RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Respiratory Therapists are a critical part of any healthcare organization. They are educated and trained to improve a patient’s respiration, a function essential for life. Respiratory Therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing and administer a variety of respiratory treatments as directed by a physician.

Respiratory Therapists are trained to perform examinations to determine how a patient’s lungs are functioning and to measure their lung capacity. In addition, they perform assessments with diagnostic procedures such as a pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas draws.

$2,000 – $5,000*

Sign-On Bonus

$27.91/Hr* RRT

Starting Pay

$26.08/Hr* CRT

Starting Pay

$2,000 – $5,000* Sign-On Bonus

$27.91/Hr* RRT Starting Pay

$27.91/Hr* CRT Starting Pay

Job Duties

  • Treat patients using oxygen or oxygen mixtures and/or aerosol medication
  • Evaluate effectiveness of therapy and recommend changes as needed.
  • Treat patients who are connected to a ventilator in order to breathe and perform necessary maintenance on the equipment
  • Educate patients and their families on the proper use of equipment and medication to improve their breathing

Education/Licensure Requirements

  • Associate Degree in respiratory care required
  • Current KY license with the KBRC
  • National license with the NBRC for Respiratory Care
  • Current BLS training required (can be obtained at PMC)
  • ACLS training required (new hires have 6 months to abtain ACLS training)

PATHWAY TO BECOMING A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

  • Take the ACT test
  • College Readiness Track
  • Anatomy and/or Physiology
  • AP English Literature/Composition or Dual Credit Literature/Composition class
  • AP Biology or Dual Credit Biology class
  • AP Chemistry or Dual Credit Chemistry

These classes are not required for admission to all nursing schools but are recommended in most instances.

Speak to your Guidance Counselor about:

  • What dual credit classes are offered at your school from colleges/universities in the region
  • What financial resources are available and how to apply for them

Big Sandy Community & Technical College

Big Sandy Community & Technical College offers an Associate Degree Respiratory Care program in Paintsville, Kentucky that prepares students with the basic competencies necessary to function as a Respiratory Therapist.

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College offers an Associate Degree Respiratory Care program in Whitesburg, KY that prepares students with the basic competencies necessary to function as a Respiratory Therapist.

Southern WV Community & Technical College

Southern WV Community & Technical College offers a Respiratory Care Technology program on its Williamson and Wyoming/McDowell campuses designed to meet the needs of the healthcare industry focusing on respiratory therapy.

Mountain Empire Community College

Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, VA, offers an Associate Degree program in Respiratory Therapy to provide the graduates with comprehensive skills to meet the employment needs of healthcare providers.

For a list of financial resources, click here.

Students successfully completing these programs will be eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examination.

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*Pay rates are subject to change and bonus amounts are subject to change or elimination at any time without notice.

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161 Hibbard Street, Pikeville, KY 41501 | (606) 430-2251

Terms of Use | Filing a Grievance, Concern or Comment | Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Notice | Federal and Kentucky Labor Law Postings
Pikeville Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply
Call
Email

161 Hibbard Street, Pikeville, KY 41501 | (606) 430-2251

Terms of Use
Filing a Grievance, Concern or Comment
Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Notice
Federal and Kentucky Labor Law Postings

Pikeville Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.