Respiratory managers oversee the respiratory therapy department for a hospital or other healthcare facility. As a respiratory manager, you must be certified as a respiratory therapist yourself and have five or more years of work experience. Your responsibilities revolve around making sure department operations are running smoothly, in compliance with all regulations and policies. Your everyday duties involve hiring and training therapists and other staff members, monitoring the budget, and ensuring that patients receive excellent care. While you are not conducting the medical procedures yourself, your background as a therapist ensures you have the skills and expertise to supervise and correct your staff. The qualifications needed for a career as a respiratory manager include a bachelor’s degree and an active certification from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).