Registered Respiratory Therapist

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Days Vary

Why You'll Love Working Here

As a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play a critical role in delivering specialized respiratory care to patients across acute, critical, and general care settings. You'll work closely with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams to support airway management, mechanical ventilation, and advanced respiratory therapies that directly impact patient outcomes.

This role combines advanced clinical expertise, compassionate patient care, and collaboration in a fast-paced healthcare environment. You'll support patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments, ensuring care is delivered with empathy, precision, and respect.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains , Boone offers an exceptional quality of life with abundant outdoor recreation, a welcoming community, and excellent schools.

• Compensation: Starting at $31.27/hour , based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity.
• Schedule: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM | Days Vary.
• Applicable Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); supplemental insurance options; student loan refinancing benefits; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; and employee discounts.
• Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.
• Sign-On Bonus: $7,500 Sign-On Bonus available. Distribution details will be discussed during the offer process.

What You'll Do as a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Advanced Respiratory Care

• Provide specialized respiratory care to critically ill and injured patients, including airway management, oxygen therapy, lung expansion therapy, and bronchial hygiene.
• Manage mechanical ventilation and troubleshoot critical care respiratory equipment.
• Perform endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy care, and airway suctioning.
• Administer inhaled medications and respiratory treatments according to provider orders.

Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services

• Perform diagnostic procedures including arterial blood gas analysis, electrocardiograms, and cardiac stress testing.
• Evaluate patient responses to therapy and communicate findings to the healthcare team.
• Support evidence-based respiratory care interventions that improve patient outcomes.

Patient & Family Support

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients and families, especially during times of crisis.
• Maintain patient dignity, comfort, and safety throughout treatment.
• Provide education regarding respiratory treatments and care plans as appropriate.

Collaboration & Emergency Response

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, anesthesiologists, and specialists to deliver comprehensive care.
• Respond to emergencies and rapid changes in patient condition with urgency, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Contribute to a positive work environment through teamwork, accountability, and effective communication.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications/Licenses

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.

Experience

• Previous experience in an acute care setting preferred.
• One (1) year of prior experience in a similar role preferred.

Required Licensure & Certifications

• Registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) or registry-eligible per NBRC standards.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Successful completion of required respiratory therapy training modules during the probationary period, including endotracheal intubation, pulmonary function testing, and electrocardiograms.
• Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients, families, physicians, and colleagues.
• Ability to deliver safe, effective care within legal scope of practice and organizational policies.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service and patient-centered care.
• Familiarity with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.

Physical & Work Environment

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Prolonged standing, walking, sitting, and movement throughout the workday.
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.
• Manual dexterity required for fine motor skills and repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements.
• Near visual acuity required for detailed patient care activities and equipment monitoring.

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and infectious materials.
• Exposure to chemicals, mechanical hazards, medical equipment, and unpleasant odors.
• Exposure to vibration, cramped spaces, and occasional ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
• Irregular work hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
• Fast-paced healthcare environment requiring responsiveness to changing patient conditions.

What Sets Us Apart

• Mission-Driven Work: Your expertise directly supports patient safety, respiratory stability, and positive clinical outcomes.
• Career Growth: Access continuing education, tuition reimbursement, specialty training, and advancement opportunities through the Career Pathways Program.
• Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy hiking, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, local arts, dining, and year-round outdoor recreation in the beautiful High Country.
• Top-Tier Community: Boone is consistently recognized for its outdoor lifestyle, excellent schools, vibrant culture, and small-town charm.
• Meaningful Benefits: Participate in the Love Your Life wellness program, Employee-to-Employee (E2E) support fund, retirement benefits, educational assistance, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a collaborative team that values professionalism, accountability, respect, and service excellence.

Ready to Make a Meaningful Impact Through Advanced Respiratory Care?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and help improve lives throughout the High Country through exceptional respiratory care.

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official. UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" Leapfrog Patient Safety Grade . UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation.

UNC Health Appalachian remains committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and more than 500 clinics, along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine.

UNC Health exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve while supporting the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated and charity care.

For more information, visit unchealth.org .

Equal Opportunity Employer

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.