Travel Respiratory Therapist Jobs

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Respiratory Therapist jobs are Host Healthcare (114), TotalMed Allied (92), and Coast Medical Service (61).

Respiratory therapists are allied health professionals who specialize in assessing and improving patients’ lung functions. RTs, also called RRT’s (Registered Respiratory Therapists), assess and treat a wide array of diseases, illnesses, and injuries that affect the respiratory system. They must have advanced knowledge of pulmonary care and high-tech equipment, such as ventilators, to effectively improve a patient’s quality of life or even save it.

Respiratory therapists are specialists trained in pulmonary medicine to work therapeutically with patients suffering from various lung conditions. They determine the need for respiratory care services and administer that care directly to patients, while educating them on lung health and breathing disorders.

Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals in a variety of settings, such as intensive care units, emergency rooms, newborn and pediatric units, step down units, and med-surg/tele units. RTs may also work in skilled nursing facilities, air medical transport and ambulance services, physician’s offices, patients’ homes, or as a traveling respiratory therapist. They may specialize in long-term acute care units, sleep labs, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, bronchoscopy labs, hyperbaric oxygen units, or cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers. Some RTs may also choose to work in specific programs, such asthma education, smoking cessation, or case management.

Respiratory therapists must have in-depth knowledge of human physiology and be able to apply this knowledge in a clinical setting, across all age groups. RTs must be skilled at using advanced diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose pulmonary dysfunction and measure the severity of respiratory distress.

Aspiring respiratory therapists are required to earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in a respiratory care program. Both two-year and four-year programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. RTs are licensed in all states, except Alaska, which recommends but doesn’t require national certification. Licensure requirements vary by state, but most require passing a state or professional certification exam. Most states use the Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care as the basis for state licensure.

Respiratory Therapists may hold BLS - Basic Life Support, ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support, PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support, NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program, CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist or RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist among others.