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Respiratory Therapy Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Trainee - Respiratory Care role works under the direction of the Manager of Respiratory Care, the Charge Therapists and the Respiratory Therapists in providing all medically sanctioned ...

The Trainee - Respiratory Care role works under the direction of the Manager of Respiratory Care, the Charge Therapists and the Respiratory Therapists in providing all medically sanctioned ...

Inspect and test respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it is functioning safely and efficiently * Order repairs when needed * Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees * Perform staff ...

Inspect and test respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it is functioning safely and efficiently * Order repairs when needed * Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees * Perform staff ...

Inspect and test respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it is functioning safely and efficiently * Order repairs when needed * Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees * Perform staff ...

Inspect and test respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it is functioning safely and efficiently * Order repairs when needed * Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees * Perform staff ...

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Respiratory Therapy Trainee information

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$17

$43

$72

How much do respiratory therapy trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for respiratory therapy trainee 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 are Respiratory Therapy Trainees?

Respiratory Therapy Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning and gaining hands-on experience in the field of respiratory therapy, typically under the supervision of licensed respiratory therapists. They assist with assessing, treating, and caring for patients who have breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Trainees often work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings while completing their education and clinical requirements. Their role is essential in preparing them for certification and a career as a licensed respiratory therapist.

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

AspectRespiratory Therapy TraineeRespiratory Therapist
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently completed respiratory therapy education programsLicensed and certified respiratory care professionals
Work EnvironmentUnder supervision, assisting in clinical settings such as hospitals or clinicsIndependent practitioners providing patient care
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning procedures, assisting with patient care, gaining hands-on experiencePerforming respiratory assessments, administering treatments, managing ventilators

The main difference is that Respiratory Therapy Trainees are in training or gaining experience under supervision, while Respiratory Therapists are fully licensed professionals responsible for patient care. Trainees are in the learning phase, whereas Respiratory Therapists operate independently with certification.

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

To thrive as a Respiratory Therapy Trainee, you need foundational knowledge in human anatomy, respiratory care principles, and basic patient assessment, often supported by enrollment in or completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program. Familiarity with respiratory equipment such as ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and medical charting software is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to provide safe, effective care for patients with respiratory conditions and to ensure successful teamwork in clinical environments.

What types of hands-on experiences can a Respiratory Therapy Trainee expect during their training period?

As a Respiratory Therapy Trainee, you will gain practical experience by working under the supervision of licensed respiratory therapists in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics. Your daily activities may include administering breathing treatments, learning to operate respiratory equipment, assisting with patient assessments, and participating in emergency response situations. Trainees often rotate through different departments, such as intensive care and emergency rooms, to develop a broad skill set. This hands-on approach helps you build confidence and competence before assuming full responsibilities as a certified therapist.
More about Respiratory Therapy Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Respiratory Therapy Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Respiratory Therapy Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Respiratory Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Respiratory Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Respiratory Therapy Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Respiratory Therapy Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Respiratory Therapy Trainee 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 Trainee (Part-time)

Pennsylvania Medicine

Lancaster, PA โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.
Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?
Respiratory Therapist Trainee/Part-time/Must be a student in Respiratory Therapy Program
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Respiratory Therapy Trainee (RTT) role provides students enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program with exposure to the inpatient hospital environment at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. This flexible, part-time position accommodates academic schedules. RTTs must maintain good academic standing and are not permitted to perform direct patient care.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
โ€ข Responsible for cylinders, equipment, portable oxygen, supplies to and from designated areas.
โ€ข Performs equipment rounds and ensures availability of equipment on units.
โ€ข Transports dirty equipment back to department soiled utility room.
โ€ข Disassembles, cleans, processes, re-assembles, and tests equipment for operation.
โ€ข Checks expiration dates of supplies.
โ€ข Provides minor preventative and corrective maintenance on equipment, refers equipment to Clinical Engineering when necessary.
โ€ข Performs other duties in area of responsibility that may be assigned.
โ€ข Confers with respiratory care leadership regarding technical assistance and guidance on performance of QAPI activities.
โ€ข Participates in supporting the clinical education of Respiratory Therapy students as necessary.
โ€ข Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures
โ€ข Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures
โ€ข Other duties as assigned to support the unit, department, entity, and health system organization
JOB REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
โ€ข H.S. Diploma/GED
โ€ข Student in Respiratory Therapy Program
โ€ข Current Student and Actively Enrolled, must maintain good standing in RT Program
LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATES
โ€ข BLS CPR Certification within 30 days of hire.We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work
We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.