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Respiratory System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... system of the patient. 3. Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning in order to loosen and mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs to clear ...

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... respiratory system of the patient. • Thoroughly explains to each patient the procedure about to ... be performed; relaxes and assures patient to ensure cooperation and compliance. • Always verifies ...

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Respiratory System information

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$17

$43

$72

How much do respiratory system jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory system in the United States is $43.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.29 and $53.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who gets paid more, RN or RT?

Registered Nurses (RNs) generally earn higher salaries than Respiratory Therapists (RTs), with RNs often having higher average annual wages due to broader responsibilities and required education. RTs typically earn less but may have shorter training programs and work primarily in respiratory care settings such as hospitals and clinics.

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

To thrive as a Respiratory Therapist, you need a comprehensive understanding of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, and disease management, typically supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy and state licensure (often requiring the NBRC’s RRT credential). Familiarity with mechanical ventilators, pulmonary function testing equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is crucial for daily practice. Strong communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you provide effective patient care and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring proper treatment of patients with breathing disorders and improving overall patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by respiratory therapists when working with critically ill patients?

Respiratory therapists working with critically ill patients often encounter challenges such as managing complex ventilator settings, responding quickly to sudden changes in a patient's condition, and coordinating care with physicians and nurses. Communication and adaptability are essential, as these patients may require rapid interventions and frequent adjustments to their treatment plans. Additionally, respiratory therapists must stay current with evolving technology and protocols to ensure the highest standard of care.

What jobs can you get with a respiratory degree?

A respiratory degree prepares individuals for roles such as respiratory therapist, where they assess and treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. These professionals typically work in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare settings and may require certification or licensing depending on the region.

What is the difference between Respiratory System vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectRespiratory SystemRespiratory Therapist
RoleBody system responsible for breathing and gas exchangeHealthcare professional diagnosing and treating breathing disorders
CredentialsNoneCertification and licensing required (e.g., RRT)
Work EnvironmentHuman body, medical settings, educational materialsHospitals, clinics, respiratory care centers
Industry UsageBiology, anatomy, healthcare educationHealthcare, medical services

The respiratory system is a body part involved in breathing, while a respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional specializing in treating breathing issues. The respiratory system is a biological system, whereas respiratory therapists work in medical settings to diagnose and manage respiratory conditions.

What jobs does the respiratory system do?

The respiratory system is responsible for facilitating gas exchange, supplying oxygen to the blood, and removing carbon dioxide from the body. Jobs related to this system include respiratory therapists, pulmonologists, and respiratory technicians, who work in healthcare settings to diagnose and treat breathing disorders. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and knowledge of respiratory equipment and anatomy.

What are respiratory system specialists?

Respiratory system specialists, often called pulmonologists, are medical professionals who diagnose and treat diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory tract. They manage illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other breathing disorders. These specialists may perform diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans to help patients improve their lung function and overall respiratory health.

Is respiratory a good career?

A career in respiratory therapy involves assisting patients with breathing issues, often requiring certification and knowledge of medical equipment. It offers stable employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare settings, with a typical work schedule that may include shifts and on-call hours.
More about Respiratory System jobs
What cities are hiring for Respiratory System jobs? Cities with the most Respiratory System job openings:
What states have the most Respiratory System jobs? States with the most job openings for Respiratory System jobs include:
Infographic showing various Respiratory System job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,915 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Respiratory Therapist - Alameda

Respiratory Therapist - Alameda

Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center

Alameda, CA • On-site

$41 - $45/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

General Purpose:

The Respiratory Therapist performs the duties and tasks of a respiratory care practitioner with special emphasis on long term care. Upon the request of the physician, sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Explains purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to the resident and authorized care givers and/or family members.

Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of residents in the adult and geriatric states of development.

Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policies for making appropriate referral/interventions.

Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operation Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) Machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gases, humidity, and various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the resident.

Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory systems.

With appropriate authorizations, performs arterial puncture, operates blood gas analyzer measuring and determining the acid base balance efficiency of ventilation, and metabolism of the respiratory system.

Sets up, operates and monitors ventilators when resident's respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation.

Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

Performs pulmonary function studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system,

Records all pertinent information of treatments and resident response to treatments on respiratory care records and resident chart.

Reports treatment to be conducted and conditions of residents to relief personnel.

Processes respiratory care equipment - cleaning, sterilizing, and packaging as required.

Performs preventative maintenance and repair of equipment as needed.

Makes regular rounds - checking resident's oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spot checking other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis.

Participates in the Hazardous Material Program as may be required. Hazards include exposure to blood and other bodily fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual.

Participates in QI activities as requested.

Must have time management skills to provide care in a timely manner.

Understands the unique qualities and works well within our guidelines in reference to all paperwork and supportive documentation.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a complete or detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Additional lob Requirements:

All duties of a Respiratory Care Provider.

Maintain shift coverage in the event that you cannot honor a scheduled shift. In the event no coverage can be obtained, the respiratory therapist is required to honor the scheduled shift.

Review and sign all In-service education as conducted.

Maintenance of Respiratory Therapy license & CPR cards and continued education.

Attend IDT meetings as required.

Collect data as requested.

Maintain respiratory logs, forms and controls as required and as requested.

Communicate deficiencies in Respiratory Supply Management to supervisor.

Other duties as assigned and as required

Minimum Qualifications:

Current California Respiratory License. Credentialed by the NBRC

Basic Life Support Certification. ACLS preferred.

Must be able to work under stress and in emergency situations.

Must be able to work under conditions that require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pulling, pushing, lifting and grasping.

Visual acuity is required to observe details of instruments required for life support

Must be able to drive and travel as necessary.

Must be proficient in basic computer use and Microsoft Office software applications.

Minimum of one (1) year paid respiratory experience in an acute and/or subacute unit preferred.

Physical Demands

• Occasional bending, squatting, reaching and lifting.

• Fine manipulation of repetitive grasping, pushing and pulling.

• Specific vision abilities required by job include distance and peripheral vision.