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Respiratory Therapist Job Description Template

Job Description Template

Respiratory Therapist Description Template

July 22, 2021

Respiratory Therapist Job Description

Are you ready to hire a Respiratory Therapist? We offer a Free Respiratory Therapist Job Description Template to help you find the perfect candidate for your company’s position.

Our job description templates are specifically made to help you cover all the education requirements, duties, and responsibilities for each job type.

You can use our VIVAHR hiring software to help you manage and track all the applicants who apply. You can even customize this template to your company’s needs and requirements.

Ready to hire? Let’s go! 🚀

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.

Related Job Titles for Respiratory Therapist

The Top Respiratory Therapist Skills

Skill Why it's important
Problem-Solving Skills

One of the key skills a respiratory therapist should have is problem-solving. Remember that when evaluating patients and their symptoms, the goal is to help them solve their health problems. Your job is to assess, consult, recommend, and administer treatments to better the health of your patients.

Interpersonal Skills

Respiratory therapists unusually work within a team and interact with patients as part of that team. Working closely with supervising physicians, you should be able to clearly understand and follow certain instructions during the treatment of a patient.

Compassion and Empathy

Some patients might not be as strong as others; they might need extra emotional support and compassion. An excellent respiratory therapist understands this and should be empathetic to their patients' needs.

Attention To Detail

Every patient should receive appropriate treatment and the proper medication. This is why a respiratory therapist should have excellent attention to detail. Their job is to diagnose and monitor patients; by being attentive, they ensure that the patient is in good hands.

Science Skills

To calculate the correct dose of treatment for patients, a respiratory therapist should know anatomy and physiology.

Respiratory Therapist Job Description Template (Free)

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 an 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.

Respiratory Therapist Duties & 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

Respiratory Therapist 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

Accounting Specialist Interview Questrions

Sample Interview Questions for a Respiratory Therapist

Once you gather all the received applications, you can use these sample interview questions for a Respiratory Therapist.

Personal
  1. What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
  2. What made you choose to become a respiratory therapist?
  3. What qualities should a successful respiratory therapist have?
Human Resources
  1. How would you motivate your patients?
  2. What would you do if you saw an employee breaking hospital policies?
  3. How do you motivate patients who feel discouraged?
  4. How would you handle it if you saw an employee breaking company policies?
Management
  1. What are some of the duties you performed in your previous respiratory therapy role?
  2. What do you enjoy most about clinical rotation?
  3. How do you manage your time during a day at work?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  1. How many years of experience do you have?
  2. Why do you have to measure a patient’s pH before respiratory therapy?
  3. Did you ever encounter a patient that had a condition beyond your expertise? How did you handle it?

What are the Educational Requirements for a Respiratory Therapist?

 

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 licensure 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.

How Much to Pay a Respiratory Therapist when Hiring

According to ZipRecruiter the median salary of a Respiratory Therapist is $89,915 per year, meaning $43 per hour.

This salary can vary depending on the place of employment and education, so anyone can earn from $32,640 to $135,000 annually, meaning hourly between $17 and $17

Percentile 10% 25% 50%
(Median)
75% 90%
Hourly Wage $17 $30 $43 $54 $65
Annual Wage $32,640 $63,000 $89,915 $111,500 $135,000

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Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Therapist

 

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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