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Respiratory Care Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Respiratory Care Assistant information

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How much do respiratory care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory care 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 a respiratory care assistant?

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Respiratory Care Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Respiratory Care Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Respiratory Care Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Respiratory Care Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Respiratory Care Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,856 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Respiratory Care Practitioner (Respiratory Therapist)

Community Extended Care Hospital of Montclair

Montclair, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Respiratory Therapist (RCP) – Subacute Care

Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
Location: Montclair, California
Pay: $ 32-37 per hour, depending on experience
Shift: Day / Night shifts available

Full Job Description

We are seeking a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) to join our subacute healthcare team at Community Extended Care Hospital of Montclair. The Respiratory Therapist will provide high-quality respiratory care to medically complex and chronically ill patients, including patients requiring oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, and mechanical ventilation.

The ideal candidate is dependable, compassionate, clinically knowledgeable, and comfortable working as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Responsibilities
  • Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments and monitor patient respiratory status.

  • Administer prescribed respiratory treatments and medications.

  • Provide oxygen therapy and aerosol/nebulizer treatments.

  • Perform tracheostomy care, suctioning, and airway management.

  • Monitor and manage mechanical ventilators according to physician orders and facility protocols.

  • Assist with ventilator weaning and respiratory care plans.

  • Respond promptly to respiratory distress and emergency situations.

  • Monitor oxygen saturation and other respiratory parameters.

  • Maintain and troubleshoot respiratory equipment.

  • Communicate changes in patient condition to nursing staff and physicians.

  • Educate patients and families regarding respiratory treatments and equipment.

  • Accurately document assessments, treatments, interventions, and patient responses.

  • Follow infection-control, safety, and facility policies.

  • Participate in interdisciplinary care planning.

Qualifications
  • Current California Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license.

  • Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.

  • Current BLS certification.

  • Previous experience in subacute, SNF, LTACH, acute care, or ventilator settings preferred.

  • Experience with tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent patients preferred.

  • Strong assessment, communication, and critical-thinking skills.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with nursing and medical staff.

Benefits
  • Competitive hourly pay

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off

  • 401(k)

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Opportunities for overtime

  • Supportive interdisciplinary work environment

Why Join Us?

Join a team dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals with complex respiratory and medical needs. This position offers an opportunity to build strong clinical skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of subacute patients.

Apply today to join our Respiratory Therapy team!

Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is subject to applicable California licensing, credentialing, and facility requirements.