Respiratory Practitioner - Internship

Meritus Health; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid Time Off from day one

401(k) plan

Education assistance program

Job summary

Meritus Health is seeking a Respiratory Practitioner Intern to launch your career in respiratory therapy in Hagerstown, Maryland. This role offers valuable hands-on experience through mentorship and a structured program designed to bridge classroom knowledge to clinical practice.

Your responsibilities include maintaining department supplies, assisting with respiratory procedures, and collaborating with healthcare teams. You will be supported by experienced professionals as you grow your skills in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Current CPR certification.
• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program preferred.
• Six months to one year of clinical respiratory care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain department supply and medication inventory.
• Stock respiratory care supply stations throughout the hospital.
• Perform respiratory procedures and diagnostic testing.
• Work collaboratively with respiratory therapists.

Skills

Basic knowledge of respiratory anatomy and physiology

Understanding of biology, microbiology, and pharmacology

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program

Tools

Respiratory care equipment

Oxygen delivery devices

Job description

Launch Your Respiratory Therapy Career

Are you a recent graduate or soon‑to‑be graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program looking to build your clinical skills in a supportive healthcare environment? Join our Respiratory Care team as a Respiratory Practitioner Intern and gain valuable hands‑on experience while completing a comprehensive department orientation and competency program. This internship is designed to help you transition from the classroom to clinical practice by providing mentorship, structured training, and opportunities to work alongside experienced respiratory care professionals.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain department supply and medication inventory to ensure uninterrupted patient care
• Stock respiratory care supply stations throughout the hospital
• Clean, assemble, test, and prepare respiratory equipment, including mechanical ventilators
• Identify malfunctioning equipment and coordinate repairs as needed
• Perform respiratory procedures and diagnostic testing after completing required training and competency validation, including:
  • Nebulizer treatments
  • Incentive spirometry education and rounding
  • Oxygen equipment checks
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
  • Pulmonary function testing
  • Other respiratory diagnostic procedures
• Successfully complete departmental orientation and competency requirements
• Work collaboratively with respiratory therapists and interdisciplinary healthcare teams while delivering exceptional patient care

Qualifications

• Required:
  • 1 year completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current CPR certification
• Preferred:
  • Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program approved by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
  • Certificate from an AMA‑approved Respiratory Therapy program
  • Six months to one year of didactic and clinical respiratory care experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic knowledge of respiratory anatomy and physiology
• Understanding of biology, microbiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology
• Familiarity with respiratory care equipment and oxygen delivery devices
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced healthcare environment
• Commitment to providing compassionate, patient‑centered care
• Eagerness to learn and grow professionally

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Lift and move equipment and supplies
• Perform repetitive movements and fine motor tasks
• Work in a clinical environment with exposure to patients, bodily fluids, and other healthcare‑related hazards while following established safety protocols

Caring for Our Team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees’ well‑being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following the date of hire, along with life insurance, short and long‑term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401(k) plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.