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Respiratory Therapy Student Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Advanced Respiratory Care Student shall be under the direction of a licensed Respiratory Therapist. This individual shall be responsible to provide respiratory care and services to patients.

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Respiratory Therapy Student Intern information

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$12

$29

$43

How much do respiratory therapy student intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory therapy student intern in the United States is $29.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $39.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Respiratory Therapy Student Intern, you need foundational knowledge of respiratory care principles, basic anatomy and physiology, and current enrollment in or completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program. Familiarity with spirometry, ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and electronic medical records is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for interacting with patients and supporting healthcare teams. These abilities ensure safe, effective patient care and help interns transition smoothly into professional respiratory therapy roles.

How much does a student respiratory therapist make?

A respiratory therapy student intern typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on the program, location, and level of training. Compensation may also include academic credit or stipends, and interns often work alongside licensed respiratory therapists in clinical settings to gain practical experience.

Is 22 too old for an internship?

Respiratory therapy student internships are open to individuals of various ages, including those in their early twenties. Age is generally not a barrier, as internships focus on skills, educational background, and commitment to the field. Many students pursue internships at different stages of their training to gain practical experience.

What is the difference between Respiratory Therapy Student Intern vs Respiratory Therapist?

AspectRespiratory Therapy Student InternRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsEnrolled in respiratory therapy program, no certification requiredLicensed and certified (e.g., CRT or RRT)
Work EnvironmentEducational setting, clinical rotations, hospitalsFull-time clinical and patient care settings in hospitals or clinics
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, hospitals during trainingHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities

In summary, a Respiratory Therapy Student Intern is a student gaining hands-on experience during their training, while a Respiratory Therapist is a licensed professional providing patient care. Interns work under supervision, whereas licensed therapists independently perform respiratory care duties.

What is a Respiratory Therapy Student Intern?

A Respiratory Therapy Student Intern is a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited respiratory therapy program and is gaining hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of licensed respiratory therapists. Their main responsibilities include assisting with patient assessments, learning to administer respiratory treatments, and observing various procedures related to respiratory care. This internship helps students apply classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, build practical skills, and prepare for professional certification and employment after graduation.

Is RRT harder than RN?

Respiratory Therapy Student Interns typically focus on learning respiratory care techniques and may pursue Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification, which requires passing a comprehensive exam. Registered Nurses (RNs) complete nursing programs and licensing exams, often involving broader patient care skills. The difficulty depends on individual strengths and the specific skills required for each role, but RRT certification emphasizes respiratory-specific knowledge, while RN training covers a wider range of healthcare topics.

What are some common challenges faced by Respiratory Therapy Student Interns during clinical rotations?

Respiratory Therapy Student Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced clinical settings, learning to prioritize patient care tasks, and effectively communicating with multidisciplinary teams. Balancing academic coursework with hands-on responsibilities can also be demanding. However, most clinical preceptors provide guidance and feedback to help interns develop their skills and increase their confidence in managing real-life patient scenarios.

What does a respiratory intern do?

A respiratory therapy intern assists licensed respiratory therapists by preparing equipment, observing patient care, and gaining hands-on experience in respiratory treatments and procedures. They typically work under supervision in healthcare settings, developing skills in patient assessment, airway management, and use of respiratory therapy tools. Certification or coursework in respiratory therapy is often required for internship eligibility.
More about Respiratory Therapy Student Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Respiratory Therapy Student Intern jobs? Cities with the most Respiratory Therapy Student Intern job openings:
What states have the most Respiratory Therapy Student Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Respiratory Therapy Student Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Respiratory Therapy Student Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 1% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,734 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
RESPIRATORY THERAPY INTERN - RESPIRATORY

RESPIRATORY THERAPY INTERN - RESPIRATORY

East Alabama Medical Center

Opelika, AL • On-site

Per diem

Posted 23 days ago


East Alabama Medical Center rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

554th of 1,051 rated hospitals


Job description

  • EAMC MISSION
    • At East Alabama Medical Center, our mission is high quality, compassionate health care, and that statement guides everything we do. We set high standards for customer service, quality, and keeping costs under control.
  • POSITION SUMMARY
    • The respiratory therapy student intern is responsible for performing specified, limited respiratory therapy procedures based on their completed semesters of clinical practice and under the direct clinical supervision of a licensed respiratory care practitioner.
  • POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
    • Minimum Education
      • High School., GED and/or appropriate Certification.
      • Successful completion of first semester respiratory therapy.
    • Minimum Experience
      • Successful completion of all first-year clinical rotations for respiratory therapy program.
    • Required Registration/License/Certification
      • Actively attending a Respiratory Care CoARC accredited program
    • Preferred Education
      • N/A
    • Preferred Experience
      • Clinical experience in hospital, home care or skilled nursing facility.
      • Member American Association Respiratory Care/state Society Respiratory Care.
    • Preferred Registration/License/Certification
      • BLS, ACLS
    • Other Requirements
      • N/A

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