Resources
Post a Job
 Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed are 40% more likely to report a hire than non-sponsored jobs**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires
*The $100 CAD Sponsored Job credit offer is only available for new accounts in Canada that post a job and expires one year after account creation. Upon expiration of the credit, users are charged based on Sponsored Job budget. Terms, conditions, and quality standards apply **Indeed data, Canada, Q2 2024

Respiratory Therapist Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated October 8, 2025
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
7 min read

A Respiratory Therapist, also known as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, works with Physicians and other healthcare providers to diagnose, treat, and care for patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders. Their duties include assessing the patient’s respiratory health, creating and implementing a therapy plan, and providing guidance and advice to patients and other healthcare professionals.

Respiratory Therapist duties and responsibilities

A Respiratory Therapist’s duties and responsibilities vary with their work environment. The key role of a Respiratory Therapist is to provide care for patients who have trouble breathing. This includes many duties, such as interviewing, testing, and treating respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions. Other vital responsibilities may consist of:

  • Perform diagnostic testing and assessments, such as cardiopulmonary function and lung volume testing
  • Monitor and maintain diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including calibration and quality control checks
  • Use respiratory equipment to provide treatment, such as oxygen or humidified air
  • Provide breathing support in other environments outside of therapy, like emergency rooms or during surgery
  • Perform non-invasive therapies like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
  • Monitor and record a patient’s progress during treatment
  • Educate patients on the proper use of medication and respiratory equipment

Hire your next Respiratory Therapist today.

Post a job

Hire your next Respiratory Therapist today.

Post a job
Close

Respiratory Therapist Job Description Examples:

Example 1

NHS MED Staffing is looking for an experienced Registered Respiratory Therapists who will be a part of an inter-disciplinary professional team delivering exceptional assessment and treatment for our patients with chronic and acute cardio pulmonary illness. We thank in advance all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates residing in Canada with a CRTO license will be considered.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Providing therapeutic, diagnostic and respiratory services.
  • Ensuring the efficient delivery of respiratory services.
  • Continually evaluating the effectiveness of therapies given to patients.
  • Knowledge and experience with ventilation (invasive and noninvasive), airway management and spirometry, arterial blood gas collection, art line insertion, endotracheal intubation/ extubation, home oxygen assessment, required.
  • Other relevant duties as assigned by management or Clinical Coordinator.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of a recognized School of Respiratory Therapy required.
  • NRP, & BCLS certification required.
  • A member in good standing with the C.R.T.O is required.
  • A member of R.T.S.O and C.S.R.T. preferred.
  • 2 years acute care hospital experience preferred.
  • Evidence of sound organizational, problem solving and prioritization skills with ability to work well in a fast paced environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work both autonomously and as an effective team member.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to excellent customer service when dealing with patients, colleagues, management, volunteers and other members of the community and public.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Casual, Fixed term contract

Salary: $90.00-$110.00 per hour

Flexible Language Requirement:
  • English not required
Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental pay types:
  • Overtime pay

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Timmins, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:
  • respiratory therapist: 2 years Location: One location

Example 2

HorizonAire is currently accepting applications for a Registered Respiratory Therapist to join our St. John’s team as a Clinical Consultant. This is a Temporary Full Time Position.

About HorizonAire:
Founded in 1996 by current owner John Pike, this year HorizonAire proudly celebrates 26 years in business. We are locally owned & operated with a history of providing dependable service and exceptional care to our clients. HorizonAire has built a reputation for providing quality brand medical devices with follow-up service to patients with a broad range of Respiratory Diseases and Sleep Disordered Breathing. Today, thousands of Newfoundlanders & Labradorians rely on

HorizonAire, with satisfied customers province wide. Of course, we have provided our dependable services as well to travelling patients visiting us from abroad. It’s important to HorizonAire to help whenever we can.

Your responsibilities will include:

· Initiating and demonstration of equipment for patients with Respiratory Diseases & Sleep Disordered Breathing.

· Set-up & educate patients about our Home Oxygen Services, and Sleep Apnea Screening and Treatment therapy programs.

· Follow-up patient assessments and equipment compliance check.

· Consulting with physicians & other health care professionals directly and/or through protocol management reporting.

Qualifications:

· You have clinical competence, a positive attitude, can work independently and are a team player – all in a genuine effort to assist with meeting company goals and

ensuring quality patient care and safety.

· You are a graduate from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.

· Proof of current registration from the NL Council of Health Professionals is required (NLCHP).

· Possess a valid driver’s license with a clean drivers abstract.

· You are able to provide a clean certificate of conduct.

· You are proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook as well as Google applications.

· Well organized and have strong communication and time management skills.

Job Demands:

· Travel throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is required.

· Regularly moves & lifts up to 50 lbs.

· Occasionally moves & lifts over 50 lbs.

· 24/7 On-call duties following a rotating schedule.

Compensation:

· Base salary.

· Vehicle allowance (or company vehicle).

· Travel expense account.

· Shared health insurance plan 50/50.

· Shared pension plan 50/50.

· 37 ½ hours weekly for a better work/life balance.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: to Friday

Example 3

Our Company

Dream Sleep Respiratory is an Accredited Respiratory company based out of Calgary, Alberta with an organizational focus on providing service excellence to patients in the community.

DSR is expanding and has an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to join a dynamic and progressive Edmonton team.

Our organization is known for a high degree of professionalism and clinical expertise while allowing our team members to be progressive and shine. If you’re ready for a challenge and want to contribute to a positive work environment, then DSR is looking for you!

Job Description

Dream Sleep Respiratory is seeking Respiratory Therapists to join our growing team. We offer an expanding line of products and services related to respiratory therapy, sleep disorders and related homecare equipment.

We have excellent opportunities for full-time and part-time RRTs. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Organizational skills and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential.

All staff members are a valued part of our health care team, providing quality care to our wide range of clientele. We take a great deal of pride in our ability to ensure our therapists are well trained and patient therapy-oriented.

Primary responsibilities include:

-Providing clinical/technical evaluations and education to our respiratory clients

-Setting up and monitoring CPAP/BiPAP therapy as well as completing necessary documentation

-Making recommendations for patient equipment and performing quality home oxygen assessments

-Establishing and maintaining contact with physicians and healthcare professionals regarding client status

-Performing Pulmonary Function tests in accordance to accreditation and ATS standards

Requirements:

-Respiratory Therapy Diploma in good standing with CARTA as well as the CSRT

-Preferred experience working in homecare/clinic setting

-Class 5 driver’s License with clean drivers abstract

- Customer Service experience preferred

- Valid BLS/CPR Level C/HCP with AED . ACLS/NRP/CRE an asset

Thank you for your interest in DSR. Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview and asked to provide personal and professional references.

New Grads welcome

Remuneration:

- Competitive remuneration with paid flex and vacation days, health spending account and opportunities for advancement.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Casual

Schedule:
  • 8 hour Location: In person

Example 4

General Posting Information

Position:
Respiratory Therapist

Department:
Respiratory Therapy

Conditions:
Part-time (0.60 FTE)

HOURS:
Approximately 45.0 Bi-weekly Hours

Shifts:
Days / Evenings / Weekends
11.25 hours per shift
(subject to change)

WAGE RANGE:
Scale Minimum Maximum
OPSE08 $32.99/hr $45.55/hr

Responsibilities:

  • Perform respiratory therapeutics and pulmonary and cardiac diagnostic testing on both inpatients and outpatients in various areas of the hosptial.
  • Using a Patient Centered approach, assess the patient, establish treatment goals with the patient and formulate and impelment a plan in colloboration with physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team. This plan will be reassessed for effectiveness and modified or terminated as appropriate.
  • Perform respiratory therapy duties relating to critical care including transfers from one unit to another or inter-hospital.
  • Provide patient education regarding the use of home oxygen and therapy equipment.
  • Maintain clinical documentation in accordance with departmental standards, Health Records requirements, and standards of the College of Repiratory Therapists of Ontario.
  • Communicate with the interdisiplinary team regarding the patients goals, plan, and progress by attending interdisciplinary team meetings and by completing documentation in accordance to QCH and professional standards.
  • Work according to code of ethics and standards of the profession and the employee code of conduct of the Queensway Carleton Hospital.
  • Ensure a safe environment for staff, patients and visitors. Uses the internal hospital reporting systems - Risk Incident Management System to report any risks to patient and/or staff safety. Reports Dangerous or hazardous items for repair or further action.
  • Demonstrate QCH values, accountability, innovation, respect.

Requirements:
  • Diploma in Respiratory Therapy
  • Membership in good standing of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
  • Basic Cardiac Life Saver (BCLS)
  • Computer skills - email, word processing, spreadsheets, etc
  • Post-graduate Respiratory Therapy courses

Preferred:
  • Experience in a general hospital setting
  • Experience in critical care: ICU/Emergency/paediatrics
  • Experience working in an interdisciplinary team

Please note that according to the Ontario Health and Queensway Carleton Hospital Vaccination Policy, all applicants must be fully vaccinated unless they can provide the proof of a valid medical contraindication or exemption on the basis of protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code in order to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities. Upon hiring, applicants must provide the proof of either government issued documentation proving they have been fully vaccinated, or present supporting documentation of a valid medical contraindication or exemption under Ontario Human Rights Code.

Thank you for your continued interest in the Queensway Carleton Hospital. We are committed to providing an environment which is respectful to all. If you have a disability which requires an accommodation during any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know how we can assist you.

Job Type: $45.55 per hour
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

Respiratory Therapists conduct diagnostic testing of a patient to determine respiratory and pulmonary function. They develop and implement therapy plans to aid with respiratory disease and disorders in conjunction with physicians and other medical professionals. A Respiratory Therapist also provides education and training to patients, family members, and caregivers for the daily management of respiratory conditions.

Respiratory Therapists can work in various settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, public healthcare centers, and respiratory home care companies.

Respiratory Therapist skills and qualifications

As a professional healthcare provider, a Respiratory Therapist has various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for their role. Depending on the work environment, they may be working alone and directly one-on-one with patients in a home care situation. Or they may be working within a team of healthcare professions in an emergency room or healthcare clinic. Key skills and qualifications are similar, and include:

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse group of healthcare professionals
  • Ability to work well under high-pressure situations
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to provide care to a diverse patient population
  • Compassion and a desire to help others
  • Provide the highest standards of care according to the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care
  • Desire to develop their professional skills and training continuously

Respiratory Therapist experience requirements

A successful Respiratory Therapist has a sound foundation in all relevant procedures and treatments. Candidates need to be registered with their province or territory’s regulatory licensing body. Each region has a different set of experience requirements for Respiratory Therapists to meet before they can complete their registration. Respiratory Therapists may also choose to specialize in one field like anesthesia, pediatrics, emergency care, or respiratory home care. In that case, they need specific experience in that field to practice.

Respiratory Therapist education and training requirements

A Respiratory Therapist needs to hold a specialized three-year college diploma or a four-year university degree program. In most Canadian provinces and territories, Respiratory Therapist is a regulated profession, and candidates need a licence to practice with their relevant regional association. Respiratory Therapists also need to complete the nationally recognized Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) exam.

You may prefer candidates with additional training courses, such as an Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification. Candidates also need regular Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training, so ensure their most recent training is still valid.

Respiratory Therapist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Respiratory Therapist in Canada is $33.75 per hour. It can vary depending on factors like experience, education, location, and the hiring company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Respiratory Therapist is not quite what you are looking for, other job description samples that may fit your needs include:

Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

Respiratory Therapist job description FAQs

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

Hire your next Respiratory Therapist today

Post a job

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found

    Related Articles

    New Hire Onboarding Checklist: Your Guide to Seamless Integration
    Read article
    Man and woman having a small business meeting in smart casual clothes
    11 Common Human Resources Job Titles
    Read article
    New Employee Forms
    Read article