Respiratory Therapist - 141587

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers seeks a Respiratory Therapist to administer respiratory therapy procedures, monitor ventilatory support, and provide critical care across ICU, ER, and floor areas. Role includes education support and adherence to center policies.

The candidate must hold an RRT, California RCP license, and be prepared to obtain RAT/BLS and PALS/NRP within designated timelines. Strong communication and independent work skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Respiratory Care from a CoARC-approved program.
• RRT credential.
• RCP license issued by the state of California.
• ROUTINE RAT or BLS at time of hire, with commitment to RAT within 6 months.
• PALS/NRP obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Professionalism, credibility, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Administers general respiratory therapy procedures, including humidity and aerosol therapy.
• Initiates, monitors, troubleshoots, and maintains patients on continuous ventilatory support.
• Administers pharmacological agents and performs CPR.
• Performs invasive and noninvasive monitoring and diagnostic techniques.
• Works independently within the ICU, ER, and floor care areas.
• Assists with department and organization's education activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Self-directed

Organizational skills

Written and verbal clarity

Accountability

Education

Associate degree or higher in Respiratory Care (CoARC-approved)

Bachelor's degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment

Apply by 10/5/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants

Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, the Respiratory Therapist administers all general Respiratory Therapy procedures, including humidity and aerosol therapy, lung inflation maneuvers, and pulmonary secretion clearance methods.

Initiates, monitors, troubleshoots, and maintains patients on continuous ventilatory support. Administers pharmacological agents and performs CPR. Performs invasive and noninvasive monitoring and diagnostic techniques ascribed to specific critical care areas. Works independently within the ICU, ER, and floor care areas.

Ability to assist with department and organization's education activities. Adheres to the Department and Medical Center's Policies and Procedures. Adheres to UCSD Core Values and C I Care Program guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess an Associate Degree or higher from a CoArc approved 2 year Respiratory Care Program.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) issued by the state of California.
• Respiratory Advanced Training (RAT) or Basic Life Support (BLS) at time of hire with commitment to get RAT within 6 months of hire date.
• PALS/NRP obtained within 6 months of hire date.
• Be self-directed and able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing and articulate complex ideas for all levels of audiences.
• Possess the personal characteristics of professionalism, credibility, commitment to high standards, innovation, discriminating judgment, and accountability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Respiratory Therapy experience in a large complex healthcare setting.
• Respiratory Advanced Training (RAT I).
• Respiratory Advanced Training (RAT II).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $105,674 - $131,419 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $50.61 - $62.94

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).