Respiratory Therapist Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties & Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “Respiratory Therapist job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: Bullet points. Clinical language. Zero personality. But here’s the problem: Those kinds of job posts don’t attract great candidates. They repel them. Generic templates might help you fill a role—but they won’t help you hire someone who’s skilled, motivated, and aligned with your mission. And in healthcare, that alignment matters. A lot. Because a great respiratory therapist isn’t just someone who understands ventilators and oxygen therapy. They’re someone who shows up with empathy, communicates under pressure, and helps patients breathe easier—literally and emotionally. If you want to attract talent like that, you need more than a checklist. That’s what this guide is for. We’ll break down: ● What a Respiratory Therapist actually does (in plain English) ● How to write a job description that connects ● Two sample job posts (one for experienced RTs, one for entry-level) ● A breakdown of what makes those examples work—and what to avoid ● Copy-paste templates you can customize fast Before we dive in, we recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It’s our full breakdown of why most job posts fail—and how to fix yours with a smarter, more human format. And if you want help screening applicants and identifying top performers automatically? Stick around for the final section—we’ll show you how to do that with WorkScreen.io. Let’s get into it.

Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results

What a Respiratory Therapist Actually Does (In Plain English)

Let’s skip the medical jargon for a second.

A respiratory therapist helps people breathe—literally. They work with patients who have trouble breathing due to conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or after surgery. They assess, treat, and monitor patients, often in high-pressure environments like hospitals, ICUs, and emergency rooms.

But here’s what the bullet points won’t tell you:

A great respiratory therapist doesn’t just manage machines.
 They comfort anxious families.
 They explain treatment plans in simple language.
 They make quick, critical decisions when every second counts.

That’s why hiring the right person for this role is so important.

You’re not just hiring a technician—you’re hiring someone who will impact lives every single day. So when writing your job post, don’t just focus on certifications and tasks. Highlight the human qualities that make someone great in this role: empathy, calm under pressure, communication skills, and clinical confidence.

Up next, let’s look at two job description templates—one for an experienced respiratory therapist, and one for an entry-level candidate who’s willing to learn.

Two Great Respiratory Therapist Job Description Templates

✅ Option 1: For Experienced Respiratory Therapists

📌 Job Title: Respiratory Therapist (ICU & Critical Care Focus) – Full-Time
 📍 Location: St. Augustine Regional Hospital, Florida
 💼 Schedule: 3x12s | Night Shift | $35–$42/hr based on experience

🎥 A Message from Our Team
 Before you read further, take a minute to meet your future teammates.
 👉 Watch a quick video from our Lead RT and ICU Director

🏥 About Us
 St. Augustine Regional is a community-first, not-for-profit hospital serving North Florida for over 40 years. We’re known for excellence in critical care, a strong patient-first mission, and a collaborative clinical culture where every role matters.

We’re not the biggest hospital—but we’re proud to be one of the most respected. When you work here, you’re part of a team that moves fast, supports each other, and shows up with purpose.

💬 Our Culture
 We believe in calm under pressure. We train hard, support one another, and never forget the human side of healthcare. You’ll join a team that values initiative, integrity, and clear communication—and celebrates wins together.

🌟 About the Role
 As our next Respiratory Therapist, you’ll work closely with physicians and nurses to deliver life-saving care in high-acuity units. From emergency intubations to ventilator management, you’ll be on the front lines of respiratory care.

🚑 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Administer treatments and manage ventilators

  • Respond to Code Blue and RRT calls

  • Run diagnostic tests (ABGs, spirometry, etc.)

  • Educate patients and families

  • Support care plans with critical thinking and compassion

🎓 What You’ll Need

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

  • Florida RT license

  • BLS and ACLS

  • 2+ years in ICU or trauma care

  • Fast thinker, strong communicator, calm in a crisis

✅ Benefits & Perks

  • Competitive pay + shift differentials

  • Health, dental, vision

  • 3 weeks PTO + personal days

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Leadership and educator tracks

📥 How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to fairly assess every applicant.
 👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]

✅ Option 2: For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train RTs

📌 Job Title: Junior Respiratory Therapist (New Grads Welcome) – Full-Time
 📍 Location: Harmony Care Center, Tucson, AZ
 💼 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 8 AM–4 PM | $28–$32/hr

🎥 Meet Your Future Team
 Want to see who you’ll be working with?
 👉 Click here to watch a short video from our clinical staff

🌿 About Us
 At Harmony Care Center, we’ve supported the Tucson community for over 25 years with a focus on compassionate, holistic care. We’re a mid-sized facility that blends the professionalism of a hospital with the warmth of a neighborhood clinic.

We believe in growing talent from within. Many of our senior staff started as interns or junior hires—and we’re proud of that.

💬 Our Culture
 We care deeply about people—our patients, our staff, and our community. Expect to be supported, mentored, and celebrated as you grow. We believe that when you show up with heart, we’ll meet you with opportunity.

🌱 About the Role
 You’ll support respiratory care delivery under the guidance of experienced clinicians. From setting up oxygen tanks to helping monitor patients, you’ll play an essential part in the care journey—and learn by doing every day.

🫁 What You’ll Be Doing

  • Set up respiratory therapy equipment

  • Assist with treatments and documentation

  • Shadow senior RTs on rounds

  • Monitor vitals and report findings

  • Help educate patients and families

📘 What You’ll Need

  • Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy

  • RRT or CRT exam passed (or in progress)

  • Arizona RT license (or pending)

  • Willingness to learn, empathy, team-first mindset

✅ Benefits & Perks

  • Paid training and CEU credits

  • Full benefits + wellness stipend

  • 15 days PTO + holidays

  • Pathway to senior RT role

  • Supportive team and weekly mentorship check-ins

📥 How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to ensure fair, skill-based hiring.
 👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]

Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.

Why These Respiratory Therapist Job Posts Work

These aren’t just job descriptions—they’re hiring tools. Let’s break down why they attract the right candidates (and filter out the wrong ones).

✅ 1. Clear, Specific Titles

Instead of a generic title like “Respiratory Therapist,” we use:

  • “Respiratory Therapist (ICU & Critical Care Focus)”

  • “Junior Respiratory Therapist (New Grads Welcome)”

These titles instantly tell applicants who the role is for, what level of experience is needed, and where they’ll be working. That clarity boosts relevance and cuts down on unqualified applications.

✅ 2. Warm Introductions with Context

Rather than diving straight into tasks, each post begins with a short, human introduction that explains:

  • The real impact of the role

  • The kind of person you’re looking for

  • A sense of mission and tone

This creates an emotional connection—something generic posts completely miss.

✅ 3. An Actual “About Us” Section

Too many job posts skip the chance to tell their story. We don’t.

Each template includes a short About Us that paints a picture of the workplace. It covers:

  • Size and history of the facility

  • Type of care and culture

  • What makes your org different from the one down the street

It’s not about bragging—it’s about showing fit.

✅ 4. Culture That’s Shown, Not Just Claimed

Anyone can say “we value teamwork.” We demonstrate it with:

  • Mentorship opportunities

  • Weekly check-ins

  • Real examples of how team members grow internally

This builds trust and helps applicants visualize themselves on your team.

✅ 5. Transparent Salary and Benefits

Every job post includes pay ranges and tangible benefits like PTO, health insurance, and CEU support.

This sets expectations and builds credibility. Top candidates are turned off by vague compensation language—transparency wins.

✅ 6. Application Process That Respects the Candidate

Instead of cold, dismissive language (“only shortlisted candidates will be contacted”), we include:

  • A clear, fair process using WorkScreen

  • A short explanation of how applicants will be assessed

  • Encouragement and guidance on what comes next

This makes the process feel human, not transactional.

✅ 7. Video from the Team

By linking to a short Loom or YouTube clip, you’re giving applicants a window into the team they’d be joining. That builds connection, breaks down barriers, and differentiates your post from hundreds of faceless listings.

✅ 8. Tone That Connects

Throughout both templates, the language is conversational, clear, and caring. It sounds like a real person wrote it—because real people should be the ones inviting new teammates to apply.

Example of A Bad Respiratory Therapist Job Post (And Why It Fails)

Before we dive into what works, let’s look at what doesn’t.

This is the kind of job post you’ll find on dozens of hospital job boards—generic, lifeless, and totally forgettable.

❌ BAD EXAMPLE:

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist
 Location: [Redacted Hospital]
 Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
 We are currently seeking a Respiratory Therapist to join our team. The Respiratory Therapist will be responsible for providing respiratory care to patients in accordance with hospital protocols.

Responsibilities:

  • Administer oxygen therapy
  • Monitor ventilator settings
  • Record patient data
  • Follow physician instructions
  • Maintain equipment

Requirements:

  • Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy
  • State licensure
  • 1–2 years experience preferred
  • Strong communication skills

How to Apply:
 Email your CV to hr@hospitaljobs.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Post Fails

Let’s break down the issues:

🔹 1. Generic Title

“Respiratory Therapist” with no context or focus? It tells applicants nothing about who it’s for—no setting, no level of experience, no specialty.

Fix: Add detail and relevance (e.g., “ICU RT,” “New Grads Welcome”).

🔹 2. No “About Us” or Culture

There’s zero information about the hospital, the team, or what it’s like to work there. It reads like the applicant is joining a machine, not a mission.

Fix: Add a short, human “About Us” section and a note on culture—people care who they work with.

🔹 3. Cold, Vague Summary

“We are currently seeking…” is the most overused and underwhelming opening in job descriptions. There’s no emotional hook, no reason to care.

Fix: Start with impact. What kind of patients does the RT support? What kind of personality thrives here?

🔹 4. Responsibilities Are Too Broad

These could apply to any RT job. They lack detail, impact, or priority.

Fix: Highlight what makes this role unique. Are they responding to emergencies? Working independently? Handling sensitive populations?

🔹 5. No Salary or Benefits

Leaving out pay signals either a lack of transparency or disorganization. In today’s market, that’s a red flag.

Fix: Always include a salary range and a few standout perks. Candidates appreciate clarity.

🔹 6. The Application Process Feels Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is the job post version of ghosting. It makes candidates feel disrespected before they’ve even applied.

Fix: Show them you care—briefly explain what happens after they apply and how you respect their time.

🔹 7. Zero Personality or Connection

This post could be written by AI—or a fax machine. There’s no sense of humanity, purpose, or pride in the team.

Fix: Use conversational language, share a video, and write like you’re inviting someone into your team—not screening them out.

Bottom line?
 This job post checks administrative boxes—but it doesn’t attract anyone. It feels like a formality, not an opportunity.

In the next section, we’ll explore bonus tips that make job descriptions stand out even further—especially when you’re hiring for critical healthcare roles.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out

Most job descriptions stop at listing duties. But great job posts go further—they make applicants feel safe, valued, and excited to apply.

Here are a few smart additions you can use to build trust and differentiate your post:

✅ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice

Scams are everywhere—and healthcare candidates are especially cautious. Add a short note to show that your hiring process is legitimate and secure.

Copy-paste this:
 🛡️ Important Notice: We take the privacy and security of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, financial details, or personal documents during the hiring process. If in doubt, contact us directly via our hospital’s official website.

✅ Tip 2: Mention Flex Days or Time Off

Work-life balance matters—especially in high-stress roles like RTs. Don’t assume people know your PTO policy. Call it out.

Example language:
 🌿 “We offer up to 24 flex days off per year so you can recharge and come back stronger. Mental health matters here.”

✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Candidates don’t just want a job—they want a path. Mention how you support ongoing learning and internal promotion.

Example language:
 📘 “We invest in our people. You’ll have access to mentorship, CEU support, and growth tracks toward senior RT, educator, or leadership roles.”

✅ Tip 4: Include a Loom or YouTube Video

This builds instant trust. Let a hiring manager, RT team member, or even the HR lead record a short welcome message. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just real.

What to include in the video:

  • Why this hire matters

  • What the culture feels like

  • What kind of teammate they’re looking for

  • Reassurance about the hiring process

Example prompt:
 “Hi, I’m Sarah—Clinical Supervisor here at Harmony Care. I just wanted to say thanks for considering us. We’re a team that supports each other and values people who care deeply about patients. I look forward to seeing your application!”

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

✅ Tip 5: Reiterate Your Culture and Mission at the End

Close with heart. It’s the final nudge for the right person to hit “Apply.”

Example:
 💙 “At Harmony, we believe great care starts with great teammates. If you’re someone who leads with compassion, takes pride in the details, and wants to grow with a team that has your back—we’d love to meet you.”

Should You Use AI to Write a Job Description

Let’s be honest—AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or built-in generators from ATS platforms (like Manatal or Workable) make it very tempting to hit “generate post” and be done in 10 seconds.

But that shortcut often backfires.

❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone

When you let AI write your job post without any input, you get something generic like:

“We’re seeking a motivated, detail-oriented team player to join our dynamic environment.”

That could be for a Respiratory Therapist… or a barista… or an insurance agent.

The result?

  • You attract low-intent candidates who are just applying to everything
  • Your job post blends in with hundreds of others
  • You lose the chance to show off your mission, team, and culture

✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI: Give It Real Input

AI is useful—but only if you treat it like a writing partner, not a mind reader. The key is to feed it the right raw material so it has context to work with.

🧠 Step 1: Write Out Some Rough Notes First

Before using AI, take 5–10 minutes to jot down some bullet points like these:

  • What your company does
  • The setting (ICU, outpatient, pediatric care?)
  • What makes your team or culture different
  • The tone you want (friendly? formal? warm?)
  • What the role looks like day to day
  • Who would thrive in this job
  • Salary range, schedule, and key benefits
  • What your hiring process looks like
  • Any “must-haves” or “nice-to-haves”

It doesn’t need to be pretty—just get it down.

💬 Step 2: Use a Prompt Like This (and Paste Your Notes)

Prompt:
 “Help me write a job post for a Respiratory Therapist at [Your Facility Name]. This is a full-time role. We want to attract [Describe ideal traits]. Our culture is [Brief summary]. We offer [Insert key benefits], and here’s our salary range [Insert range]. We also use WorkScreen to fairly evaluate all applicants. Please write it in a human, conversational tone. Here are my rough notes for more context:

[Paste your bullet points here]”

You’ll get something that actually reflects your organization—not just buzzwords and filler.

🛠 Pro Tip: Break It Down, One Section at a Time

Instead of asking AI to write the entire job post in one go, try this:

  • “Write the About Us section using these notes…”
  • “Now write the Responsibilities section in a clear, engaging tone…”
  • “Next, create a How to Apply section that explains our WorkScreen process…”

This gives you better control and more authentic output.

Bottom line;

AI doesn’t know your company—you do.
 So don’t ask it to write the job post from scratch.

Instead, bring your raw insights, paste them into a clear prompt, and let AI help you polish and structure a great job post.

In the next section, we’ll give you two ready-to-use templates you can copy, paste, and customize—even faster than AI.

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Need Quick Copy-Paste Respiratory Therapist Job Description Templates?

✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)

📌 Job Title: Respiratory Therapist – Join Our Close-Knit Critical Care Team
 📍 Location: [Insert Location]
 💼 Schedule: [Insert Schedule] | 💰 Pay: $[XX]–$[XX]/hr

[Insert video from your team]

🌟 About Us
 At [Your Facility Name], we’re more than a healthcare provider—we’re a team of people who show up with heart. Our respiratory team supports patients in critical moments and works hand-in-hand with nurses and physicians to make a real difference. We don’t just save breaths—we save peace of mind.

💬 Our Culture
 Supportive. Fast-moving. Always human. We believe in celebrating small wins, backing each other up, and helping everyone grow in their role. Many of our senior RTs started right where you are.

🫁 What You’ll Do

  • Administer oxygen therapy and manage ventilators

  • Respond to emergency calls and Code Blue alerts

  • Conduct respiratory assessments and diagnostics

  • Educate patients and support families

  • Collaborate with the care team to drive better outcomes

🎓 What You’ll Need

  • RRT credential (or CRT if entry-level)

  • Active state RT license

  • BLS certification (ACLS preferred)

  • Strong communication, critical thinking, and compassion

✅ Benefits & Perks

  • Health, dental, vision

  • PTO + wellness days

  • Paid CEUs and training

  • Clear growth path (lead RT, educator, preceptor)

📥 How to Apply
 We use WorkScreen to ensure a fair, skills-first process.
 👉 Apply here: [Insert Application Link]
 We’ll guide you through a quick, respectful evaluation—so your strengths shine through.

✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist
 Location: [City, State]
 Type: Full-Time | Schedule: [Insert Days/Hours]
 Pay: $[XX]–$[XX]/hr

Job Overview
 [Your Facility Name] is hiring a skilled Respiratory Therapist to provide critical care to patients with acute and chronic respiratory issues. This role includes both independent patient care and close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform respiratory treatments and therapy

  • Manage ventilators and monitor patient responses

  • Conduct tests (e.g. ABGs, spirometry)

  • Respond to rapid response and Code Blue calls

  • Maintain equipment and accurate documentation

Qualifications

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

  • State licensure

  • BLS/ACLS certified

  • 1–2 years experience preferred (or new grads welcome with training pathway)

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • PTO, holidays, and flex days

  • Training and professional development

  • Advancement into senior or specialized roles

How to Apply
 We evaluate all applicants through WorkScreen to focus on skills and potential—not just résumés.
 👉 Apply via: [Insert Link]
 Expect a short skills test and timely updates throughout the process.

What Happens After You Post the Job? (Let WorkScreen Take It From Here)

You’ve written a strong job description.
 It’s clear, human, and actually makes great candidates want to apply.

But here’s the hard truth:
 That’s only half the hiring battle.

Because once the applications start rolling in, the real question becomes:

“How do I quickly spot the best people without spending hours reading résumés?”

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

✅ What WorkScreen Does for You

  1. Automatically screens and ranks applicants
    No more guessing. WorkScreen evaluates every candidate through a quick skills-based assessment and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard—so you instantly see who’s qualified.
  2. Identifies genuine, high-effort applicants
    WorkScreen filters out “spray-and-pray” applicants, copy-pasters, and AI-abusers. You get real people who are actually interested in your role—and capable of doing it.
  3. Helps you hire smarter, faster, and more confidently
    Instead of reading 85 résumés, just look at your leaderboard. WorkScreen highlights your strongest candidates based on performance, not polish.

💡 Why It Matters for Roles Like Respiratory Therapy

In healthcare, you don’t just need someone who looks good on paper—you need someone who can show up and deliver. Fast.

WorkScreen helps you find those people faster—so your patients stay supported and your team stays strong.

👉 Ready to get started? Use WorkScreen.io to create your job post, generate a unique application link, and start evaluating candidates in minutes. No guesswork. No bias. Just results. 📍 Create your job post on WorkScreen.io

FAQ

In the United States, the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist ranges between $60,000 and $85,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and location.

  • Entry-level RTs typically start around $28–$32 per hour

  • Experienced RTs in high-acuity settings (like ICU or trauma) can earn $40–$50+ per hour

  • Top earners in major metro areas or with specialized credentials (e.g. neonatal, ECMO) may exceed $100,000 annually

Note: Salary varies by state. California, Alaska, and New York tend to offer higher wages due to demand and cost of living.

Most roles require:

  • An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy

  • The RRT credential (Registered Respiratory Therapist) from the NBRC

  • A state-specific license
    Optional but preferred certifications include BLS, ACLS, PALS, or NRP, especially for hospital or pediatric settings.

❓What’s the difference between an RRT and a CRT?

  • RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) is the advanced credential and is required for most hospital-based or specialized roles.

  • CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) is an entry-level credential and may be accepted in some long-term care or outpatient settings.

Most employers prefer or require RRTs.

Beyond technical ability, great RTs often have:

  • Strong communication skills (especially under pressure)

  • Empathy and emotional intelligence

  • Critical thinking and fast decision-making

  • Teamwork and collaboration across departments

These traits matter just as much as clinical credentials—especially in high-stress environments.

Yes—if you’re set up to support them.
 New grads often bring fresh energy, up-to-date clinical knowledge, and a strong willingness to learn.
 If your team has a solid mentorship structure, hiring for potential can pay off long-term.

Make Your Next Great Hire With WorkScreen

Easily streamline your hiring process with AI-powered applicant scoring, automated skill testing, and a credit-based system that ensures you only pay for quality applicants. Perfect for teams serious about hiring top talent.

Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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