Respiratory Therapist (RRT/CRT) Full Time, Days (60)

Respiratory TherapistFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not listed

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, call expectations and time off.

Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

Basic Purpose of the Job

Provides respiratory therapy and diagnostic testing in accordance with physician ordered treatment/interventions.

REPORTS TO: Director—Respiratory Care

Job Requirements

  • Supervisory Responsibilities: No
  • Minimum Education: Associates Required.
  • Degree: Degree in Respiratory Care or related field.

License/Certification Required: Certified by the Tennessee State Board of Medical Examiners as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care required; Current BLS required; PALS and NRP certification preferred and must be obtained within 1 year of hire date.

Minimum Work Experience: Pediatric respiratory care experience preferred, but not required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must be able to work well in a variety of clinical situations including inpatient, outpatient, and transport settings.

Must be able to work effectively with patients/families as well as other members of the patient care team.

In addition to clinical training as a Respiratory Therapist, exceptional Service Excellence skills are required.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supports and adheres to departmental quality improvement initiatives.
  • Performs general care assignments, following all regulations, and in a timely manner.
  • Performs accurate diagnostic testing.
  • Demonstrates emergency readiness.
  • Performs crucial care/transport assignment.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and the ability to provide clear and complete instructions for patient/family use of respiratory medications and treatments.
  • Performs Lead Therapist assignment.

Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

Interacts with all patients, staff, volunteers, etc. in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner, as observed by management observation and peer input.

Communicates efficiently and effectively with others in the department.

Actively participates in staff educational activities such as serving as instructor, preceptor, or staff mentor when called upon. Proactively identifies and attends professional development opportunities.

  • Willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.
  • Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.

Physical Requirements

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Medium lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 20-50 lbs occasionally, 10-20 pounds frequently and 10 lbs constantly to move objects. Sudden emergency situations have the potential for exposure for lifting or moving of up to 100 lbs. Frequent bending, walking, sitting, squatting, reaching, and standing are required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

Come work where you can make a difference every day.

Key Responsibilities

Provide respiratory therapy and diagnostic testing according to physician-ordered treatments, including general care, emergency response, critical care, and transport assignments. Educate patients and families about respiratory medications and treatments, support quality initiatives, and communicate and collaborate courteously with the care team.

Requirements

An associate degree in respiratory care or a related field is required, along with Tennessee licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, National Board for Respiratory Care credentials, and current BLS certification. Pediatric respiratory care experience is preferred; PALS and NRP certifications are preferred and must be obtained within one year of hire.

Certifications

PALS (preferred)NRP (preferred)

Key Skills

Patient and Family EducationPatient TransportClinical CommunicationTeamworkStaff Education

Respiratory Therapy Career Context

Of the 50 active Respiratory Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 2% are remote, 54% have no call, 50% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Tennessee is 91.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 58.6% of Tennessee clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Location & Logistics

Tennessee has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states.

Top Respiratory Therapist Jobs

36 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution27 jobs · 24 employers

12
<$90k
4
$90k-105k
8
$105k-120k
2
$120k-135k
1
$139k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks25 jobs · 24 employers

401k / retirement match
88%
Sign-on bonus
36%
Loan repayment
12%
Relocation assistance
8%
PSLF eligible
8%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Respiratory Therapist

Sutter Health · Sacramento, California

$47.68-$66.75/hr
#2

Respiratory Therapist – CRT/RRT

Garnet Health · Middletown, New York

$45.05 - $63.70/hr
#3

Respiratory Therapist II

$41.41-$62.92/hr
#4

Respiratory Therapist - Providence Kodiak Island

$37.08-$55.62/hr
+ 34 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 5.1
Better work-life than 80% of Respiratory Therapy listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 3,845 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Knoxville

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$358k
Typical market rent
$1,712/mo
Residents’ average commute
20 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
92.6
State income tax
None
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Knoxville, TN metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.