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Respiratory Therapy Instructor Jobs in Madison, WI

Respiratory Therapy Instructor information

See Madison, WI salary details

$33

$41

$47

How much do respiratory therapy instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory therapy instructor in Madison, WI is $41.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.47 and $42.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a respiratory therapy instructor do?

A Respiratory Therapy Instructor is a healthcare educator who teaches students the knowledge and practical skills needed to become respiratory therapists. They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, supervise clinical practice, and evaluate student progress. Instructors stay updated on the latest advancements in respiratory care to provide accurate and relevant training. They also ensure students are prepared to pass certification exams and meet licensing requirements.

What does a respiratory therapy instructor do?

As a respiratory therapy (RT) instructor, you teach students at the university level in a classroom setting and provide an organized curriculum either given by the school or designed by you. Some positions are adjunct, which means you are not a full-time professor. While adjunct positions do not require a Ph.D., you typically need extensive experience in the field. Your job duties include providing a curriculum that covers the primary responsibilities of a respiratory therapist. You must demonstrate various tasks related to the respiratory care of patients diagnosed with pulmonary dysfunction. You should have an understanding of the career paths of your students, providing them with valuable professional information. You evaluate their progress throughout the class and make adjustments as needed to ensure everyone learns the required material.

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

To thrive as a Respiratory Therapy Instructor, you need a solid background in respiratory therapy, a relevant degree (often a bachelor's or higher), and valid licensure or credentials such as RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist). Familiarity with simulation equipment, electronic health records, and learning management systems is important for effective teaching and assessment. Exceptional communication, patience, and mentorship abilities help motivate students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure students are well-prepared for clinical practice and meet professional standards.

What are some common challenges faced by respiratory therapy instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Respiratory Therapy Instructors often face the challenge of keeping course content current with rapidly evolving healthcare standards and technology. Additionally, balancing hands-on clinical training with theoretical instruction can be demanding, especially when accommodating students with varying skill levels. To address these challenges, instructors frequently participate in professional development and collaborate closely with clinical partners to ensure students receive up-to-date, practical experience. Building strong communication and mentorship skills also helps create a supportive learning environment and fosters student success.

What is the difference between Respiratory Therapy Instructor vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectRespiratory Therapy InstructorRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsRegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), teaching certificationRegistered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, classrooms, labsHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, colleges, technical schoolsHospitals, outpatient clinics, healthcare providers

In summary, a Respiratory Therapy Instructor primarily teaches students in educational settings and requires teaching credentials, while a Respiratory Therapist works directly with patients in healthcare environments. Both roles require respiratory therapy credentials, but their work focuses differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Respiratory Therapy Instructor job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,838 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Respiratory Therapy Instructor (LTE)

Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, WI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Respiratory Therapy Instructor

The Respiratory Therapy Instructor teaches credit courses within the Respiratory Therapy (RT) Associate Applied Science (AAS) degree program on the Beloit-Janesville Campus. The instructor will develop a WTCS-aligned curriculum and teach courses utilizing the Learning Management System, Blackboard Ultra. The instructor is responsible for providing an active learning environment to enable students to demonstrate course competencies. The instructor creates a student-centered learning environment that places learning at the center of educational experiences, while developing an environment that is respectful of diversity.

The instructor will serve as Director of Clinical Education (DCE) as required by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Responsibilities include meeting and maintaining program accreditation requirements, systematic review of program effectiveness among didactic, laboratory and clinical components, student recruitment, committee assignments and serving as a liaison with health care facilities.

This instructional position is posted in advance of the anticipated start date for the purpose of appointing an individual in Fall 2026 in accordance with accreditation requirements. The start date of the position is January 2027 when the first program cohort will begin instruction.

Instructional position is funded through a grant, with anticipated funding through May 2031.

This position will be open until filled. After this date, the recruitment may close without further notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

Instructional Duties:

  • Plan, prepare, and deliver online instruction and facilitate student's learning within assigned courses.
  • Prepare and present live and/or live recorded student interaction content at least weekly to develop and nurture the student/instructor relationship.
  • Perform academic responsibilities consistent with the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and with institutional policy.
  • Engage in ongoing student learning assessment to determine the effectiveness of instruction and curriculum.
  • Create a classroom environment that respects diversity and demonstrates a commitment to multiculturalism.
  • Maintain accurate student records and reports as requested by administrative offices.
  • Support students as a mentor, while referring to college support areas to ensure student success.
  • Remain current on best practices in the teaching field so that instruction is delivered in a variety of methods, use the latest supportive technology, and utilize alternative delivery methods.
  • Manage students and course content adeptly in LMS Blackboard Ultra.
  • Prepare and update course syllabi (using BTC guidelines) for each course taught.
  • Participate in professional development activities and serve on college improvement teams and college-wide committees as appropriate.
  • Attend advisory and departmental meetings.
  • Assist in the enforcement of college regulations and report student conduct violations to college administration.
  • Meet weekly office hours and other duties required to meet student, employer, and college needs.
  • Meet Wisconsin Technical College System professional development requirements through the Faculty Quality Assurance System (FQAS).
  • Maintain clinical and educational competencies in area of instruction.

Director of Clinical Education Responsibilities

The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) manages clinical relationships and promotes teaching excellence to maximize student success. The DCE must work with the PD to ensure that student clinical exposures are coordinated with their didactic and laboratory education. Duties include:

  • Communication between the program and affiliated professional practice sites including student placement, programmatic policies and procedures, programmatic changes, assessment of student performance, and dissemination of a clinical education manual.
  • Develop clinical site opportunities to ensure student needs are met.
  • Collaborate with Professional Practice Experience (PPE) facility supervisors to promote, coordinate, plan, and ensure adequate on-site mentorship and guidance.
  • Mentor PPE facility supervisors on their roles and responsibilities related to student education and provide resources as needed.
Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Strong communication, organization, interpersonal, problem-solving, and counseling skills.
  • Current knowledge and skill in the use of information and computer technology.
  • Ability to work with students with special needs based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.)
  • Ability to meet the faculty requirements as stated in the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) standards.
  • Able to initiate, administer, assess, and document health science education programs.
  • Able to work independently and coordinate work with colleagues and peers.
  • Ability to travel for clinical coordination as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy or a related health science field. BTC may consider candidates with Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy with a plan to obtain Bachelor's Degree as condition of employment offer.
  • Must hold a valid Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) credential and current state license.
  • Four (4) years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist with at least two (2) years in clinical respiratory care.
  • Two (2) years of experience teaching either as an appointed faculty member in a CoARC accredited respiratory care program, or as a clinical instructor/preceptor for students of such programs.
  • Complete the CoARC Key Personnel Training Program within 24 months of hire.

Blackhawk Technical College does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.