Job Descriptions/ Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist Job Description: Duties, Skills, Education & Salary

Respiratory therapists help patients with breathing problems by managing respiratory conditions and providing therapeutic treatments. They care for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other lung-related issues. Respiratory therapists also assist in emergency care and operate life-support equipment.

Use our expert-written respiratory therapist job description template to attract the best candidates. It includes key duties, skills, average salary, and more.

May 20, 2025

Respiratory Therapist Job Description Template

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist

Location: [Insert Location]

Job Type: [Full-time/Part-time/Contract]

Reports To: Director of Respiratory Therapy / Chief Medical Officer

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Respiratory Therapist to join our healthcare team. In this role, you’ll treat patients with respiratory conditions, provide emergency airway management, and support critical care teams in hospitals or outpatient settings. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of respiratory therapy protocols, be comfortable working in high-pressure environments, and deliver high-quality patient care.

Respiratory Therapist Responsibilities and Duties

Assess patients’ breathing and lung function
Administer oxygen therapy, nebulizers, and chest physiotherapy
Monitor and operate ventilators and artificial airway devices
Assist in emergency procedures such as CPR and intubation
Develop and implement individualized respiratory treatment plans
Educate patients and families on respiratory health and equipment use
Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
Record patient progress and adjust treatments as necessary
Maintain and calibrate respiratory equipment

Respiratory Therapist Qualifications and Skills

Strong clinical and critical-thinking skills
Proficiency in operating respiratory and life-support equipment
Excellent communication and patient interaction abilities
Knowledge of pulmonary rehabilitation, emergency care, and diagnostics
Ability to work independently and as part of a medical team
Detail-oriented with solid documentation skills

Education and Experience Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy (required)
Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
State licensure as a Respiratory Therapist
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred
2+ years of experience in acute care, ICU, or emergency settings (preferred)

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a brief cover letter highlighting their experience with critical care or specialized respiratory therapies. Send your application to [email protected] or call us at +1 999999999 for more information.

Respiratory Therapist Average Salary

In the United States, Respiratory Therapists earn an average of $103,889 per year, with typical salaries ranging from $78,105 to over $138,184, depending on experience, location, and healthcare setting.

Hire the Right Respiratory Therapist Today

With a clear and detailed job description, you can attract certified respiratory therapists who bring both technical expertise and compassionate care to your clinical team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a respiratory therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps patients manage breathing disorders through therapeutic treatments and emergency care.

2. What does a respiratory therapist do?

They assess lung function, administer treatments, operate ventilators, support emergency care, and educate patients about respiratory health.

3. What are the responsibilities of a respiratory therapist?

Key responsibilities include delivering oxygen therapy, managing ventilators, responding to emergency airway needs, and monitoring patient progress.

4. How to hire a respiratory therapist?

Look for candidates with NBRC certification, state licensure, and relevant clinical experience. Use comprehensive job descriptions and AI tools like Skima AI to find the best matches quickly.