Student Respiratory Therapist

Riverview Regional Medical Center; Gadsden (AL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverview Regional Medical Center in Gadsden, AL seeks a Student Respiratory Therapist to gain hands-on clinical experience under supervision. This per diem/PRN role supports respiratory care procedures and patient safety during rotations in the hospital setting.

The position requires enrollment in an accredited respiratory program with completion of the first clinical semester, current BLS certification, and state board approval to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist.

Qualifications

• Must be approved with State Respiratory Therapy board to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist.
• Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current.
• Enrolled in an accredited respiratory program and completed first semester of clinical rotations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Will not be able to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist if for any reason may become not eligible for an accredited respiratory therapy program.

Responsibilities

• Administer respiratory treatments and assist with related tasks.
• Monitor respiratory rates and oxygen levels.
• Assist in the drawing and analyzing of ABG samples.
• Observe and adjust ventilators as needed.
• Assist with intubation/extubation and suctioning.

Education

State Respiratory Therapy board approval to work as Student Respiratory Therapist

BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire

Enrolled in accredited respiratory program and completed first semester

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Shifts Available: Variable (Flexible for student schedule)

Employment Type: Per Diem (PD / PRN)

Location: Riverview Regional Medical Center – Gadsden, AL

We are seeking a Student Respiratory Therapist, sometimes referred to as our Respiratory Therapy Clinical Student. The Student Respiratory Therapist (Student RT) works under the direct supervision of a Respiratory Therapist. This role focuses on learning and assisting with a range of respiratory care procedures and treatments, providing hands‑on experience while maintaining patient safety. Typically, the Student RT is enrolled in a respiratory therapy program and participates in clinical rotations within the hospital as part of their education. This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to):

• Administer respiratory treatments such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, chest physiotherapy or other related respiratory tasks
  • Oxygen Therapy: administer oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or low oxygen levels
  • Aerosol Medications: deliver medications via nebulizers or inhalers to help treat conditions like asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
  • Chest Physiotherapy: assist in techniques to help patients clear mucus from their lungs
• Monitor patients' respiratory rates, oxygen levels (using pulse oximeters), and breathing patterns
• Assist in the drawing and analyzing of blood samples to assess levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood - Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)
• Observe and adjust mechanical ventilators for patients who are unable to breathe independently, ensuring settings are appropriate based on the patient's condition
• Enhance your skills on initial assessments of patients with breathing problems, which includes listening to lung sounds and assessing symptoms; report findings to supervising RTs or doctors to adjust treatment plans as needed
• Assist with some respiratory procedures, for example:
  • Intubation and Extubation: assist in the placement or removal of endotracheal tubes, which help patients breathe in critical situations
  • Suctioning: Help to remove secretions from a patient's airway to maintain a clear passage for breathing

Qualifications

Before we go any further, we do have some deal‑breakers. You must have:

• Must be approved with State Respiratory Therapy board to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist
• Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current
• At the minimum, the student must be enrolled in an accredited respiratory program and completed first semester of clinical rotations
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Will not be able to work as a Student Respiratory Therapist if for any reason may become not eligible for an accredited respiratory therapy program

Additional Qualifications That Are a Plus

• Preferred, is a student who has completed more than one semester and/or other medical experience

Full benefits at Prime Healthcare: https://www.primehealthcare.com/careers/benefits/

Employment Status

Per Diem

Shift

Variable

Equal Employment Opportunity

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf