Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of Pediatric Respiratory Therapists is crucially important.

As the healthcare industry advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and manage children’s respiratory issues grows louder.

But what exactly is expected from a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pediatric respiratory therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Respiratory Therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Respiratory Therapists specialize in the assessment, treatment, and monitoring of respiratory conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.

They work closely with a pediatrician or a medical team to ensure the highest quality of care.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and monitoring patients’ respiratory conditions and vital signs
• Implementing treatment plans as determined by physicians
• Administering aerosol therapies, chest physiotherapy, and controlled oxygen therapy
• Managing mechanical ventilators and providing ventilator care to patients
• Conducting diagnostic tests such as pulmonary function testing
• Providing education and guidance to patients and their families on respiratory care
• Responding to emergency situations requiring immediate respiratory care
• Maintaining patient records and documenting therapy and treatment progress
• Ensuring all respiratory care equipment is cleaned, maintained, and functioning properly
• Participating in patient care conferences and professional development activities

 

Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Pediatric Respiratory Therapist to join our healthcare team.

The Pediatric Respiratory Therapist will be responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing infants and children with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of respiratory care techniques, the ability to work well under pressure and excellent communication skills to deal with young patients and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess, diagnose, and treat infants and children with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Deliver respiratory care to patients in emergency, intensive care, and general patient areas.
• Operate and maintain respiratory equipment such as ventilators and oxygen supply devices.
• Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to deliver quality patient care.
• Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques.
• Perform regular assessments of patients and equipment.
• Develop and update individualized care plans for patients.
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in respiratory care for children.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Respiratory Therapist, preferably in pediatrics.
• Current licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Exceptional patient care skills and empathy for children.
• Knowledge of current respiratory care techniques and procedures for children.
• Experience with mechanical ventilators and artificial airway devices.
• Able to handle stressful situations and make decisions quickly.
• BSc or other diploma from a respiratory therapy program.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Respiratory Therapist
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. This role requires direct contact with patients and may involve long hours of standing or moving.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Respiratory Therapy or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Do?

Pediatric Respiratory Therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who provide care and treatment for children suffering from both acute and chronic respiratory conditions.

They typically work in hospitals or clinics, often within neonatal or pediatric intensive care units, emergency rooms, or general pediatric departments.

They are responsible for the evaluation, diagnosis, and implementation of therapeutic procedures for patients ranging from newborns to adolescents.

This may include administering respiratory treatments, operating and maintaining respiratory equipment, monitoring patient responses, and providing emergency care.

Pediatric Respiratory Therapists work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized treatment plans for their young patients.

They often provide education to patients and their families about their conditions and how to manage them effectively at home.

Given the sensitive nature of their work, they are required to handle both the physical and emotional needs of their patients with great care and compassion.

Their ultimate goal is to improve their patients’ respiratory health, enabling them to lead healthier, happier lives.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Qualifications and Skills

Pediatric Respiratory Therapists utilize a blend of technical expertise, soft skills and medical knowledge to provide therapeutic and life support services to infants and children, including:

• Advanced knowledge in respiratory care techniques, principles and procedures, especially as it pertains to infants and children.
• Exceptional patient care skills to handle and interact with children, making them feel comfortable during treatment.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills to quickly identify any complications or changes in a patient’s condition and effectively altering treatment strategies as needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with a team of healthcare professionals, as well as to communicate complex medical information to parents and caregivers in an understandable manner.
• Empathy and patience to deal with children who may be scared or uncooperative due to their condition.
• Technical skills to operate, maintain and troubleshoot a variety of complex medical equipment.
• Physical stamina for standing for extended periods and the ability to respond quickly to emergency situations.
• Detailed-oriented and organizational skills to maintain accurate patient records, administer the correct treatments and monitor patient progress.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Respiratory Therapists usually begin their career journey with a degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program.

This program provides them with the necessary theoretical and practical experience needed for entry-level roles.

Some individuals might gain additional experience through internships or part-time roles in hospitals or clinics, treating both adult and pediatric patients.

This hands-on experience often ranges from 1 to 2 years and is highly valuable for gaining practical skills and competencies.

Candidates with more than 2-3 years of experience have often spent time in roles such as a Registered Respiratory Therapist or Certified Respiratory Therapist, where they’ve gained specialized skills in handling pediatric cases.

They may have also acquired a deeper understanding of certain medical conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, or other respiratory ailments common among children.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience in the field likely have some leadership or supervisory experience.

They might have overseen a team of therapists, trained new hires, or coordinated respiratory care programs.

Such individuals are well-prepared for roles involving higher responsibility and decision-making, such as a Lead Pediatric Respiratory Therapist or a department manager.

Moreover, many employers prefer candidates with Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification or Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS) certification, which signifies a therapist’s advanced skills and expertise in handling pediatric cases.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Respiratory Therapist usually requires an associate’s degree as a minimum educational qualification, although a bachelor’s degree is often preferred by employers.

The degree should be in respiratory therapy or a related field from an accredited institution.

The coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, respiratory care procedures, and pediatric and neonatal care.

All Pediatric Respiratory Therapists must be licensed to practice.

To obtain a license, they must pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

In addition to the initial degree and licensure, these professionals are required to complete specialized pediatric and neonatal care training.

This training can be obtained through additional coursework or on-the-job training.

Some Pediatric Respiratory Therapists may also choose to pursue advanced certification specifically for pediatric care, such as the Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist certification offered by the NBRC.

Continuing education is also important in this field to keep up with advances in medical technology and treatment methods.

Hands-on clinical experience, usually obtained through internships or entry-level positions, is also a vital part of training for a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist.

This practical experience allows them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and gain necessary skills.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Respiratory Therapist earns an average salary of $64,670 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as level of experience, specialization, and location of the employing hospital or medical center.

 

Pediatric Respiratory Therapist Job Description FAQs

What are the qualifications needed to become a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist?

A Pediatric Respiratory Therapist must have a minimum of an associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program, although many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

They must also pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Specialization in pediatrics may require additional training or certification.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist?

On a typical day, a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist may assess and treat infants and children with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.

They may work closely with physicians to develop patient care plans, administer treatments, and monitor patient responses.

They also educate families on respiratory conditions and how to use equipment at home.

 

What skills are essential for a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist?

A Pediatric Respiratory Therapist should have strong interpersonal skills as they work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

They should also have excellent problem-solving skills to assess patient conditions and implement appropriate treatments.

Attention to detail, compassion, and patience are also crucial as they will be dealing with children who may be frightened or uncooperative during treatments.

 

What is the career progression for a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist?

After gaining experience, a Pediatric Respiratory Therapist could progress to a supervisory or managerial role within a respiratory therapy department.

They might also choose to specialize further, perhaps in neonatal intensive care or pediatric intensive care.

Continuing education and gaining additional certifications can also enhance career prospects.

 

Is it challenging to recruit Pediatric Respiratory Therapists?

Recruiting Pediatric Respiratory Therapists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The job requires specific skills and qualifications, and there may be a limited pool of candidates who have the necessary experience in pediatric care.

It’s essential to offer competitive compensation, supportive work environments, and opportunities for professional growth to attract qualified applicants.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shone a spotlight on what it truly means to be a pediatric respiratory therapist.

And here’s a revelation:

It’s not just about administering respiratory treatments.

It’s about weaving the fabric of a child’s health, one breath at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive pediatric respiratory therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But don’t halt your momentum now.

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every breath a child takes is a part of their larger health story.

Let’s weave that story. Together.

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