Respiratory Therapist

Baystate Health; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 47,306 - 58,988; Full time

Job summary

Baystate Health is seeking a full-time Respiratory Therapist to join the Pulmonary Function Lab in Springfield, Massachusetts. The role involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating respiratory disorders, performing diagnostic tests, and providing care across clinical settings. Candidates need an Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy, CPR certification, and state licensure. The position offers a salary range of $34.34 – $42.82 – $58.56 per hour based on experience.

Qualifications

• 3 years of clinical experience in respiratory therapy.
• Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
• Experience in critical care areas like PICU, NICU, or ED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with breathing disorders.
• Perform diagnostic tests and interpret data.
• Provide care in emergency and critical care settings.

Skills

Clinical experience

Patient assessment

Emergency care

Therapeutic interventions

Education

Associates of Science: Respiratory Therapy

Registered Respiratory Therapist – State of Massachusetts

Registered Respiratory Therapist – The National Board for Respiratory Care

Tools

Diagnostic testing equipment

Medical gas therapy devices

Job description

Location: Pulmonary Function Lab
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Summary

Respiratory Therapists, working under the general supervision of a physician, are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders that impact breathing. In this role, you will perform diagnostic cardiopulmonary assessments and administer respiratory therapies for patients experiencing deficiencies or dysfunctions of the cardiopulmonary system. Responsibilities include acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting data from diagnostic tests and clinical specimens to guide patient care.

Responsibilities

1. Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation
   • Pulmonary function testing
   • Interventional diagnostics
   • Blood gas analysis and other pertinent laboratory evaluations
2. Therapeutic Interventions
   • Medical gas therapy
   • Aerosol therapy
3. Patient Assessment
   • Perform physical examinations and interpret diagnostic data to support clinical decision-making.
4. Therapy Assessment and Adjustment
   • Evaluate and modify patient therapies based on response and lab results.
   • Monitor patients, check equipment, make necessary adjustments, and document changes.
   • Recommend therapy updates to physicians and discontinue therapy as ordered.
   • Disassemble equipment and follow infection‑control guidelines for cleaning.
5. Disease Management
   • Provide management and education for patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases.
6. Emergency and Critical Care Support
   • Deliver care across emergency, acute, critical, and post‑acute settings, including:
   • Patient and environmental assessments
   • Therapeutic interventions
7. Safety & Equipment Maintenance
   • Adhere to departmental policies, procedures, quality assurance, safety standards, and infection‑control practices.
   • Assist with the care, maintenance, and documentation of equipment.
   • Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs as needed.
8. Education & Precepting
   • Serve as a preceptor for respiratory therapy students, fellows, and residents.
9. Specialized Modalities
   • Inhaled Nitric Oxide
   • Inhaled Heliox
10. Professional Development
    • Hold—or be actively working toward—specialty credentials, certifications, or proficiencies.
11. Leadership & Committee Participation
    • Complete a specialty project or participate on a hospital committee.
12. Clinical Ladder
    • Meet and maintain the requirements for a Level III Respiratory Therapist.

Requirements

• 3 years of clinical experience
• Associates of Science: Respiratory Therapy (Required)
• Basic Life Support – American Heart Association
• Registered Respiratory Therapist – State of Massachusetts
• Registered Respiratory Therapist – The National Board for Respiratory Care

Preferred Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in two or more critical care areas, including PICU, NICU, ED, STAT, RT, or Adult ICU.
• Prior experience serving as a preceptor.
• Prior diagnostic testing experience, such as pulmonary function testing, interventional diagnostics, or noninvasive diagnostic procedures.

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non‑exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum – Midpoint – Maximum

$34.34 – $42.82 – $58.56

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer