Respiratory Therapist job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory therapists are professionals in the respiratory system.
They administer oxygen, bronchodilators, and other pulmonary treatments to patients with conditions such as asthma or emphysema.
Respiratory therapy services can also be administered in an emergency setting when a patient experiences a loss of airflow (often CPR). The profession also includes individuals whose focus is on the use of mechanical ventilators.
Respiratory therapists are qualified to work in hospitals, clinics, home healthcare settings, and private practices that provide respiratory care services.
They may also be found working for large corporations, such as those dealing with construction or mining, where occupational health standards require them to ensure the safety of their employees.
The top Respiratory Therapist skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are looking to hire a licensed Respiratory Therapist to add to your facility of healthcare professionals. The position includes an array of health care services such as providing emergency care to patients through artificial respiration and cardiac massage, setting up and operating our facility’s devices, and maintaining patients’ charts.
Our ideal candidate holds a degree in respiratory therapy and an RCP license and has in-depth knowledge of pulmonary function and previous experience with respiratory equipment such as therapeutic gas administration and mechanical ventilators. We are looking for someone who is educated and experienced, as well as communicative and friendly.
Duties and responsibilities
- Setting up and operating respiratory equipment
- Maintaining and recording patient charts
- Providing emergency care to patients such as CRP, cardiac massage, and artificial respiration
- Cleaning and inspecting respiratory equipment, making sure it functions efficiently
- Checking pulmonary function in patients
- Working together with other healthcare professionals to create a treatment plan
- Evaluating patients' health problems
- Administering treatments for patients with respiratory problems
Requirements
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy at an accredited program
- Excellent knowledge of pulmonary function and
- Strong understanding of respiratory equipment
- State RCP license
- Certificate by the National Board For Respiratory Care (NBRC).
- Certification for CPR from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
- Proficiency in written and oral communication
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
Education
Obtaining at least an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy is essential, as it provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to practice in the field.
Licensure and Certification
Securing license and certification demonstrates that the individual has met the state's requirements and possesses the necessary competencies to provide respiratory care to patients.
Clinical Experience
Acquiring clinical experience through supervised rotations during the respiratory therapy program is crucial as it allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, preparing them for their professional role as Respiratory Therapist.
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Indicates advanced competency in respiratory care practices.
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Demonstrates ability to perform lifesaving techniques in emergencies.
American Heart AssociationSample interview questions for a Respiratory Therapist.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What made you choose to become a respiratory therapist?
- What qualities should a successful respiratory therapist have?
- How would you motivate your patients?
- What would you do if you saw an employee breaking hospital policies?
- How do you motivate patients who feel discouraged?
- How would you handle it if you saw an employee breaking company policies?
- What are some of the duties you performed in your previous respiratory therapy role?
- What do you enjoy most about clinical rotation?
- How do you manage your time during a day at work?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Why do you have to measure a patient's pH before respiratory therapy?
- Did you ever encounter a patient who had a condition beyond your expertise? How did you handle it?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $17 at the 10th percentile to $65 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Respiratory Therapy Technician
Pulmonary Function Technologist
Frequently asked questions.
What are the primary responsibilities of a Respiratory Therapist?
A Respiratory Therapist is responsible for assessing and treating patients with breathing disorders, administering respiratory treatments, and monitoring patient progress to optimize respiratory function.
What qualifications are necessary to become a Respiratory Therapist?
To become a Respiratory Therapist, candidates typically need at least an associate's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program.
Additionally, they must obtain state licensure and may pursue professional certification for further specialization.
What skills are essential for success as a Respiratory Therapist?
Key skills for Respiratory Therapists include proficiency in operating respiratory equipment, strong communication and interpersonal skills for patient interaction, critical thinking abilities for problem-solving, and the capability to work well in high-pressure environments.
What is the typical work environment for a Respiratory Therapist?
Respiratory Therapists commonly work in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities.
They may also work in home healthcare settings or in specialized units such as intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency departments.
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