-specific or otherwise, that are required of practitioners who are delivering patient services.
(20%)* Performs basic respiratory care techniques such as:
Inhaled medication therapy Sputum inductions
Aerosol and oxygen therapy
Analysis of blood gases and electrolytes from arterial/venous samples Calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzers Basic ventilatory parameters
Performs sterile intratracheal aspiration
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Stocks and maintains designated areas with appropriate respiratory care equipment.
Set up and testing of equipment such as ventilators, bipaps, nitric oxide delivery machines, intubation and resuscitation trays and other medical devices.
Set up or makes changes to oxygen equipment, and performs oxygen rounds. Monitors, records, and communicates patients condition to therapy.
Responds to codes and STAT calls, performs CPR, and maintains airway as needed. Provides patient education for diseases, medications, and treatment.
Performs special diagnostic modalities such as oximetries and ABG analysis.
Able to deliver and instruct incentive spirometers, and Coronets for CPT therapy (chest physiotherapy). Maintains accurate records and assures quality care.
Is responsible for learning new technical devices and clinical procedures when applicable.
Follows procedures for accurate and complete entries on medical-legal documents and the patient's electronic medical record.
Attends shift and general staff meetings.
Other duties as assigned.
Certifications and Licensures
Credential:BLS: Basic Life Support
Equivalent Experience: Within one month of hire or transfer into the position
Qualification Source: AHA
Essential: true
Required Education
Education: HIGH
Equivalent Experience: Enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care Program.Must have one semester of Respiratory clinical completed.
Education Specialization:
Essential: true
Other Information
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:
Enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care Program
Must have one semester of Respiratory clinical completed.
Active membership in the AARC and MSRC is preferred.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.

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