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Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapist

New Bedford, MA · On-site

$33.39 - $52.22/hr

Respiratory Therapist Join Southcoast Health, where your future is as promising as the care we provide. Our commitment to each other, our patients, and our community is more than a mission - it's our ...

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapist

Fall River, MA · On-site

$33.39 - $52.22/hr

Respiratory Therapist Join Southcoast Health, where your future is as promising as the care we provide. Our commitment to each other, our patients, and our community is more than a mission - it's our ...

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapist

Hazard, KY · On-site

Responsible for the set-up, safety check, monitoring, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators in collaboration with a respiratory therapist. Familiar with CPAP and BIPAP set-up and ...

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How much do respiratory therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory therapist 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.

What does a respiratory therapist do?

Respiratory therapists are medical workers and typically work in a hospital or similar healthcare facility setting. They care for patients with emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, chest trauma, and cardiac failure. When working with patients, they conduct an examination to gain an understanding of any existing breathing issues that the patient may have. This examination may be as simple as a conversation-style interview, or it may be slightly more in-depth with various diagnostic tests. Once they have an understanding of the potential respiratory issues or risks, the respiratory therapist works with a physician to develop a patient treatment plan. Similar to other medical professionals, respiratory therapists are expected to work with their patients throughout the entire treatment process: monitoring, recording, and evaluating their progress.

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 solid understanding of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic procedures, usually supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy and valid state licensure (such as CRT or RRT certification). Familiarity with ventilators, pulmonary function testing equipment, and electronic medical records is crucial. Strong communication, compassion, and problem-solving skills help in educating patients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These competencies are vital for delivering effective respiratory care, ensuring patient safety, and improving clinical outcomes.

What are some common challenges respiratory therapists face when working in acute care settings?

Respiratory Therapists in acute care environments often manage high patient volumes and must make quick, critical decisions, especially in emergency situations. They regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians and nurses, to deliver rapid interventions for patients with severe respiratory distress. Adapting to rapidly changing patient conditions and maintaining accuracy under pressure are key challenges, but these situations also offer valuable opportunities to develop advanced clinical and teamwork skills.

What is the difference between Respiratory Therapist vs Cardiopulmonary Therapist?

AspectRespiratory TherapistCardiopulmonary Therapist
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy, licensureSimilar credentials, often the same certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, home careHospitals, rehab centers, outpatient clinics
Industry UsageHealthcare, respiratory careCardiopulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory care

Respiratory Therapists and Cardiopulmonary Therapists often share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on respiratory and cardiopulmonary health. While their roles overlap, Respiratory Therapists primarily manage breathing disorders, whereas Cardiopulmonary Therapists may focus more on rehabilitation and cardiac-related respiratory issues.

Is becoming a respiratory therapist worth it?

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in healthcare by assessing and treating patients with breathing disorders, often working in hospitals and clinics. The profession requires specialized training and certification, with job growth driven by an aging population and increased respiratory illnesses. It can offer a stable career with opportunities for advancement and specialization.
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Respiratory Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Respiratory Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,915 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapy

Paintsville, KY • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the administration of services offered by the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Full time Day Shift

Responsibilities
  • Reads physician's orders to determine requirements for treatment.
  • Upon the request of a physician provides assessment of the patient and recommends appropriate respiratory care.
  • Takes and records pulse rate, respiratory rate, and breath sounds when patient is being treated.
  • Prepares patient for procedures and/or treatment by explaining treatment and/or procedures.
  • Delivers prescribed procedure and/or treatment to the patient.
  • Observes patient during treatments or procedures and monitors equipment to assure that proper function to maximize patient safety.
  • Notifies nursing department or physician of adverse reactions to treatment and documents reaction in patient's chart.
  • Prepares and maintains patient chart per departmental policy.
  • Inspects and tests all equipment prior to use.
  • Teaches in an in-service capacity.
  • Participates in Quality Assessment and Improvement for the Respiratory Therapy Department.
  • Orders medications, supplies and equipment.
  • Responds to all "Code Blues" to assist Medical personnel by administering urgent respiratory therapy.
  • Assigns cases to Respiratory Technicians and assures that procedures are performed in an efficient manner and per policy. Evaluates procedures and methods of Technicians.
  • Orients new Respiratory Technicians.
  • Interviews applicants and recommends hiring, promotion, disciplining, and termination of Respiratory Therapy Technicians.
  • Solves technical problems and answer questions for Respiratory Therapy Technicians.
  • Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy.

Certified by American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

Supervisory experience in Respiratory Therapy preferred.

POSITION PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess the physical ability needed to exert 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. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for light work.

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