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Respiratory Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Respiratory Instructor information

What is a respiratory instructor?

Respiratory Instructors are professionals who teach and train students or healthcare staff in respiratory care practices, techniques, and equipment usage. They often work in educational institutions, hospitals, or clinical settings, providing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on instruction. Their role includes developing curricula, conducting lectures, supervising clinical training, and ensuring that students meet the standards required for respiratory therapy certification. Respiratory Instructors play a crucial part in preparing the next generation of respiratory therapists to deliver high-quality patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a respiratory instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Respiratory Instructor, you need a solid background in respiratory therapy, clinical experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree along with appropriate licensure or credentialing such as RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist). Familiarity with simulation labs, respiratory care equipment, and educational technologies is often required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help engage and guide students effectively. These competencies ensure instructors can deliver high-quality education, foster student success, and maintain up-to-date clinical standards in respiratory care.

What are some common challenges faced by respiratory instructors when training new students?

Respiratory Instructors often encounter the challenge of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical skills for their students. Balancing classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, as students may progress at different rates. Additionally, instructors need to stay updated on the latest advances in respiratory care and integrate new technologies or protocols into their curriculum to ensure students are well-prepared for the evolving healthcare environment.

What is the difference between Respiratory Instructor vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectRespiratory InstructorRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a respiratory therapy license and teaching certificationRequires a respiratory therapy license and possibly advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, classrooms, labsHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, vocational schoolsHospitals, outpatient clinics, healthcare providers
Primary FocusTeaching respiratory therapy skills and knowledgeProviding patient care and respiratory treatments

While both roles require respiratory therapy credentials, Respiratory Instructors focus on education and training students, whereas Respiratory Therapists provide direct patient care in clinical settings. The two roles complement each other within the respiratory care industry but serve different functions.

Infographic showing various Respiratory Instructor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Respiratory Therapy Instructor (Program Director)

Northland Community & Technical College

North Mankato, MN • On-site

$43K - $71K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Respiratory Therapy Instructor (Program Director)

South Central College is accepting applications for an Unlimited, Full-Time Respiratory Therapy Instructor/Program Director position. We are seeking an instructor dedicated to excellence in teaching who desires being part of a creative, vibrant, student-centered learning community.

The successful candidate will be responsible for classroom instruction. He/she will be expected to work as a team member in maintaining a learning environment that meets the educational requirements of the post-secondary student.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Associate's degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program.
  • Four full-time years (or equivalent) of verified related paid work experience as a registered respiratory therapist.
  • One year of this work experience shall be within the five years immediately preceding the date of application for the credential field. The recency requirement shall be waived if the individual has two years of successful full-time (or equivalent) postsecondary teaching experience in the credential field within the last five years.
  • Current Minnesota RRT license (Minnesota Board of Medical Practice) and current CPR instructor certification

Salary:

Unlimited faculty are initial salary placed by column and step on the MSCF contract salary schedule. The annual salary for the academic year range is $43,067 - $71,893. Depending on the position, faculty can be granted an additional 2.5 percent differential to their base salary.

The column is determined by the level of degree the faculty member holds and the step is determined by the number of full-time years of related previous experience in the credential field they have acquired.

After initial salary placement, faculty are provided contractual increases.

Benefits:

The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefit package, including health, dental, and life insurance, a robust retirement program, tuition waiver for employee and dependents, and professional development funds, among a variety of other benefits.

Desired Start Date: 08-17-2026

Position End Date: Open Date: 05-18-2026

Close Date: 08-17-2026

Posting Contact Name: Anna M Schonborn

Posting Contact Email: anna.schonborn@southcentral.edu