Resume Example
Respiratory Therapist Resume Example
Emphasize ventilator management, airway care, and rapid response. This sample focuses on respiratory outcomes.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Managed 12-15 vented and non-vented patients per shift with 98% protocol adherence.
- Reduced extubation failures by 14% through standardized weaning assessments.
- Delivered ABG results within 15 minutes and coordinated care with ICU teams.
Soft skills
- Calm under pressure
- Patient education
- Team coordination
Certifications
- RRT
- BLS
- ACLS
Why this works
- Shows improved respiratory outcomes.
- Highlights rapid response and critical care support.
- Demonstrates protocol adherence.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Respiratory Therapist Resume
Lead with clinical setting and patient acuity
Respiratory therapists work in varying acuity levels. Lead with setting (ICU, NICU, ER, general floor, home health), patient volume, and specialty focus. 'ICU Respiratory Therapist managing ventilator care for 12-bed critical care unit.'
Show ventilator and critical care expertise
Include experience with mechanical ventilation, weaning protocols, ABG interpretation, and advanced airways. Critical care RT skills are highly valued.
Highlight clinical outcomes and protocols
Include ventilator weaning success rates, extubation outcomes, and protocol development. 'Implemented weaning protocol reducing ventilator days 20%' shows clinical impact.
Include specialty certifications and skills
List credentials (RRT, CRT) and specialty certifications (ACCS, NPS, RPFT). Include experience with specialized equipment (ECMO, high-frequency ventilation, bronchoscopy assistance).
Demonstrate team collaboration and education
Include multidisciplinary team collaboration, code team participation, and any training or mentoring of staff or students.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT-ACCS) with 10 years in Level I trauma center ICU. Manage ventilator care for 20-bed unit with 90% extubation success rate. ECMO specialist and code team leader.”
Advanced credential, high-acuity setting, outcome metric, and specialty skills.
“Respiratory therapist with hospital experience. Strong patient care skills and ability to work in fast-paced environment.”
No setting specifics, no patient acuity, no clinical outcomes.
“NICU Respiratory Therapist specializing in neonatal ventilation and surfactant therapy. Achieved 95% first-attempt intubation success rate. Developed parent education program for home ventilator care.”
NICU specialty, specific skills, outcome metric, and program development.
“New graduate RT seeking position to apply clinical skills. Completed rotations in various hospital settings.”
No professional experience. Clinical rotations don't differentiate.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Respiratory Therapist Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying clinical setting and patient acuity
- ✗Missing ventilator management and weaning experience
- ✗Omitting RRT credential and specialty certifications
- ✗Being vague about patient outcomes and protocol experience
- ✗Not showing specialized equipment experience
- ✗Missing code team and emergency response experience
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 60,000-70,000 | EUR 41,400-48,300 | CAD 69,600-81,200 |
| Mid | USD 70,000-85,000 | EUR 48,300-58,600 | CAD 81,200-98,600 |
| Senior | USD 85,000-100,000 | EUR 58,600-69,000 | CAD 98,600-116,000 |
Market themes
- Critical care and neonatal specialties pay premiums
US hot markets
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- Massachusetts
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should respiratory therapists emphasize?
Ventilator management, airway care, and response to acute events.
Which certifications are expected?
RRT plus BLS and ACLS in acute care settings.
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