Respiratory therapists help people who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
People who have had heart attacks or who have sleep disorders and infants who are born prematurely might also need respiratory therapy to help them breathe more easily.
They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning or shock.
Training
Respiratory therapists must have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy education program. Many students get a bachelor’s degree and some go on to earn a graduate degree.
After graduation, respiratory therapists are eligible to take a national voluntary multiple-choice examination to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist credential. After passing the exam, they can take a national voluntary clinical simulation examination that leads to the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. The National Board for Respiratory Care administers the credentials.
Forty-nine states require licensing or legal credentialing.
Job Overview
Skills and Knowledge Required
Respiratory therapists must have a deep understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology, pathophysiology, biomedical engineering, and medical technology. Their expertise enables them to assess, educate, and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders effectively.
Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making
Using critical thinking skills and evidence-based clinical guidelines, respiratory therapists develop and implement patient care plans, protocols, and disease management programs. They work under medical direction but play an essential role in patient assessment and treatment.
Role of Advanced-Level Therapists
Advanced respiratory therapists take on greater responsibilities, including:
- Clinical decision-making and patient education
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Promoting health and preventing disease
- Managing complex cases independently while collaborating with physicians
Working Conditions
Respiratory therapists perform a variety of tasks in different healthcare settings. Their daily responsibilities may include:
- Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods
- Conducting patient interviews and physical exams to determine therapy needs
- Consulting with physicians to adjust treatment plans
- Analyzing breath, tissue, and blood samples to assess oxygen and gas levels
- Managing ventilators and artificial airways for patients who cannot breathe independently
- Responding to emergency situations, such as Code Blue events
- Educating patients and families about lung disease management and recovery
Work Environments for Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Acute care hospitals (where 75% of therapists are employed)
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Sleep disorder centers
- Rehabilitation and long-term acute care facilities
- Home healthcare
- Patient transport services
- Physicians’ offices
- Retirement and convalescent centers
- Educational institutions
- Wellness centers
- Medical device manufacturers
Career Advancement Opportunities
With experience, respiratory therapists can advance in their careers, particularly in hospital settings. Potential career paths include:
- Shift supervisor or department manager – Managing teams and overseeing operations
- Hospital administration – Moving into leadership roles in healthcare management
- Home care business owner – Providing diagnostic services, patient education, and equipment services
- Corporate roles – Working for medical device manufacturers as product specialists or marketing representatives
Opportunities in Education and Research
For those interested in teaching, respiratory therapists can transition into faculty positions at respiratory therapy schools or become clinical education coordinators in hospitals. These roles often include research responsibilities, contributing to the advancement of respiratory care practices through clinical studies.
Types of Respiratory Therapy Jobs in Pennsylvania
Respiratory therapists in Pennsylvania have a variety of career opportunities in hospitals, home healthcare, private practices, and corporate settings.
Employers typically seek candidates with an active Respiratory Care License (RCP), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Experience with ventilators, pulmonary function tests, and patient education is often required. Competitive wages, flexible schedules, and benefits such as 401(k), health insurance, and paid time off are commonly offered. Below are examples of job openings for respiratory therapists across Pennsylvania.
Licensed Respiratory Therapist (PRN Contract) – UniversalMed Supply
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Pay: $50 – $200 per hour
Job Type: Part-time, Contract
Description: UniversalMed Supply is seeking a PRN Respiratory Therapist to provide home ventilator support to patients. The role involves ventilator setup, patient education, and ongoing clinical support. Candidates must have at least one year of experience in respiratory therapy and familiarity with Respironics Trilogy 100 & 200 and CareFusion LTV ventilators. A four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required.
Respiratory Therapist – O2 Safe Solutions
Location: Bethlehem, PA
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
Benefits: 401(k) matching, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off
Description: O2 Safe Solutions is hiring a Respiratory Therapist for Clinical Respiratory Services (CRS). The role includes patient assessments, therapy administration, equipment setup (CPAP, Bi-Level, oxygen), and education for patients and caregivers. Candidates must have at least two years of experience and a valid RRT or CRT license.
Respiratory Therapist – The Asthma Center
Location: Philadelphia, PA (NE 19115 area)
Pay: From $38 per hour
Job Type: Full-time or Part-time
Schedule: Monday to Friday, no weekends or major holidays
Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), flexible schedule, paid time off
Description: The Asthma Center, a leading private practice in allergy and asthma care, is hiring a Respiratory Therapist/Pulmonary Function Technician. Responsibilities include conducting pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung diffusion, plethysmography, methacholine challenge tests), maintaining equipment, and educating patients. Candidates must have NBRC certification and experience in pulmonary function testing.
Respiratory Therapist – Temple University Health System
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Job Type: Temporary, Per Diem
Schedule: Rotating shifts
Requirements: Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care (Bachelor’s preferred), RRT certification, PA Respiratory Care License, and at least three years of experience in specialty or critical care
Description: Temple University Health System is hiring a Respiratory Therapist to diagnose and treat cardiopulmonary conditions, perform patient assessments, and manage ventilator support. The role also involves collaborating with physicians and healthcare teams.
(RRT) Respiratory Therapist (Per Diem) – Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Location: Philadelphia, PA (Torresdale Campus)
Job Type: Per Diem
Schedule: Rotating shifts
Description: Jefferson Health is looking for a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to perform diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory procedures, assess patients, monitor treatment effectiveness, and manage mechanical ventilation. Candidates must have an active RRT license and experience in pulmonary function testing and airway management.
Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist – Soliant Health
Location: Sellersville, PA
Job Type: Travel (13-week contract)
Requirements: RRT certification, two years of experience, BLS certification
Benefits: Competitive pay, housing & meal stipends, health and vision insurance, 401(k)
Description: Soliant Health is hiring a travel RRT to work in Bucks County, PA. This 13-week contract offers an opportunity to work with top-tier medical teams while experiencing a rural-suburban mix of Pennsylvania.
Respiratory Therapist – Amergis Healthcare Staffing
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Pay: $2,588 per week
Job Type: Full-time
Description: Amergis Healthcare Staffing is seeking an RRT to provide pulmonary therapy, manage ventilators, and treat patients with breathing conditions across various healthcare settings. Candidates must have an active RRT certification, one year of experience, and current CPR certification.
Respiratory Therapist (Per Diem) – Geisinger Health
Location: Factoryville, PA
Job Type: Per Diem
Schedule: Flexible shifts, including weekends and nights
Benefits: 401(k) contributions, employee wellness programs, health insurance
Description: Geisinger is hiring a per diem Respiratory Therapist to perform patient assessments, manage ventilators, provide therapy, and assist with emergency airway management. Candidates must have an RRT or CRT certification.
Respiratory Therapist (PRN) – Rotech Healthcare Inc.
Location: Monroeville & Washington, PA
Job Type: Per Diem (Flexible Schedule)
Pay: $5 – $100 per service
Description: Rotech Healthcare is looking for PRN Respiratory Therapists to provide in-home ventilator and oxygen therapy. Responsibilities include assessing patient needs, providing education, and monitoring ventilators. This per diem position allows therapists to create their own schedules.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania offers diverse job opportunities for respiratory therapists in hospitals, private practices, home healthcare, and corporate settings. Salaries and benefits vary by employer, with options for full-time, part-time, per diem, and travel positions. Many roles require an active RRT license, respiratory therapy experience, and expertise in ventilator management. Whether seeking a clinical, research, or corporate role, Pennsylvania provides a strong job market for respiratory therapists at all career levels.
