Respiratory Student Tech (RCA)

FirstHealth of the Carolinas; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

FirstHealth of the Carolinas, a major health care system in central North Carolina, is seeking a Respiratory Student Tech (RCA) to support Respiratory Therapists during patient care. This extern role offers hands-on experience under supervision in a busy clinical setting.

The position requires enrollment in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program with a minimum GPA of 2.5, a high school diploma, and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Clinical rotations are expected as part of training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; enrolled in a CoARC-accredited Respiratory Therapy program with 2.5 GPA.
• Requires critical thinking, decisive judgment, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• BLS certification; at least one clinical respiratory education rotation.

Responsibilities

• Assist Respiratory Therapist in providing respiratory care as a limited licensed extern.
• Assist with patient assessments and treatments.
• Administer handheld nebulizer treatments and oxygen.
• Document patient care and monitor changes in condition.
• Communicate changes to supervising therapist.

Skills

Critical thinking

Decisive judgment

Work with supervision

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

GPA 2.5 in Respiratory Therapy program

Job description

Position Summary

FirstHealth of the Carolinas is a nationally recognized health care system located in central North Carolina. Comprised of four hospitals (Moore, Hoke, Richmond, and Montgomery) with more than 600 beds, the system also offers leading-edge heart care in the Reid Heart Center, the area’s only dedicated heart and vascular center. Our growing health system has more than 5,400 employees serving in more than 75 locations throughout a 15-county service area. In addition, the system provides home health and hospice services, emergency care, and medical transportation. FirstHealth of the Carolinas has over 50 primary care, specialty care, convenient care and dental clinics located throughout our service area.

We are committed to a culture of excellence in which everyone feels valued and connected, and where differences are both respected and supported. Our career opportunities allow our staff to practice in a team environment as a vital part of growing a widely respected health care system and medical community. We have been named Becker's Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare and named to the Forbes 2025 list of America's Best Large Employers.

Responsibilities

Respiratory Student Tech (RCA) Job Summary

• Assists Respiratory Therapist in providing respiratory care services as a limited licensed Respiratory Therapist extern Essential Functions


• Serves in the capacity of a Respiratory Therapy Technician. Under the supervision of Respiratory Therapist.


• Assists with performing patient assessments and treatments


• Performs basic diagnostic procedures and specimen collection.


• Monitors and communicates changes in patient condition.


• Documents patient care given


• Administers handheld nebulizer treatments and oxygen.

Qualifications

Respiratory Student Tech (RCA) Job Qualifications

• Minimum Education High school diploma or equivalent Currently enrolled as a second-year student in a Respiratory Therapy program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 required.


• Required Skills Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.


• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.


• Certifications Basic Life Support (BLS) Minimum Work Experience One (1) round of clinical respiratory education rotation