Respiratory Therapist Job Description Guide for Recruiters

To attract top-tier talent, recruiters must have a comprehensive job description that clearly outlines the qualifications, responsibilities, and skills required for a respiratory therapist. This not only helps in filtering suitable candidates but also ensures that new hires possess the expertise needed to deliver life-saving care. In this guide, we'll break down the key components of a compelling respiratory therapist job description so you can streamline your recruitment process and secure the best talent for your team.

What Is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing and treating breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with patients of all ages, providing care through oxygen therapy, managing ventilators, conducting pulmonary tests, and offering respiratory health education. They operate in settings such as hospitals and clinics, using their expertise in anatomy and critical care to enhance patients' breathing and quality of life.

Where to Find Them?

• Community Colleges with Respiratory Therapy Programs: Tarrant County College (Texas), Pima Medical Institute, Gwinnett Technical College (Georgia), Valencia College (Florida), Montgomery College (Maryland), San Joaquin Valley College (California)
• Professional Organizations & Networks: American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), State Respiratory Care Societies
• Healthcare Staffing Agencies: AMN Healthcare, Cross Country Healthcare, Aya Healthcare, Medical Solutions, Supplemental Health Care, FlexCare Medical Staffing
• Job Boards & Platforms: HealthJobsNationwide.com, AlliedTravelCareers.com, RespiratoryCareJobs.com
• Major health systems: Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic

Respiratory Therapist Job Description

We are seeking a licensed respiratory therapist to provide comprehensive respiratory care services to patients across various clinical settings. The successful candidate will assess, treat, and manage patients with breathing disorders, operate life-support equipment, and collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to deliver optimal patient outcomes.

Respiratory Therapist Responsibilities

Patient Care & Assessment

• Conduct patient assessments, including vital signs, breath sounds, and respiratory status evaluation
• Perform arterial blood gas analysis and interpret results for treatment planning
• Administer oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, and breathing treatments
• Monitor and adjust mechanical ventilators for critically ill patients

Clinical Procedures

• Perform pulmonary function tests and sleep studies
• Conduct chest physiotherapy and airway clearance techniques
• Manage tracheostomy care and suctioning procedures
• Assist with intubation and emergency respiratory interventions

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate patient records in electronic health record systems
• Document treatment responses and patient progress notes
• Communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, and healthcare team members
• Provide patient and family education on respiratory care plans

Equipment Management

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot respiratory care equipment
• Ensure proper sterilization and infection control protocols
• Calibrate and perform quality assurance checks on medical devices
• Monitor equipment inventory and report maintenance needs

Required Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program
• Current state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist
• National certification: CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) or RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) through NBRC
• Current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association

Experience Requirements

• Entry-level positions: Recent graduates with clinical internship experience
• Experienced roles: 2+ years of acute care respiratory therapy experience
• Specialized positions: 3-5 years with specific population experience (NICU, ICU, etc.)

Required Skills

Technical Competencies

• Mechanical Ventilation: Proficiency with various ventilator modes and weaning protocols
• Diagnostic Testing: Arterial blood gas interpretation, pulmonary function testing
• Equipment Operation: Ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP machines, nebulizers, oxygen delivery systems
• Pharmacology: Knowledge of respiratory medications and delivery methods

Clinical Skills

• Patient Assessment: Breath sound interpretation, respiratory pattern recognition
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze patient data and modify treatment plans
• Emergency Response: Skills in code blue situations and airway management
• Infection Control: Understanding of isolation procedures and equipment sterilization

Soft Skills

• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication with patients and staff
• Compassion: Empathy for patients experiencing respiratory distress
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work long shifts and respond to emergencies
• Team Collaboration: Effective interaction with multidisciplinary healthcare teams
• Attention to Detail: Precision in equipment monitoring and medication administration

Challenges in Hiring Respiratory Therapists

• The respiratory therapy field faces a significant workforce shortage, with demand exceeding supply by approximately 15-20% nationally. This shortage was exacerbated by COVID-19, which highlighted the critical need for respiratory specialists.
• Travel therapy opportunities offer higher compensation, making permanent placement challenging
• Burnout and turnover due to high-stress work environments affect retention
• Licensing variations between states can complicate multi-state recruiting efforts
• New graduate hesitation to work in high-acuity areas like the ICU or NICU

How Much Does It Cost to Hire

• Average Salary (2025): $68,000–$75,000/year
• Top earners (the top 10%) bring home more than $108,000, while entry-level therapists typically start around $50,000 to $60,000.
• Hospitals, especially large academic centers, tend to offer higher pay, full benefits, and growth opportunities ($85,000–$110,000).
• Complete hiring cost (including first-year salary, benefits, recruiting, and onboarding) typically ranges from $85,000 to $130,000 per respiratory therapist, depending on experience level, location, and market competition.

Conclusion

Successfully recruiting respiratory therapists requires a comprehensive approach due to the profession’s technical demands and market shortage. HR professionals can enhance recruitment by using diverse sourcing channels, crafting detailed job descriptions, and offering competitive compensation. Understanding the total cost of hiring and focusing on retention strategies is vital because of the crucial role respiratory therapists play in patient care and the high cost of turnover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What educational and certification requirements are needed for respiratory therapist positions?

A: Respiratory therapists must complete an accredited respiratory therapy program, typically an associate degree (2 years) or bachelor's degree (4 years). All states require licensure, and most employers prefer or require national certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)—either the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials.

Q: What specific technical skills and equipment knowledge are essential?

A: Candidates must be proficient with ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, nebulizers, CPAP/BiPAP machines, arterial blood gas analyzers, and pulmonary function testing equipment. Knowledge of mechanical ventilation modes, weaning protocols, and respiratory medications is crucial. Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems is also important.

Q: What continuing education and professional development requirements should recruiters be aware of?

A: Most states require continuing education credits for license renewal (typically 12-24 credits every 2 years). The NBRC requires continuing competency for credential maintenance. Employers often provide or require ongoing training in new equipment, protocols, and evidence-based practices. Professional membership in organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) demonstrates commitment to the field.

Q: What career advancement opportunities and specializations are available?

A: Career progression includes senior therapist roles, department supervisors, education coordinators, or management positions. Specializations include neonatal/pediatric respiratory therapy, critical care, pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep medicine, or home healthcare. Some pursue advanced degrees to become respiratory therapy educators or researchers.

Q: What patient populations do respiratory therapists typically work with?

A: Respiratory therapists treat diverse populations, including premature infants in NICUs, pediatric patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis, adults with COPD, pneumonia, or COVID-19, elderly patients with chronic respiratory conditions, and critical care patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Each population requires specialized knowledge and approaches.