Director of Respiratory Therapy

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Hyden (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Hyden, KY is seeking a Director of Respiratory Therapy to lead and coordinate the department's operations, ensure high-quality patient care, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

The role requires an associate degree in respiratory therapy, NBRC certification, and at least three years of supervisory experience, with strong leadership, communication, and safety focus.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in respiratory therapy required.
• NBRC certification required.
• Minimum 3 years of respiratory therapy experience.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of respiratory therapy principles and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates the Respiratory Therapy Department operations.
• Supervises and develops department staff and ensures licensure.
• Maintains equipment, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees quality assurance and patient safety in care delivery.

Skills

Respiratory therapy knowledge

Staff supervision

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Patient safety

Coordination of operations

Education

Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy

NBRC certification

Job description

Overview

The Director of Respiratory Therapy is accountable for directing and coordinating the overall operation of the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Overview

The Director of Respiratory Therapy is accountable for directing and coordinating the overall operation of the Respiratory Therapy Department.

Responsibilities

• Manages the department in an efficient manner by planning, organizing and controlling all activities of the department.
• Administers and/or supervises all prescribed respiratory therapy treatments. Assures that respiratory treatments are provided in compliance with physician's orders.
• Assures that patients who are receiving treatments are made as comfortable as possible and kept as calm as possible.
• Assures that respiratory equipment is maintained in proper working condition.
• Responds to code blue to assist medical personnel in administering urgent respiratory therapy.
• Manages the personnel function by interviewing, selecting, evaluating, disciplining and terminating personnel or recommending such action as necessary. Assures that employees receive orientation and required in-service training and that they maintain required licensure or certification.
• Determines staffing needs and patterns and recommends appropriate staffing levels and classifications consistent with unit position authorization.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge in the field to allow recommendation of new services, products and equipment. Maintains an adequate stock of supplies and equipment and assure that gases are stored safely.
• Develops, implements, interprets and maintains work standards and procedures that are in compliance with hospital policies, governmental regulations and various regulatory agency requirements.
• Evaluate the quality and appropriateness of services being provided in the department through an on-going program of quality assurance.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy required.
• Certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.

Minimum Work Experience

• Three (3) years of experience in Respiratory Therapy required.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Knowledge of respiratory therapy principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to supervise, instruct, and evaluate departmental staff.
• Leadership and department management skills.
• Ability to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality respiratory care for patients.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate departmental operations efficiently.
• Commitment to patient safety and quality outcomes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Ability to exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Physical demands exceed those required for light work.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the efficient management and operation of the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Supervises, instructs, and supports department staff.
• Ensures the well‑being and safety of patients receiving respiratory therapy services.
• Oversees the delivery of respiratory care in accordance with established standards and policies.