Respiratory Therapy Career Resources

Sample Job Titles

Depending on your setting, specialization, and credentials, respiratory therapy job titles can include:

• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
• Respiratory Therapist (RT)
• Staff Respiratory Therapist
• Home Care Respiratory Therapist
• Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist
  

Many roles are posted under variations of “respiratory therapist,” so it’s smart to check multiple job title keywords when searching for open positions.

Sample Respiratory Therapist Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of a respiratory therapist may vary depending on the healthcare environment, and no two days will look exactly the same. Generally, RTs are tasked with:

• Assessing patients with breathing difficulties through physical exams and diagnostic tools
• Administering oxygen, aerosol medications, or chest physiotherapy treatments
• Setting up and managing ventilators and other life-support equipment
• Monitoring and recording patient progress and vital signs
• Responding to emergency situations such as cardiac or respiratory arrest
• Educating patients and families on breathing exercises, inhaler use, or post-discharge care
• Collaborating with physicians to develop or modify respiratory care plans

Top Respiratory Therapist Qualities

• Calm Under Pressure – Thinking clearly in emergency situations and critical care environments
• Technical Proficiency – Operating complex respiratory equipment and interpreting results
• Problem Solving – Adjusting treatment plans based on evolving patient conditions
• Empathy – Comforting patients with chronic illnesses or anxiety around breathing issues
• Detail-Oriented – Documenting procedures and following treatment protocols accurately
  

For more information, see the O*NET Occupational Profile for Respiratory Therapists.

Preparing for the Job Search

Graduating from a respiratory therapy program is a major milestone, but preparing strong application materials can make a big difference in obtaining your first role.

Respiratory Therapist Resume Tips

• Include your clinical rotations and the types of patients or settings you've worked in (e.g., ICU, neonatal, home care)
• Clearly list certifications such as BLS, ACLS, and NBRC credentials (CRT/RRT)
• Mention experience with ventilators, ABG interpretation, or respiratory monitoring tools

Cover Letter Guidance

• Describe why you chose respiratory therapy and how you're prepared to handle high-acuity patients
• Highlight technical expertise and teamwork, especially from your externship or clinical rotations
• Tailor your letter to the setting (hospital, rehab center, home care, etc.)

Preparing for Your Respiratory Therapy Job Interview

Respiratory therapy interviews often include technical and behavioral components. You may be asked:

• How do you handle a patient in respiratory distress?
• Describe your experience managing ventilators or administering aerosol therapy.
• How do you work with a care team in a fast-paced setting?
• Tell me about a time you had to educate a patient or family on using respiratory equipment.
  

Be sure to use relevant examples from your clinical experience at ACC to demonstrate both your knowledge and skill set.

Associations

• American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
• California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC)
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Professional Development Opportunities

Once you’ve earned your license and secured your first job, consider:

• Advancing from CRT to RRT credentialing (if not already obtained)
• Specializing in neonatal/pediatric, sleep medicine, or critical care
• Earning additional certifications such as ACLS, PALS, or RPFT
• Exploring leadership or educator roles in respiratory care departments
• Attending conferences or joining professional networks like AARC