Respiratory Therapy Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of a Respiratory Therapy Director is pivotal.

As medical science advances, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can efficiently manage, develop, and enhance our respiratory care processes.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Respiratory Therapy Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of respiratory therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Respiratory Therapy Director job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Respiratory Therapy Director Duties and Responsibilities

Respiratory Therapy Directors are primarily responsible for overseeing and managing the respiratory therapy department and team members, developing strategic plans, policies, and procedures to ensure effective and efficient delivery of respiratory care services.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee all respiratory care services and ensure they meet the standards of the healthcare facility and the regulatory authorities
• Coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the activities and performance of the respiratory therapy team
• Develop strategic plans for the improvement and expansion of respiratory care services
• Prepare and manage budgets for the respiratory department
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for respiratory services in accordance with the latest clinical guidelines and standards
• Ensure that the staff is adequately trained and competent to provide high-quality care
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop multidisciplinary patient care plans
• Monitor the quality of respiratory therapy treatments and procedures to ensure patient safety
• Participate in recruitment, selection, and training of respiratory therapy staff
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the department
• Order, maintain, and manage resources and supplies for respiratory care

 

Respiratory Therapy Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Respiratory Therapy Director to join our healthcare team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and managing the respiratory therapy department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality respiratory care services to patients.

A Respiratory Therapy Director oversees the hiring and training of the respiratory care staff, manages departmental budgets, and ensures compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.

The ideal candidate should be a registered respiratory therapist with strong leadership and managerial skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement respiratory care services in accordance with the hospital’s strategic plan
• Manage the hiring, training, and evaluation of respiratory therapists and other departmental staff
• Establish and enforce departmental policies, goals, objectives, and procedures
• Monitor patient care for quality and efficiency
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to design and implement patient care plans
• Ensure compliance with healthcare laws, regulations, and standards
• Manage departmental budgets and resources
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in the field of respiratory therapy
• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to health and safety guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Respiratory Therapist
• Experience in a leadership or managerial role
• Current state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist
• Knowledge of current respiratory care techniques and medical procedures
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills
• Strong understanding of healthcare laws, regulations, and ethics
• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Respiratory Therapy Director
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. Some stress related to ensuring high-quality patient care.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Hospital Administrator or Director of Clinical Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $125,000 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 Director Do?

A Respiratory Therapy Director typically oversees the operations of the respiratory therapy department within a healthcare facility.

They manage all aspects of respiratory care, from patient treatment to staff management.

Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the department provides high-quality care for patients who have breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.

This can include treating a variety of conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory illnesses.

Respiratory Therapy Directors work closely with a team of respiratory therapists, doctors, and nurses.

They manage the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of the respiratory therapy staff.

They also establish policies and procedures, set budgets, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.

They often participate in patient care by performing respiratory therapy procedures, assessing patients’ conditions, and developing or modifying treatment plans.

Additionally, they are involved in continuous improvement initiatives, where they analyze the department’s performance data and implement changes to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

In some cases, they may also be tasked with conducting research to stay updated on the latest advancements in respiratory care and presenting these findings to the rest of the medical staff.

Overall, the goal of a Respiratory Therapy Director is to ensure the highest level of respiratory care is being delivered in their department.

 

Respiratory Therapy Director Qualifications and Skills

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

• Advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in respiratory care to oversee and improve respiratory services.
• Strong leadership skills to guide and manage the respiratory therapy team effectively.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise between patients, families, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
• Strategic planning and organization skills to develop and implement policies, procedures, and goals for the respiratory department.
• Ability to analyze and interpret patient data for treatment planning and patient care.
• Experience in managing budgets, resources, and staffing to ensure efficient operation of the respiratory therapy department.
• Proficiency in the use of medical software and technology for patient management and reporting.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with latest advancements in respiratory care.
• Problem-solving skills to address any issues or challenges that may arise in the respiratory department.

 

Respiratory Therapy Director Experience Requirements

Respiratory Therapy Directors need to have extensive experience in the field of respiratory therapy, typically starting as a certified or registered respiratory therapist.

This often involves a minimum of 2-3 years of clinical experience in a healthcare setting, as well as familiarity with a range of respiratory therapy procedures and treatments.

It’s common for Respiratory Therapy Director candidates to have at least 5-7 years of experience, with a portion of this time spent in a leadership or supervisory role.

Experience managing a team of respiratory therapists and coordinating with other healthcare professionals is crucial.

In addition to this, they should also have experience in administrative duties such as budgeting, policy development, and quality control.

Understanding of healthcare regulations and standards, as well as experience with healthcare accreditation processes, is highly valuable.

Previous roles that can lead to the position of a Respiratory Therapy Director may include Lead Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, or Clinical Coordinator.

These roles provide an opportunity to gain management experience and develop a broad understanding of respiratory care services.

Moreover, some roles may also require experience with certain computer systems, like Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, and relevant software used in respiratory therapy management.

Continuing education and professional development are also important, and additional certifications or licenses beyond initial respiratory therapist certification can be beneficial.

 

Respiratory Therapy Director Education and Training Requirements

A Respiratory Therapy Director typically requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field such as health care administration.

The individual should be a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and have considerable practical experience in respiratory care.

Most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field.

This further education provides the managerial and administrative skills necessary to oversee a team of respiratory therapists.

Furthermore, every state requires respiratory therapists to have a license.

Licensing requirements include a minimum education level and passing a state or professional certification exam.

Respiratory Therapy Directors need strong knowledge in respiratory care procedures, patient care, and healthcare regulation.

Additional certifications such as Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) or Sleep Disorder Specialist (SDS) may be beneficial and can demonstrate a dedication to professional development.

Prior experience in a managerial role within healthcare can also be advantageous.

Continuing education is important in this role due to the constant evolution of medical practices and technology.

 

Respiratory Therapy Director Salary Expectations

A Respiratory Therapy Director typically earns an average salary of $92,075 (USD) per year.

However, the exact salary can vary significantly depending on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, geographical location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Respiratory Therapy Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Respiratory Therapy Director need?

A Respiratory Therapy Director needs a combination of technical and managerial skills.

They should have a deep understanding of respiratory therapy procedures and equipment.

Additionally, leadership, decision-making, and excellent communication skills are crucial, as they’ll be managing a team of therapists and communicating with other healthcare professionals.

 

Do Respiratory Therapy Directors need a degree?

Yes, Respiratory Therapy Directors typically need a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field.

However, many institutions prefer candidates with a master’s degree in health administration or a related field.

They must also be licensed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

 

What should you look for in a Respiratory Therapy Director resume?

A Respiratory Therapy Director should have a solid background in respiratory care, including direct patient care experience.

Look for leadership roles or administrative experience, which indicates they have the necessary skills to manage a department.

You should also ensure they have the necessary credentials like a license as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

 

What qualities make a good Respiratory Therapy Director?

A good Respiratory Therapy Director is a strong leader with excellent decision-making skills.

They should be compassionate, patient-focused, and able to manage stressful situations.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise within the department.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Respiratory Therapy Director?

Hiring a Respiratory Therapy Director can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique blend of clinical expertise in respiratory therapy and leadership skills.

As such, it may take time to find a candidate with the necessary qualifications, experience, and aptitude for the position.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Respiratory Therapy Director.

Guess what?

It’s not only about managing patient care.

It’s about breathing life into healthcare, one treatment plan at a time.

With our definitive Respiratory Therapy Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to take the next step.

But don’t halt your journey there.

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for meticulously crafted listings or optimizing your resume to excellence.

Keep in mind:

Every treatment plan contributes to a larger health narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapy Director (Complete Guide)

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