Respiratory Therapy Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern healthcare industry, the importance of Respiratory Therapy Educators cannot be overstated.

As medical technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can educate, empower, and ensure the safety of respiratory care delivery grows stronger.

But what does a Respiratory Therapy Educator actually do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the fundamental dynamics of respiratory therapy education,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Respiratory Therapy Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Respiratory Therapy Educators play a crucial role in educating and training students and healthcare professionals in the field of respiratory therapy.

They are responsible for teaching the principles and practical skills needed for respiratory care, as well as staying updated on the latest advancements in the field.

Respiratory Therapy Educators perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement course curriculum for respiratory therapy programs
• Teach and demonstrate respiratory therapy techniques and procedures
• Assess students’ progress and provide constructive feedback
• Stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and practices in respiratory care
• Maintain professional and academic competence
• Participate in scholarly activities such as research and publications
• Provide guidance and mentorship to students pursuing a career in respiratory therapy
• Ensure adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in course delivery and content
• Participate in the development and assessment of program outcomes
• Work collaboratively with other faculty members and clinical sites to coordinate student clinical rotations
• Attend faculty meetings, professional development workshops, and industry conferences

 

Respiratory Therapy Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Respiratory Therapy Educator to deliver quality education and training to our respiratory care students.

Your responsibilities will include developing course content, delivering lectures, and supervising clinical training.

As an educator, you should be well-versed in respiratory care techniques, patient assessment, and respiratory care protocols.

Ultimately, you should be able to foster an enriching learning environment and ensure our students are well-prepared for their future careers in respiratory care.

 

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and implement respiratory therapy lessons and educational programs
• Supervise and guide students during their clinical training
• Develop and update course materials, syllabi, and educational protocols
• Evaluate student performance and provide constructive feedback
• Maintain accurate student attendance records and grades
• Stay up-to-date with latest developments and advancements in respiratory care
• Participate in professional development and training activities
• Ensure compliance with all local and national respiratory care educational standards

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in respiratory care or related field
• Current state licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Proven work experience as a Respiratory Therapist and/or Educator
• Excellent understanding of respiratory therapy procedures and protocols
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills and ability to effectively communicate complex medical concepts
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Master’s degree in Education or Respiratory Care preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Respiratory Therapy Educator
• Work Environment: Educational institution. Some travel may be required for training programs or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Director of Education.
• Salary: Salary is dependent upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and institutional considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 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 in our institution. 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 teaching philosophy to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Respiratory Therapy Educator Do?

Respiratory Therapy Educators typically work in educational institutions like colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, or as self-employed individuals.

They are essentially healthcare professionals whose primary responsibility is to educate future Respiratory Therapists.

They are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, designing and implementing curriculum, and assessing students’ performance through exams, assignments, and practical evaluations.

Their job is to ensure that students understand various concepts related to respiratory care, such as anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, therapeutic procedures, medical gas administration, pulmonary function testing, and patient assessment methods.

They also teach students to use, maintain, and troubleshoot the various equipment used in respiratory care, such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and nebulizers.

Respiratory Therapy Educators often keep themselves updated with the latest advancements in the field and incorporate them into their teaching.

They also guide students in their clinical practice, helping them apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios.

Some Respiratory Therapy Educators may also participate in research, contribute to professional publications, or present their findings at conferences.

They may also serve as mentors, advising students on career paths and opportunities in the field of respiratory care.

 

Respiratory Therapy Educator Qualifications and Skills

A Respiratory Therapy Educator should have the skills and qualifications that align with the demands of this job role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of respiratory therapy principles, practices, and applications to teach students effectively.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain complex medical concepts to students of various knowledge levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish a positive learning environment and build strong relationships with students.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to devise effective teaching strategies that cater to the individual learning needs of students.
• Time management skills to balance between teaching, administrative tasks, and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field of respiratory therapy.
• Experience with clinical procedures and equipment related to respiratory care to provide practical demonstrations to students.
• Patient and compassionate nature to guide students through their academic journey and beyond.
• Organization skills to plan lessons, manage class schedules, and handle administrative tasks efficiently.
• Ability to assess and evaluate student performance and provide constructive feedback to help them improve.

 

Respiratory Therapy Educator Experience Requirements

Respiratory Therapy Educators typically begin their careers as respiratory therapists.

They are required to have a minimum of an associate degree in respiratory therapy, though many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree.

As therapists, they gain significant hands-on experience and knowledge in patient care.

Typically, Respiratory Therapy Educators may have 2-5 years of clinical experience.

This is important because they are responsible for educating others on various respiratory conditions, treatments, and techniques.

Practical experience is crucial in this role as they need to demonstrate procedures and techniques accurately to their students.

For educators who are teaching at a higher educational level, such as a university, a master’s degree in respiratory therapy, education, or a related field may be required.

These individuals may also be expected to have more years of experience, often 5-7 years.

In addition to clinical experience, educators should have some level of teaching or training experience.

This could be in the form of mentoring, coaching, or formal teaching roles.

Those with more than 7 years of experience and advanced qualifications may be ready for a leadership role within the education department of a hospital or a position as a senior educator at a higher education institution.

 

Respiratory Therapy Educator Education and Training Requirements

Respiratory Therapy Educators generally need a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field.

They should be licensed as a Respiratory Therapist and have several years of experience in the field.

In order to teach, they often need a master’s degree in education, respiratory therapy, or a related health science field.

A doctorate may be preferred, especially for positions in higher education.

Respiratory Therapy Educators also need to have a strong background in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory care procedures.

They are required to have certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as either a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

Some positions may require additional specialty credentials like Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) or Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) from the NBRC.

Continuous professional development is necessary to keep up with advancements in the field.

This can be achieved by attending relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences, and by staying informed of the latest research and developments in respiratory care.

Not only should they possess a deep understanding of respiratory care, but they also need to have strong communication and instructional skills to effectively educate others.

 

Respiratory Therapy Educator Salary Expectations

A Respiratory Therapy Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $73,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary significantly based on years of experience, specializations, geographic location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Respiratory Therapy Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Respiratory Therapy Educator need?

Respiratory Therapy Educators should have strong knowledge of the principles and techniques of respiratory care, and should be able to demonstrate these effectively to students.

They should also possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to ensure students understand complex concepts.

Organizational and planning skills are also crucial for managing classes and lesson plans.

 

Do Respiratory Therapy Educators need a degree?

Yes, Respiratory Therapy Educators typically need a Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field, as well as a state license to practice as a respiratory therapist.

Many positions also require several years of clinical experience in respiratory care.

Some institutions may prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or doctoral degree in education or a related field.

 

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

Look for a strong educational background in respiratory therapy and experience in clinical practice.

Also, look for any experience in teaching or education, as this role requires the ability to translate professional knowledge into understandable lessons for students.

Certifications such as the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) are also desirable.

 

What qualities make a good Respiratory Therapy Educator?

A good Respiratory Therapy Educator should be passionate about respiratory care and eager to share their knowledge with others.

They should have the ability to break down complex concepts into simpler terms that students can understand.

Patience and empathy are also important as students may have different learning styles and paces.

Lastly, they should be committed to lifelong learning to stay updated with advancements in respiratory care.

 

Is it difficult to hire Respiratory Therapy Educators?

Hiring a Respiratory Therapy Educator can be challenging because the role requires a unique combination of clinical experience and teaching abilities.

However, by offering competitive salaries, clear career progression, and opportunities for professional development, you can attract the right candidates.

Also, ensure that the job description accurately outlines the roles, responsibilities, and necessary qualifications to attract suitable applicants.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what being a Respiratory Therapy Educator truly entails.

Guess what though?

It’s not just about instructing on respiratory care procedures.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one lesson at a time.

With our expertly crafted Respiratory Therapy Educator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take that next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating laser-focused job listings or perfecting your resume like a pro.

Remember:

Every lesson you teach contributes to the larger healthcare landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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