Respiratory Therapist Resume Example and Template
A strong respiratory therapist resume demonstrates your RRT certification, years of experience, and clinical competencies. Include your cardiopulmonary expertise, mechanical ventilation experience, and patient populations you've supported. Show your understanding of respiratory physiology, airway management, and critical care protocols.
Hospitals and respiratory departments prioritize your technical skills, ability to assess patients independently, and knowledge of evidence-based ventilator management. Show your ability to collaborate with medical teams and respond calmly to respiratory emergencies.
A complete, realistic Respiratory Therapist resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
Also searched as
Senior Respiratory Therapist, ICU, Respiratory Therapist, Acute Care, Respiratory Therapist, Entry Level
Christopher Brown: Respiratory Therapist
Baltimore, United States
Summary
Registered Respiratory Therapist with RRT certification and 8 years of clinical experience in acute care hospitals and ICUs. Expertise in mechanical ventilation management, airway care, and patient assessment across adult and pediatric populations. Support 15-20 mechanically ventilated patients daily with excellent weaning outcomes.
Work Experience
Senior Respiratory Therapist, ICU, Johns Hopkins Medical Center
Jan 2022 – Present. Academic medical center with 900+ beds and 60-bed medical ICU
- Manage mechanical ventilation for 15-20 critically ill ICU patients daily including modes selection, weaning protocols, and troubleshooting
- Assess patient respiratory status, interpret blood gas values and chest imaging, and communicate findings to ICU team
- Perform airway management including endotracheal intubation assistance and tracheostomy care
- Train 2 junior respiratory therapists on ventilator management, patient assessment, and ICU protocols
Respiratory Therapist, Acute Care, University of Maryland Medical Center
Jun 2019 – Dec 2021. 600-bed teaching hospital
- Provided respiratory care to acute care patients across medical, surgical, cardiac, and emergency units
- Managed mechanical ventilated patients, performed ABG sampling, and provided oxygen therapy
- Responded to rapid response and emergency events requiring respiratory support
- Maintained competency with diverse patient populations and respiratory conditions
Respiratory Therapist, Entry Level, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
Jun 2017 – May 2019. 200-bed community hospital
- Provided respiratory care including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, and pulmonary function testing
- Assisted with intubations and basic ventilator management under supervision
Education
Community College of Baltimore County
Associate Degree, Respiratory Care. Aug 2016 – May 2017
Skills
Mechanical ventilation, Airway management, Blood gas interpretation, Patient assessment, Oxygen therapy, Pulmonary function testing, Weaning protocols, Emergency response, Equipment troubleshooting, Infection control
Languages
English
Certificates and Awards
- Registered Respiratory Therapist, National Board for Respiratory Care, 2017
- Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist, National Board for Respiratory Care, 2018
Why this look works
Respiratory therapy is technically demanding and life-critical. A professional, organized layout reflects the precision required in airway management and ventilator care. Clinical design conveys technical expertise and calm confidence essential in critical care environments.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with your RRT certification. This is your primary credential for respiratory therapy practice.
- Quantify your patient volume and ventilator experience. '15-20 mechanically ventilated patients daily' demonstrates ICU competence.
- Highlight your specialty areas. Mechanical ventilation management, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) show advanced skills.
- Include any additional certifications like CPFT (Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist) or specialty credentials.
Common questions
Should I list specific ventilator brands or ECMO experience if I have limited training?
Only if you've actually used them clinically. Ventilator systems differ, and most facilities train on-site. List core competencies like 'Mechanical ventilation management' and 'Weaning protocols' instead of brand-specific skills. ECMO requires formal training that should be noted separately.
How do I show progression from entry-level to ICU specialist?
Your job titles and employers show this progression clearly. Entry-level roles in community hospitals to senior positions in academic ICUs demonstrate advancement. ICU positions require more experience and higher acuity; this natural progression is expected and valued.