Respiratory therapy is a specialized healthcare field focused on helping patients manage lung disease, breathing difficulties, and cardiopulmonary disorders. As hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health programs expand, the need for qualified professionals in respiratory therapist employment continues to grow
This article explains the different types of respiratory therapist jobs, the education and certifications required, and what to expect in various work settings. Readers will also learn about career growth opportunities, employment options, and how trusted respiratory therapy staffing agencies connect therapists with reliable, rewarding positions.
A respiratory therapist helps patients who experience difficulty breathing due to chronic illnesses, injuries, or developmental conditions. Their responsibilities include:
Respiratory therapists collaborate closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists, to deliver patient-centered respiratory care.
Respiratory therapy offers a wide range of specialties. Professionals can build expertise in specific environments or patient populations.
Hospital-based therapists work in fast-paced units such as the ICU, ER, and operating rooms.
Common positions include:
These professionals manage ventilators, support intubation and extubation, and provide continuous breathing disorder evaluation in life-threatening cases.
Specialists like neonatal respiratory therapists, pediatric respiratory therapists, and geriatric respiratory therapists focus on specific age groups. They tailor care for premature infants, children with asthma, and older adults with chronic pulmonary disease.
Outside hospitals, many professionals work as pulmonary rehabilitation therapists, sleep lab respiratory therapists, or home care respiratory therapists.
They often conduct pulmonary diagnostics, manage oxygen systems, and guide patients in using home respiratory equipment safely.
| Setting | Typical Focus | Key Duties |
|---|---|---|
| ICU / ER | Critical care | Ventilator management, airway stabilization |
| NICU / Pediatrics | Developmental support | Neonatal oxygen therapy, infant monitoring |
| Pulmonary Rehab | Chronic illness recovery | Exercise training, patient education |
| Home Care | Long-term therapy | Equipment maintenance, family instruction |
Before starting a career in respiratory therapy, professionals must complete the required education and certification steps to qualify for clinical practice.
A respiratory therapy degree prepares professionals for clinical roles. Most begin with an associate degree in respiratory therapy, while others pursue a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy for advanced positions.
Programs include anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical training for respiratory therapists in real-world care environments.
After graduation, therapists must pass the respiratory therapy certification exam to earn credentials such as certified respiratory therapist (CRT) or registered respiratory therapist (RRT).
All therapists must also meet state licensing requirements and maintain credential renewal through continuing education for respiratory therapists. Employers often require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification as part of the credentialing process.
The respiratory therapist job outlook (2024–2034) continues to rise due to an aging population, healthcare demand, and increasing rates of chronic respiratory diseases. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for the profession, creating consistent respiratory therapist job openings across the country.
These factors make respiratory therapy one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions and an excellent long-term career choice.
Building a successful respiratory therapy career involves gaining experience, pursuing specialization, and advancing into higher-level clinical or leadership roles.
The respiratory therapist career path offers steady advancement from technician to senior therapist, supervisor, or clinical director. Therapists may also transition into teaching, research, or equipment management roles. Many facilities promote from within, rewarding strong clinical and leadership performance.
Some agencies offer mentorship programs for therapists and career development programs that encourage professional growth. Ongoing continuing education support helps professionals stay current with new treatments and technology in respiratory therapy careers.
| Career Stage | Role Example | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Respiratory Care Technician | Equipment setup and monitoring |
| Mid-Level | Licensed Respiratory Therapist | Direct patient care, ABG testing |
| Advanced | Department Supervisor | Staff training, policy management |
Explore current opportunities and learn how specialized placement can help you find the right fit. Visit our Respiratory Therapist Staffing page to discover flexible positions, professional support, and a trusted network that connects you with top healthcare facilities nationwide.
Respiratory therapists can choose from several employment models based on their career goals and schedule preferences.
Some staffing agencies provide access to contract respiratory therapist positions, temporary respiratory therapist jobs, temp-to-perm respiratory therapist positions, and direct hire respiratory therapist jobs.
Each model offers flexibility and stability depending on the therapist’s experience and location preferences.
| Employment Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Contract | Flexible scheduling, travel opportunities |
| Temp-to-Perm | Short-term trial leading to permanent role |
| Direct Hire | Steady employment with full benefits |
Working with a reputable staffing partner gives therapists access to a competitive salary, paid training for respiratory therapists, health insurance benefits, employee wellness programs, and flexible schedules for therapists.
Facilities also benefit from reliable coverage and consistent patient care through structured staffing solutions.
A trusted staffing agency plays an important role in helping respiratory therapists find positions that match their skills, interests, and schedule preferences.
A respiratory therapy staffing agency near me offers more than job placement. It connects professionals to opportunities tailored to their background and goals.
Flagstar Rehab provides:
Our agency manages the compliance management and clinical documentation process to help therapists stay focused on patient care. With strong healthcare workforce management systems, Flagstar Rehab delivers reliable allied health staffing for hospitals and rehabilitation centers that depend on trusted, qualified professionals.
Flagstar Rehab specializes in matching therapist expertise with facility needs. Each licensed respiratory therapist is carefully placed according to their training, specialty, and work preference.
Our rehab staffing solutions for respiratory therapy departments improve patient outcomes, reduce turnover, and promote therapist retention and professional satisfaction.
Whether your expertise lies in critical care, pediatrics, or home respiratory therapy, we match you with healthcare organizations that align with your skills and goals. Our travel and flexible respiratory therapy assignments allow you to explore new clinical settings while maintaining career stability.
Respiratory therapy is a respected and growing profession that offers stability, flexibility, and purpose. With increasing demand for skilled clinicians across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings, now is an ideal time to advance your respiratory therapist career. Whether you specialize in critical care, pediatrics, or pulmonary rehabilitation, opportunities are expanding nationwide for qualified professionals who deliver patient-focused, evidence-based respiratory care.
At Flagstar Rehab, we connect dedicated respiratory therapists with healthcare organizations that value skill, compassion, and reliability. Join our trusted respiratory therapy staffing agency to access rewarding respiratory therapist job openings, personalized career support, and flexible placements designed for your goals. Start your next assignment with confidence. Apply today and grow your respiratory therapy career with FSRehab.
Yes. Respiratory therapy jobs are in high demand due to the growing need for professionals who treat chronic lung conditions and manage respiratory support in critical care settings. The respiratory therapist job outlook (2024–2034) projects faster-than-average growth as the population ages and more patients require specialized care.
The main job of a respiratory therapist is to help patients breathe more effectively. This includes evaluating lung function, performing respiratory assessments, administering oxygen therapy, and operating ventilators and other life support equipment. Therapists also conduct pulmonary function testing (PFT), manage airway support, and provide respiratory health education to patients and families.
The competitive salary for respiratory therapists varies by location, experience, and type of facility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists is around $80,450 per year. Hospital and critical care respiratory therapists often earn more due to specialized skills such as ventilator management and emergency response.
The respiratory therapist career path offers multiple opportunities for advancement. Many professionals begin as respiratory care technicians or entry-level clinicians before becoming licensed respiratory therapists or registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). From there, they can move into senior or supervisory roles, education, research, or administration. Some expand into specializations like pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep lab diagnostics, or home care management.