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Respiratory Therapist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated November 6, 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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8 min read

A 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Respiratory Therapist, or Registered Respiratory Therapist, is responsible for monitoring and treating patients with temporary or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis or emphysema. Their duties include interviewing patients and completing diagnostic tests to determine their respiratory conditions, communicating with Physicians and Nurses to develop patient treatment plans and administering respiratory treatments to patients based on their conditions.

503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Respiratory Therapist duties and responsibilities

Respiratory Therapists are generally responsible for the following duties:

  • Perform chest examinations on a range of patients from babies through to the elderly
  • Consult with doctors and other healthcare staff to develop and modify patient treatment plans
  • Provide detailed therapy, requiring significant independent judgment, like when caring for patients in intensive care
  • Perform physical examination and diagnostic tests measuring lung capacity and blood acidity and alkalinity
  • Treat patients using oxygen or oxygen mixtures, aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy
  • Connect patients who can’t breathe to a ventilator
  • Educate patients on how to use equipment and medication
  • Regularly check on patients and equipment

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Respiratory Therapist Job Description Examples

Example 1

Job Title: Registered Respiratory Therapist - Travel Contract

Job Type: Travel - Contract
Start Date: 10/08/2023
Shift Schedule: Night | 3 x 12
Contract Duration: 13 weeks, possible extension
Department: Respiratory Therapist
Indianapolis, IN - 46260

Job Description:

Are you a skilled and dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist with a passion for providing exceptional care? We invite you to embark on an exciting travel contract opportunity at our state-of-the-art facility in Indianapolis, IN. We are currently seeking an experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist to join our Respiratory Therapist team.

Position Overview:

As a Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist, you will play a vital role in assessing, treating, and caring for patients with respiratory disorders. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Assessing patients' respiratory conditions and developing treatment plans.
  • Administering respiratory treatments, medications, and therapies.
  • Monitoring patients' responses to therapy and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care.
  • Educating patients and their families on respiratory conditions and home care.

Qualifications:

  • Valid Respiratory Therapist license in the state of Indiana or eligible for licensure.
  • Minimum of 2 years of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) experience required.
  • Preferred experience with Jet and oscillator equipment.
  • Level 4 NICU experience is highly preferred.
  • ACLS and BLS certifications required.
  • Ability to work night shifts, every third weekend, and participate in holiday rotations.

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly pay rate.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and 401(k).
  • Housing and travel allowances for eligible candidates.
  • Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
  • Supportive and collaborative work environment.

If you are an experienced Registered Respiratory Therapist with a strong background in NICU care and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply for this travel contract opportunity. Join our team and contribute to the well-being of patients in our thriving healthcare facility.

Application Deadline: 09/30/2023

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter. We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming you to our team.

Arreglo is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Job Types: Travel healthcare, Contract

Salary: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • Referral program
  • Relocation assistance
Healthcare setting:
  • Acute care
  • Hospital
  • NICU
Shift:
  • 12 hour shift
  • Night shift
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Crisis pay
  • Differential pay
  • Overtime pay
  • Signing bonus
Weekly schedule:
  • 3x12



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Indianapolis, IN 46260: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Respiratory therapy: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:
  • RRT (Required)
  • BLS Certification (Required)
  • RCP License (Preferred)

Shift availability:
  • Night Shift (Required)


Work In person

Example 2

Hiring!!

Modality: Respiratory Therapists

Required:

  • COVID, Booster and Flu Vaccine Required.
  • Medical Declination Accepted Only For Booster and Flu. No Religious Declinations Accepted.
  • Level I trauma exp, teaching hospital, ICU and Pedi experience
  • BLS Required
  • ACLS Required
  • RI licensed on hand

Preferred Skills:

  • Pediatric experience preferred/PALS preferred
  • WEEKS: 13 weeks
  • SHIFT/HOURS: 1x 36hr Night positions Will need to work weekends and Holidays
  • No block scheduling

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $61.56 - $68.01 per hour

Expected hours: 36 per week

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Referral program
  • Relocation assistance
Healthcare setting:
  • Level I trauma center
Medical specialties:
  • Radiology
Shift:
  • 12 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
Weekly schedule:
  • 3x12
  • Monday to Friday



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Providence, RI: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Respiratory therapy: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:
  • RRT in RI State (Required)
  • BLS Certification (Required)
  • RCP License (Preferred)
  • ACLS Location: In person

Example 3

Are you looking for a rewarding career? Panakeia, LLC,a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is seeking skilledand compassionate Registered Respiratory Therapist for New York. We are looking for individuals who want to be part of our growing Home Oxygen Equipment and Service team. This is a great opportunity to support our local Veterans. Paid training provided!

Veterans are encouraged to apply

Essential Functions:

The Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is part of the talented clinicalteamof their respective Branch. The Registered Respiratory Therapist will deliver Home Oxygen services, provide clinical evaluations and educate our home oxygen patients and caregivers.

All Therapists must be licensed in the state of New York.

Qualifications:
  • Excellent customer service skills; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Problem solver who can multi-task.
  • Ability to read and interpret prescriptions and document patient services in the company patient applications.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.

Experience & Education:
  • Must be a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
  • Associate degree or equivalent; or two to four years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Home ventilator experience - Preferred.
  • Home care and/or DME experience - Preferred

Employment is Contingent On:

Successful Background Investigation, Physical, Drug Screen and a Valid Driver’s License in state of residence with a clean driving record

EOE

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
Supplemental pay types:
  • Signing bonus
Weekly schedule:
  • Choose your own hours



Experience:
  • Respiratory therapy: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • RRT license Location: On the road

Example 4

Poughkeepsie, NY/MidHudson Regional Hospital of WMC
Full-time - Variable 12 hour shifts - Must be available to work day and night shifts

Summary: The Advanced Respiratory Care Practioner, administers all Respiratory Care therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in all patient care areas, demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to provide all Respiratory Care modalities. Initiates and maintains all patients on continuous mechanical ventilation, performs equipment and calibration maintenance, and serves as a clinical resource to all members of the health care team.

Experience:Minimum of twelve months clinical experience.

Education and Training:Graduate of an A.M.A approved program for Respiratory Care (N.B.R.C.).Associate Degree of Applied Science, or higher, in Respiratory Care required.

License, Certification and Registration:Registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (N.B.R.C.)*. Certified in BLS. *Appropriate federal, state and local licensing requirements.

Other requirements:Demonstrated ability to effectively function as a health care team [website] skills necessary to perform teaching and leadership [website] effective communication skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Night shift
  • Weekend Location: One location

Example 5

Summary OF Responsibility:
Under general direction of the Supervisor, utilizes the application of scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, research, and rehabilitation of acute or chronic cardiopulmonary dysfunction.

Requirements/ Experience:
1. Licensed to practice Respiratory Care in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

2. Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care.

3. Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program

4. Current Basic Life Support(BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.

Summary OF Responsibility:
Under general direction of the Supervisor, utilizes the application of scientific principles for the identification, prevention, remediation, research, and rehabilitation of acute or chronic cardiopulmonary dysfunction.

Requirements/ Experience:
1. Licensed to practice Respiratory Care in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

2. Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care.

3. Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program

4. Current Basic Life Support(BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.

Location: North 2130.53500 NES Respiratory Per Diem, As needed, Per Diem

Example 6

Respiratory Therapist
Job ID: 2551
Location: Decatur, TX
Salary: $[website]
Employee Type: Full-Time
Description
Dept: Respiratory Therapy Decatur
Shift: 7p-7a, Nights Vary (rotating weekends)
Salary Range CRT: $22.20 to $33.30 (BOQ) + shift differentials
Salary Range: RRT: $25.45 to $38.17 (BOQ) + shift differentials
Requirements
Current Texas Respiratory Care Practitioners License
Current CRT or RRT credentials through National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Current BLS, ACLS & PALS
Must have current licensure/certifications upon hire.
New Hires will have 60 days to acquire the required BLS, ACLS & PALS.
Summary
Under the supervision of the Respiratory Care Medical Director and Department Director, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing Respiratory Care Services in accordance with the specific physician's orders, department policies and procedures and JCAHO recommendations. Must be able to read and effectively communicate in English, have basic computer skills, ability to manage time appropriately, great customer service skills, have strong written and verbal skills and must be able to work at any WHS campus as needed.
Report Relationship: Reports to the Assistant Director of Respiratory Care Services.
OSHA TASK Category ONE: There is an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues, or a potential for spills splashes during the performance of the job. Universal precautions must be observed, and protective devices worn by the employee when performing those tasks likely to cause exposure.
Employment standards include current requirements as determined by Federal, State, and Wise Health System policy. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Why Wise Health System?
At Wise Health System, we provide care because it's personal for us it's about our patients and their families, our community, and our employees. Our success will result in transformed and improved lives through better health. We are passionate about the care we provide because we care deeply about the people receiving it. Does this sound like you? If so, we want to talk!
About Us
Wise Health System was established in 1967 as an authority of the City of Decatur located in Wise County, Texas and created to serve the population of Wise County as our primary market. Today, Wise Health System has 2,000+ employees and 200+ physicians and spans across 8 different counties in North Texas (911/EMS covers 900 sq miles). WHS is comprised of: Decatur East Campus (99 Med/Surg beds), Decatur West Campus (51 IP Rehab/BHU beds), Wise Health Surgical Hospital of Argyle (12 beds), Wise Health Surgical Hospital of Parkway (24 beds), Wise Health Emergency Center/Urgent Care Argyle, 18 Wise Health Clinics, 40+ secondary market locations, 5 therapy/sports medicine/fitness facilities, and 7 nursing home facilities.
Wise Health System East Campus

  • Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence
  • ACC Accredited Chest Pain Center
  • Primary Stroke Center
  • Level IV Trauma Center
Wise Health Surgical Hospital at Argyle
  • Total Hip and Total Knee Center of Excellence
Wise Health Surgical Hospital at Parkway
  • Spine Center of Excellence
The benefits listed below are available for Full-Time positions only. Part-Time and PRN positions are not eligible for these benefits.
  • Company paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Aflac: Accident and Critical Care w/ Cancer Protection Plans
  • Short term disability insurance
  • Retirement Plan with a percentage matching contribution
  • Generous PTO offering
  • Tuition Reimbursement of up to $5,250.00 per tax year

Job Type: $22.20 - $38.17 per hour
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

What does a 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Respiratory Therapist do?

Respiratory Therapists typically work for a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, sleep disorder clinics, respiratory clinics and other healthcare facilities to help care for patients with respiratory conditions. They work closely with Physicians, Nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive quality care. Their job is to administer medications and respiratory treatments to help treat or cure respiratory illnesses. They may also be responsible for helping patients learn more about respiratory conditions, their causes and how to care for themselves at home.

Respiratory Therapist skills and qualifications

A great 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Respiratory Therapist needs certain key skills, including the following:

  • A Respiratory Therapist needs problem-solving skills to recommend and administer treatment based on their evaluation of a patient’s symptoms.
  • Respiratory Therapists need compassion to give emotional support to patients.
  • Respiratory Therapists need to understand physiology, anatomy and other sciences for their job.
  • Interpersonal skills are required for a Respiratory Therapist to effectively communicate with patients, families, nurses, doctors or other medical staff. Good communication is vital to work well with others and in a team setting.
  • A Respiratory Therapist needs emotional stability to provide a safe environment for patients.

503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Respiratory Therapist salary expectations

A Respiratory Therapist makes an average of $35.07 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Respiratory Therapist education and training requirements

A 503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Respiratory Therapist must have a degree in respiratory care. They also need to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist. All states besides Alaska require a Respiratory Therapist to be licensed. A candidate must first have an associate degree to qualify for licensure. Additionally, a current basic life support and/or CPR certificate are necessary.

503772531respiratory therapist108.72respiratory therapy10.5respiratory8.41registered respiratory therapist4.53certified respiratory therapist2.31287062279671900.001932.983300.00WEEKLY2461501152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Respiratory Therapist experience requirements

Most positions require emergency care, intensive care and respiratory care experience. They also require experience with respiratory equipment. The number of years of experience required depends on the advertised position.

Job description samples for similar positions

This is a great Respiratory Therapist sample job description, but, it may not be exactly what you are looking for. Perhaps you are looking for one of the following:

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Frequently asked questions about Respiratory Therapists

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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