Respiratory Therapy Aide Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age of advancing healthcare, the role of respiratory therapy aides is increasingly essential.

As our understanding of respiratory health progresses, the demand for skilled hands capable of supporting, maintaining, and enhancing our respiratory care grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a respiratory therapy aide?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decipher the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of respiratory therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable respiratory therapy aide job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Respiratory Therapy Aide Duties and Responsibilities

Respiratory Therapy Aides work under the supervision of licensed Respiratory Therapists to help patients improve their pulmonary function.

They assist in the treatment and care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the administration of respiratory therapy treatments as directed by Respiratory Therapists
• Maintaining and cleaning respiratory equipment
• Monitoring patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs and blood chemistry changes
• Transporting patients to the appropriate areas for respiratory therapy treatment
• Assisting with pulmonary function tests and recording results
• Keeping patient treatment records and updating healthcare team on patient progress
• Preparing and assembling respiratory therapy equipment for patient use
• Ordering supplies and maintaining an inventory of respiratory therapy equipment
• Ensuring adherence to hospital policies and procedures, as well as safety and cleanliness standards

 

Respiratory Therapy Aide Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Respiratory Therapy Aide to support our medical team.

The aide will assist in administering respiratory treatments, monitoring patient conditions, and maintaining respiratory equipment.

The ideal candidate is familiar with a variety of respiratory treatments and has a deep understanding of patient care in the context of respiratory ailments.

They should be able to work well in a team and have excellent interpersonal skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist respiratory therapists in administering therapeutic procedures
• Monitor and report patient’s physical response to treatment
• Maintain and clean respiratory therapy equipment
• Follow the directions of respiratory therapists and other medical staff
• Document patient treatment and progress
• Prepare treatment room for patient
• Ensure all medical supplies are stocked and ready for use
• Assist patients in understanding their treatment plans

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a Respiratory Therapy Assistant program is preferred
• Experience in a clinical setting is a plus
• Basic understanding of respiratory therapy procedures and equipment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Current CPR certification

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Respiratory Therapy Aide
• Work Environment: Medical setting. This role may require standing for long periods of time and some heavy lifting.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Respiratory Therapist or Respiratory Therapy Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 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 Respiratory Therapy Aide Do?

Respiratory Therapy Aides are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of respiratory therapists and physicians.

They play a critical role in the medical team dedicated to respiratory care.

They assist in the treatment of patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders, such as asthma or emphysema.

They provide basic patient care and handle tasks like sterilizing respiratory therapy equipment, assembling and disassembling equipment, and storing and retrieving equipment.

Respiratory Therapy Aides may also be involved in the administration of medications to patients under the guidance of respiratory therapists.

They help patients with the use of equipment such as ventilators, airway management devices, and aerosol devices, and monitor the patient’s response to these treatments.

Their work involves a lot of direct patient interaction, as they often help patients with their therapies, inform and educate them about their conditions, and provide emotional support.

In addition, Respiratory Therapy Aides are expected to keep patient records updated, as well as order and manage supplies.

They must be familiar with safety procedures and follow strict medical protocols to ensure the health and safety of patients.

Many Respiratory Therapy Aides work in hospitals, but they may also be employed in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or home healthcare settings.

 

Respiratory Therapy Aide Qualifications and Skills

A professional Respiratory Therapy Aide should have the necessary qualifications and skills that align with your job description, such as:

• Understanding of the basic principles and practices of respiratory care and the ability to apply this knowledge to the job.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and basic human anatomy, especially relating to the respiratory system.
• Technical skills to operate and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, including ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and other respiratory care devices.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to follow directions and protocols accurately, maintain patient records, and carry out administrative tasks.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to recognize and address problems that may arise during respiratory treatments.
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours and provide physical support to patients if necessary.
• Compassion and patience to deal with patients who may be in distress or experiencing discomfort.
• Attention to detail and the ability to multitask, ensuring all patients receive timely and appropriate care.

 

Respiratory Therapy Aide Experience Requirements

Respiratory Therapy Aides typically must have a high school diploma or equivalent as a baseline educational requirement.

It is common for potential candidates to have completed a certified training program in respiratory therapy or a closely related healthcare field.

Entry-level Respiratory Therapy Aides may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, clinical rotations, or part-time roles in a healthcare setting.

These professionals might also gain relevant experience in roles such as medical assistants, health aids, or in other patient care roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are usually well-versed with the technical skills and knowledge required for the role.

They may have worked in intensive care units, emergency rooms, or pulmonary departments and are experienced in handling various respiratory equipment and assisting with procedures.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a good amount of patient care experience.

They may have taken on leadership roles, supervising new aides or coordinating with a team of healthcare professionals.

Such individuals may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position in the respiratory therapy field.

Some hospitals or healthcare facilities may require their Respiratory Therapy Aides to have specific certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

These certifications, along with the necessary experience, can increase job prospects.

 

Respiratory Therapy Aide Education and Training Requirements

Respiratory Therapy Aides typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary education in respiratory therapy or a related field.

These programs provide training in patient care, anatomy and physiology, respiratory care procedures, equipment usage, and medical terminology.

They may lead to a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree depending on the duration and depth of the program.

Respiratory Therapy Aides also require a thorough understanding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency respiratory procedures.

Therefore, CPR certification is typically required, and additional certifications such as Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be beneficial.

While not generally required, some Respiratory Therapy Aides may choose to become Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

These certifications demonstrate a higher level of competence and can increase job prospects and potential salary.

Finally, Respiratory Therapy Aides must have good interpersonal skills, as they interact with patients who may be in distress.

They also need to be detail-oriented, as they must monitor and record patient information accurately.

 

Respiratory Therapy Aide Salary Expectations

A Respiratory Therapy Aide earns an average salary of $37,420 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as experience, the level of education, and the geographical location of the place of employment.

 

Respiratory Therapy Aide Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Respiratory Therapy Aide need?

A Respiratory Therapy Aide requires strong technical skills to operate and maintain respiratory equipment.

They should also have good interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.

Attention to detail is crucial for monitoring and recording patient conditions.

They should also have a good understanding of medical terminologies and procedures related to respiratory care.

 

Do Respiratory Therapy Aides need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary, a diploma or certificate in respiratory care or a related field can be beneficial.

Many employers also require Respiratory Therapy Aides to have a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

In addition, some states may require licensure or certification for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Respiratory Therapy Aide’s resume?

When reviewing a Respiratory Therapy Aide’s resume, check for experience in respiratory care or a related field.

Also, look for any certifications related to respiratory care or Basic Life Support (BLS).

Evidence of excellent patient care skills and technical aptitude in operating respiratory equipment is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Respiratory Therapy Aide?

A good Respiratory Therapy Aide should be compassionate and patient as they often work with people who are in discomfort or distress.

They should have good manual dexterity to handle equipment and perform procedures.

Additionally, they must be detail-oriented to accurately monitor and record patient conditions.

 

What are the daily duties of a Respiratory Therapy Aide?

The daily duties of a Respiratory Therapy Aide include setting up and maintaining respiratory equipment, assisting therapists with procedures, cleaning equipment, and monitoring patient responses to therapy.

They also help educate patients and their families about treatment plans and provide emotional support when needed.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a close look at the essential role of a respiratory therapy aide.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting with treatments.

It’s about helping patients breathe easier, one therapy session at a time.

With our go-to respiratory therapy aide job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on this fulfilling path.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to perfectly tailored job listings or enhancing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each therapy session contributes to a patient’s overall health.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapy Aide (Complete Guide)

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