Respiratory Therapist, CRT/RRT
Listed compensation
$24.35-$27.17/hr
Listing transparency2 of 6 stated
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.
- Employment & setting
- Full-Time
- Call expectations
- Not specified
- Weekends
- Not specified
Job Description
URGENT IN!! UPMC will now PAY costs to complete the RRT exam!
New Graduates, CRT & RRT credentials are eligible to apply! Candidates will be placed into the necessary title/level and compensation rate based on background and experience.
- FT and Casual statuses available
- Starting Rates: CRT- $24.35, RRT-$25.21, Sr. RRT-$27.17
- We’re excited to offer sign-on bonuses for qualified Respiratory Therapists who join our team:
· $15,000 for therapists with 0–1 year of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment
· $20,000 for therapists with 1+ years of experience with a 2-year full-time commitment
Plus, a limited-time incentive to earn an additional $10,000 upon completion of your third year of employment.
Sign-on bonuses are also available for part-time positions and will be prorated based on commitment.
A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a healthcare professional responsible for assessing patients with respiratory disorders, conducting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and administering respiratory therapy. They work under the direction of doctors and treat a range of patients. Here are the key responsibilities and qualifications for this role:
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assessment and Diagnosis:
- Interview patients to gather relevant medical history and assess respiratory conditions.
- Conduct diagnostic tests, including measuring lung capacity and blood acidity/alkalinity.
- Collaborate with physicians and nurses to develop personalized treatment plans.
Treatment Administration
Administer respiratory treatments based on patient conditions, such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, and chest physiotherapy.
- Set up and operate medical devices, including mechanical ventilators.
- Connect patients who require ventilator support.
- Educate patients on equipment usage and medication.
Monitoring and Emergency Care
Regularly check on patients and equipment.
Monitor patient responses to therapy, including vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
Provide emergency care during code situations.
Documentation and Communication
Maintain accurate patient charts with relevant identification and therapy information.
Collaborate with healthcare team members, including demonstrating respiratory care procedures to trainees and supervising students during training.
Graduate of a Co ARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) approved Respiratory program required OR students who have received a temporary license are permitted to begin employment with approval from the Human Resources department along with their official transcripts.
Basic Life Support or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation required
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required prior to expiration of temporary practice permit. Respiratory therapists who receive their CRT credential from the NBRC after July 1, 2002 are required to maintain certification under the NBRC requirements
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
- Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)
- Osteopathic Respiratory Care OR Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP)
- Act 34
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Key Responsibilities
Assess patients with respiratory disorders and develop personalized treatment plans in collaboration with physicians. Administer therapies, operate mechanical ventilators, and provide emergency care during code situations.
Requirements
Must be a graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory program and hold a CRT credential from the NBRC. BLS or CPR certification based on AHA standards is required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Respiratory Therapist, CRT/RRT at UPMC a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 5% in Respiratory Therapy — ranked against 3,479 active Respiratory Therapy listings on WeekdayDoc.
Respiratory Therapy Career Context
Of the 40 active Respiratory Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 3% are remote, 75% have no call, 65% require no weekends.
Respiratory Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is up 2.2% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).
The cost-of-living index for Pennsylvania is 97.6 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$54k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $55k in an average-cost state. 61.7% of Pennsylvania clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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