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Respiratory Therapy Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U5334

Respiratory Therapy Extern, PRN

Dallas, TX

... a Registered Respiratory Therapist who holds a Texas state license as a Respiratory Care ... The Extern will receive competency assessments until the assigned preceptor determines the trainee ...

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How much do respiratory therapy trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 is a respiratory therapy trainee?

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 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.

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 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.

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Respiratory Therapy Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Respiratory Therapy Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,915 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Respiratory Therapy Extern, PRN

Dallas, TX • On-site

867360 - Respiratory Therapy - CUH
See more jobs at 867360 - Respiratory Therapy - CUHexternal

Part-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report , we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
The Respiratory Student Extern will provide respiratory care to patients with deficiencies and/or abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system under the supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist who holds a Texas state license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. The UT Southwestern RT Externship Program is open to students who are enrolled in an accredited respiratory care baccalaureate or associate degree program, classified as a senior semester student.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
  • Education
    Transcript (most recent-unofficial) 3.0 GPA and
    Letter of recommendation from a clinical instructor and
    Completed online application
  • Experience
    Resume showing all work experience, involvement in professional organizations, and history of volunteerism
  • Licenses and Certifications
    (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) Upon Hire
JOB DUTIES
  • The Extern will receive competency assessments until the assigned preceptor determines the trainee competent to perform specific respiratory care functions independently and in accordance with the safe practice and patient care safety standards of UTSW Medical Center.
  • Perform routine respiratory care activities, which include aerosol therapy, MDI, DPI, airway clearance, lung expansion therapy, oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, patient education, set up and operate various types of equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases and/or illnesses.
  • Report any changes in patient's condition or behavior immediately to their assigned preceptor, respiratory campus supervisor or assistant manager.
  • Request assistance/guidance as needed to ensure that patient care is delivered in a safe, high quality and effective manner at all times.
  • Responds to patient requests for assistance in respectful, positive and timely manner.
  • Documents patient information accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Assumes accountability for all actions in the workplace and reports errors promptly.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality when faced with questions from visitors or the public.
  • Coordinates schedules to seek opportunities to learn and demonstrate knowledge.
  • Utilizes downtime to assist respiratory therapists and medical staff in providing patient care.
  • Performs other duties as requested.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

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