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Respiratory Care Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

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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 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory care assistant in Rochester, NY is $14.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $14.47 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 cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Respiratory Care Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Respiratory Care Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Respiratory Care Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,127 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Respiratory Therapist - Massena Hospital

Rochester Regional Health

Rochester, NY • On-site

$36.13 - $53.60/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist
Department: Respiratory Therapy
Location: Massena Hospital, 1 Hospital Dr, Massena, NY 13662
Hours Per Week: 40
Schedule: 12-hour shift, 7a - 7p; every other weekend rotation
SUMMARY:
Assists the Director of Respiratory Services and other hospital personnel in assuring continuity of quality respiratory care. The therapist is called on to use their knowledge to assess patients and assists in developing appropriate care plans. Respiratory staff will address adverse reactions to therapy or medications. Staff will address all patient respiratory needs including respiratory distress or failure and utilize skills, initiative and independent judgement to assist in critical situations. Authorized to accept verbal and telephone orders from physicians for respiratory care. Responsible to assure that quality respiratory care is delivered to all patients as per orders and/or schedule. Staff performs all aspects of Respiratory Care in accordance to department policies and procedures. Staff may plan and provide Respiratory Care in-service programs to hospital staff as needed. Staff must be flexible with their schedule and may be required to work variable shifts, weekends and holidays.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Reviews and evaluates existing data in the patient record including patient history, physical exam, current vital signs, admission and current respiratory care orders for each patient assigned.
  • Reviews and evaluates other pertinent data, such as blood gas and other laboratory results, hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiogram, and radiology study reports, specific to each patient assigned.
  • Advises providers on appropriate respiratory care procedure and techniques for a given patient care situation.
  • Selects, assembles, and checks respiratory care equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness.
  • Recommends, conducts and documents prescribed therapeutic procedure of all types, including medication administration, airway care, bronchial hygiene, oxygen and aerosol therapy, ventilator initiation, management and extubation procedure.
  • Monitors and documents all pertinent clinical parameters and assessments on all assigned patients according to departmental policies and procedures.
  • Modifies treatment techniques based on patient response.
  • Provides and documents patient education for therapeutic procedures performed.
  • Initiates and updates respiratory care plan for all patients per department policy and procedure as applicable.
  • Works collaboratively with other members of the health care team to implement the plan of care, to include accepting physician orders.
  • Maintains ACLS certification and initiates optimum emergency resuscitation procedures.
  • Communicates information regarding patient's clinical status to appropriate members of health care team according to departmental policies and procedures.
  • Participates in the instruction and orientation of Respiratory Care team members, students, and other allied health professionals in methods of administration of respiratory care.
  • May be required to go on patient transports, in house, as well as, to other facilities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Graduate of American Medical Association approved two-year Respiratory school.
  • Current NYS Respiratory Therapist or Certified Respiratory Technician license from NYS Department of Education
  • Current AHA BLS certification at hire
  • AHA ACLS, PALS and NRP must be obtained within 6 months of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor degree in Respiratory Care
  • RPFT qualification
  • CCRP certification Clinical experience in general respiratory therapies
  • Critical and emergent respiratory therapies as one would receive in an approved two-year school.

UNION:
CSEA (MH)
Note: Not all per diem roles are union eligible
EDUCATION:
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.
For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.
Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.
PAY RANGE:
$36.13 - $53.60
The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.
Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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