OPT Certified Respiratory Therapist Jobs
Certified Respiratory Therapist jobs on OPT require active CRT credentials from the NBRC, state licensure in your work state, and an employer willing to sponsor H-1B visa after your OPT period ends. Most positions are hospital-based, full-time roles that qualify as specialty occupations for visa purposes.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Kids Are Our Everything.
Department
10168 Respiratory Therapy
Pay Range
$35.06 - $76.68
Sign on Bonus - Up to $20,000
Shift - Day or Night
Informational Video: Join Our Team: Hiring Respiratory Therapists at Children's National
Who We Are:
Children's National Hospital is seeking dedicated Respiratory Care Practitioners to join our team at our 323-bed Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Our Respiratory Department offers exciting growth opportunities through our career ladder program, allowing you to advance your career while working in various high-level care units. These include the Heart and Kidney Unit, Short Stay Unit, Medical Surgical Units, Level IV NICU, PICU, Cardiac ICU, Emergency Department, and critical care transport via ambulance and helicopter and other units.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Under general supervision, according to departmental and hospital standards, the Certified Respiratory Therapist I (CRT I), is responsible for administering acute and emergency department-levels of Respiratory Care to treat patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction and/or disabilities. The CRT I performs respiratory assessments, delivers prescribed therapies, monitors patient response, maintains respiratory equipment, and documents care in accordance with organizational policies and professional standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program (Required)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience in respiratory care (Preferred)
REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) in the District of Columbia (Required)
- RCP license from District of Columbia DOH Health Regulation & Licensing Administration (Required)
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) (Required)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) (Required)
FUNCTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Performs respiratory assessments and identifies changes in patients’ respiratory status, escalating concerns appropriately.
- Provides prescribed respiratory treatments and therapies, including oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, airway clearance, and other routine respiratory interventions.
- Monitors patients before, during, and after respiratory procedures and evaluates response to therapy.
- Performs routine respiratory care procedures in accordance with established protocols, policies, and standards of practice.
- Assists with airway management and emergency respiratory interventions within established competency and scope of practice.
- Performs diagnostic procedures such as pulse oximetry, blood gas sampling, and other respiratory testing as assigned.
- Operates, troubleshoots, cleans, and maintains respiratory care equipment.
- Collaborates with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient respiratory needs.
- Documents assessments, interventions, patient response, and other required information accurately and timely.
- Provides patient and family education regarding respiratory treatments, equipment, medications, and disease management.
- Participates in department quality, safety, education, and performance-improvement activities.
- Develops clinical knowledge and skills through orientation, competency validation, continuing education, and experience.
- Seeks guidance from more experienced respiratory therapists or other clinical team members when patient needs exceed current knowledge or competency.
BENEFITS THAT SUPPORT YOU
- Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
- Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
- Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
- Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more.
WHY JOIN US
- Nationally Recognized Excellence – Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Children’s Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- Leading Pediatric Care – One of the largest and most comprehensive children’s hospitals in the country, offering nationally ranked specialties and cutting-edge treatments.
- Innovation & Research – A premier academic medical center with a strong commitment to pediatric research, education, and advancing the future of child health.
- Mission-Driven Culture – Dedicated to providing family-centered care while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for clinical teams.
The disclosed salary range includes the minimum and maximum rates within which Children’s National believes an individual’s base pay rate will fall for this position. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the maximum of the pay range. The exact pay rate for this position will be based on a variety of factors in alignment with the Children’s National compensation philosophy. These factors are legitimate and non-discriminatory including, but not limited to, the current market conditions; organizational needs; the individual’s combination of prior work experience, level of education, knowledge, skills, and other qualifications. Children’s National is committed to providing a fair and competitive total rewards package to each of our employees. This base salary range does not include our comprehensive benefits package or any additional compensation for which this position may be eligible.
Children's National Hospital is an equal opportunity employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The “Know Your Rights” poster is available here: and the pay transparency policy is available here: Know Your RightsPay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster.
Please note that it is the policy of Children's National Hospital to ensure a “drug-free” work environment: a workplace free from the illegal use, possession or distribution of controlled substances (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act), or the misuse of legal substances, by all staff (management, employees and contractors). Though recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in the District of Columbia, Children's National and its affiliates maintain the right, in accordance with our policy, to enforce a drug-free workplace, including prohibiting recreational or prescribed marijuana.
INTRODUCTION
Kids Are Our Everything.
Department
10168 Respiratory Therapy
Pay Range
$35.06 - $76.68
Sign on Bonus - Up to $20,000
Shift - Day or Night
Informational Video: Join Our Team: Hiring Respiratory Therapists at Children's National
Who We Are:
Children's National Hospital is seeking dedicated Respiratory Care Practitioners to join our team at our 323-bed Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Our Respiratory Department offers exciting growth opportunities through our career ladder program, allowing you to advance your career while working in various high-level care units. These include the Heart and Kidney Unit, Short Stay Unit, Medical Surgical Units, Level IV NICU, PICU, Cardiac ICU, Emergency Department, and critical care transport via ambulance and helicopter and other units.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Under general supervision, according to departmental and hospital standards, the Certified Respiratory Therapist I (CRT I), is responsible for administering acute and emergency department-levels of Respiratory Care to treat patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction and/or disabilities. The CRT I performs respiratory assessments, delivers prescribed therapies, monitors patient response, maintains respiratory equipment, and documents care in accordance with organizational policies and professional standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program (Required)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience in respiratory care (Preferred)
REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) in the District of Columbia (Required)
- RCP license from District of Columbia DOH Health Regulation & Licensing Administration (Required)
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) (Required)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) (Required)
FUNCTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Performs respiratory assessments and identifies changes in patients’ respiratory status, escalating concerns appropriately.
- Provides prescribed respiratory treatments and therapies, including oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, airway clearance, and other routine respiratory interventions.
- Monitors patients before, during, and after respiratory procedures and evaluates response to therapy.
- Performs routine respiratory care procedures in accordance with established protocols, policies, and standards of practice.
- Assists with airway management and emergency respiratory interventions within established competency and scope of practice.
- Performs diagnostic procedures such as pulse oximetry, blood gas sampling, and other respiratory testing as assigned.
- Operates, troubleshoots, cleans, and maintains respiratory care equipment.
- Collaborates with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient respiratory needs.
- Documents assessments, interventions, patient response, and other required information accurately and timely.
- Provides patient and family education regarding respiratory treatments, equipment, medications, and disease management.
- Participates in department quality, safety, education, and performance-improvement activities.
- Develops clinical knowledge and skills through orientation, competency validation, continuing education, and experience.
- Seeks guidance from more experienced respiratory therapists or other clinical team members when patient needs exceed current knowledge or competency.
BENEFITS THAT SUPPORT YOU
- Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
- Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
- Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
- Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more.
WHY JOIN US
- Nationally Recognized Excellence – Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Children’s Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- Leading Pediatric Care – One of the largest and most comprehensive children’s hospitals in the country, offering nationally ranked specialties and cutting-edge treatments.
- Innovation & Research – A premier academic medical center with a strong commitment to pediatric research, education, and advancing the future of child health.
- Mission-Driven Culture – Dedicated to providing family-centered care while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for clinical teams.
The disclosed salary range includes the minimum and maximum rates within which Children’s National believes an individual’s base pay rate will fall for this position. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the maximum of the pay range. The exact pay rate for this position will be based on a variety of factors in alignment with the Children’s National compensation philosophy. These factors are legitimate and non-discriminatory including, but not limited to, the current market conditions; organizational needs; the individual’s combination of prior work experience, level of education, knowledge, skills, and other qualifications. Children’s National is committed to providing a fair and competitive total rewards package to each of our employees. This base salary range does not include our comprehensive benefits package or any additional compensation for which this position may be eligible.
Children's National Hospital is an equal opportunity employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The “Know Your Rights” poster is available here: and the pay transparency policy is available here: Know Your RightsPay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster.
Please note that it is the policy of Children's National Hospital to ensure a “drug-free” work environment: a workplace free from the illegal use, possession or distribution of controlled substances (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act), or the misuse of legal substances, by all staff (management, employees and contractors). Though recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in the District of Columbia, Children's National and its affiliates maintain the right, in accordance with our policy, to enforce a drug-free workplace, including prohibiting recreational or prescribed marijuana.
See all OPT Certified Respiratory Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Certified Respiratory Therapist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Certified Respiratory Therapist
Verify your CRT credential is current before applying
Your NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist credential must be active and in good standing. Employers run license verifications before extending offers, and an expired or lapsed credential will disqualify you regardless of your OPT authorization status.
Obtain state licensure in your target work state
Every state requires its own RT license, separate from your NBRC credential. Start the application early since processing can take four to eight weeks, and you cannot legally practice or start employment without it in place.
Target large health systems with established visa sponsorship track records
Large hospital networks such as HCA Healthcare, CommonSpirit, and academic medical centers regularly sponsor H-1B visas for clinical roles. Smaller independent clinics rarely have immigration infrastructure, making post-OPT sponsorship far less likely.
Apply during OPT, not at the end of it
H-1B cap-subject petitions are filed in March for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October, you need enough runway to apply and potentially use a cap-gap extension. Start job searching at least nine months before OPT ends.
Prioritize STEM OPT extension eligibility by choosing qualifying employers
Respiratory therapy degrees from accredited programs sometimes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if the CIP code meets criteria. Confirm with your DSO before applying, as this extension significantly increases your H-1B lottery odds.
Frame sponsorship conversations around the clinical staffing shortage
The U.S. faces documented shortages of credentialed respiratory therapists, particularly in intensive care and neonatal units. Framing your sponsorship request around this shortage gives hiring managers a concrete business justification to bring to HR and legal.
Certified Respiratory Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Certified Respiratory Therapist on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in respiratory therapy or a closely related health science field and your employment directly relates to that field of study. You must hold an active NBRC CRT credential and a valid state license for the state where you'll practice. Your OPT authorization is tied to employment matching your degree, so document the connection clearly with your DSO.
Does a Certified Respiratory Therapist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Respiratory therapy consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy or a related clinical science. USCIS has approved H-1B petitions for CRTs at hospitals and health systems. The NBRC credential and state licensure requirements further support the specialty occupation argument, which strengthens your employer's petition.
Where can I find Certified Respiratory Therapist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Certified Respiratory Therapist positions from employers with verified histories of sponsoring international candidates on OPT and H-1B. Filtering by sponsorship-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a hospital does not support visa sponsorship for clinical staff.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change hospital employers?
You can change employers on OPT, but the new position must still be directly related to your degree field, and your new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify if you are on the STEM OPT extension. Report the employer change to your DSO within ten days and update your SEVP portal record promptly to stay in compliance and avoid status issues.
Can I work per diem or part-time shifts as a Certified Respiratory Therapist while on OPT?
Part-time work is permitted during the post-completion OPT period, but you must work at least 20 hours per week to remain in valid OPT status. Per diem arrangements that fall below 20 hours in a given week create compliance risk. On the STEM OPT extension, you must also meet formal training plan requirements, which typically align better with full-time or consistent part-time schedules.