Registered Respiratory Therapist

About the role

The Registered Respiratory Therapist provides respiratory therapy procedures to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with pulmonary disorders, working closely with physicians and the care team at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Key responsibilities

• Administer physician‑prescribed respiratory therapy, including oxygen, medications, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), arterial blood gases (ABGs), and mechanical ventilation.
• Perform invasive and non‑invasive evaluation procedures, recommend care based on department protocols, and monitor patient progress.
• Manage patients on mechanical ventilation: clinical assessment, routine rounds, troubleshooting, weaning, airway care, and diagnostic testing.
• Collect and analyze sputum, blood, and breath specimens; measure lung capacity and provide diagnostic results and treatment suggestions.
• Communicate with the health‑care team to ensure continuity of care and coordinate services.

Required profile

• Graduate of an AMA‑approved School of Respiratory Care.
• Less than 1 year of related experience (or 1 year preferred).
• Ability to provide respiratory therapy methodologies and techniques.
• Physical ability to lift/carry 40‑50 lb, stand/walk for long periods, and perform patient transfers.

Required skills

• Respiratory therapy equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Mechanical ventilation management.
• Pulmonary function testing (PFT) and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification within 1 year.
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) certification for Pennsylvania.