RRT Jobs Overview
Registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) are healthcare practitioners whose work centers on one of our most vital functions: Breathing. This means caring for the whole range of people who have respiratory difficulties (from infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome to adults with asthma or chest trauma). Many RTs only opt for an entry-level license, which gives them the title of “certified respiratory therapist” (or CRT), while RRTs have a more advanced certification.
Still—while the latter may give you an advantage during the job-application process and possibly higher pay—many RRT jobs are similar to those held by CRTs. Some employers, however, will only hire RRTs. Your duties may include:
- restoring pulmonary function and guiding patients with treatment plans
- removing lung secretions through bronchopulmonary drainage and aiding patients with breathing exercises
- monitoring each patient’s physiological responses and evaluating treatment progress
- providing assistive equipment and recommending follow-up programs
The RT field has a buoyant outlook too, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is foreseeing employment in this sector to grow at a rate of 23 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Loads of other options are accessible through our full list of healthcare jobs, or try these alternatives:
RRT Education and Skills
At a minimum, you’ll need an associate degree in order to become a respiratory therapist. But employers may prefer that you obtain a bachelor’s. Either way, go for a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Here are examples of classes you may take:
- Foundations of Respiratory Care
- Cardiopulmonary Patient Assessment
- Adult Respiratory Critical-Care Techniques
- Perinatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
Typically, these programs combine classroom courses, simulation in labs (sometimes with live actors), and hands-on supervised clinical experience.
The next step is certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This is where you’ll get your two main licenses: First, you’ll need to successfully complete the exam to become a certified respiratory therapist (CRT), and then you can move on to the examination to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).
Plus, these skills will help you do well in any RRT jobs:
- compassion and a sympathetic bedside manner
- communication and interpersonal skills
- a collaborative inclination (to work with medical teams)
- meticulousness and persistence
Learn more by reviewing Monster’s template for a respiratory therapist job ad.
Update Your RRT Resume
If you have your RRT credential and a few years of experience, showcase your core competencies (e.g., working with mechanical ventilators and BiLevel positive airway pressure machines) and accomplishments on your resume. Mention the daily patient-caseload you’ve previously handled. And maybe you’ve already gone further and gained the Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) credential too? Ensure to then include the “RRT-ACCS” acronym after your name in the header. More pointers are available on Monster’s respiratory therapist resume sample.
And don’t overlook the power of a convincing cover letter. It’s not merely a greeting to accompany your application. Think of it as a tool to effectively grab the attention of busy recruiters.
Interviewing for RRT Jobs
Getting an interview request is always exciting, yet it can be a bit distressing too. But stick with us, and we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared. Also, consider what your responses would be to these questions:
- What prompted you to pursue a career in respiratory therapy?
- Discussing respiratory issues with patients and their families can be a delicate matter. How do you approach that?
- What respiratory conditions have you treated? And can you give us examples of how you’ve individualized treatments?
And don’t forget to follow-up after your interview, but do so judiciously.
How Much Do RRT Jobs Pay?
If you’re wondering about how much you might earn, keep in mind that your experience and the specific company may impact your pay (at least when you initially receive an offer). According to our data, the median salary for a respiratory therapist is $27.21 per hour. However, since RRTs hold the top credential in this field, you can likely make up to $35.08 per hour.
Also, go to our Salary Tools site to customize this data by adding both the job title you’re seeking and the city you’re in.
Want to Learn More About a Company You’re Interested In?
RRTs work in several departments at hospitals—from emergency rooms to neonatal intensive-care units—but they may also be employed at sleep centers, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. And different workplaces will have their own unique workplace culture. Discover more about the organization you may be joining by sifting through Monster’s company profiles, where you can view:
- mission statements and office locations
- photos, videos, and website/social media links
- details on benefit packages
Breathe Easy When Looking for RRT Jobs on Monster
We want to make your job search as breezy as possible, so that you can find your next role without hassle and focus on helping people who have breathing problems. That’s why we designed a highly efficient system that directly connects you with jobs in the respiratory-therapy industry. Just create a free profile, and you’ll be on you way. If you’d like, we can also send you career advice and alerts when new positions open up in your area.