OPT Respiratory Therapist Jobs
Respiratory Therapist jobs on OPT require active state licensure, which varies by state and typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to obtain after passing the NBRC exam. Most positions are full-time clinical roles at hospitals or pulmonary care centers, which count toward STEM OPT extension eligibility under certain CIP codes.
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Department:
36402 Atrium Health Cabarrus - Respiratory Therapy Services
Status:
Part time
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
24
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Weekend days. This position is sign on bonus eligible.
Pay Range:
$28.55 - $46.05
Major Responsibilities:
- Demonstrates knowledge in various modes and methods of oxygen delivery and the equipment needed for each and can conduct prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation.
- Administers therapeutic procedures, understanding the purpose and benefits, and possible effects associated with each. Performs diagnostic procedures as outlined in policy.
- Initiates, monitors and maintains mechanical ventilators and non-invasive ventilators and is aware of the critical care duties and effects of such therapy.
- Independently evaluates current therapies using appropriate judgment and protocols, making proper recommendations concerning plans of care and patient education needs.
- Documents therapy and results as required by hospital, department and regulatory agencies. Communicates information to appropriate members of the healthcare team.
- Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory care techniques in an emergency setting. Performs and evaluates blood sampling analysis with a thorough understanding of the values, and the importance and treatment of abnormal results.
- Works independently in all patient care areas and assists co-workers with patient care whenever possible. Is proficient in the electronic medical records and its interface with the Respiratory Care Department.
- Follows departmental safety guidelines. Completes all regulatory requirements. Completes annual proficiency evaluation of respiratory care equipment and procedures.
Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:
- Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is required. Currently licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner/Licensed Respiratory Therapist in the State in which they work. Basic Life Support for healthcare providers thru the American Heart Association required. Advanced certification per facility/department.
Education Required:
- Graduate of an approved school of Respiratory Therapy required. Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy required (or equivalent experience may be considered).
Experience Required:
- For Free-Standing Emergency Department: 2 years critical care experience required or a bachelor’s or higher in Respiratory Therapy with 1-year critical care experience. For all other areas, new graduates with RRT credentials or experienced Respiratory Therapists with RRT credentials are eligible for this job code.
- This is Clinical Ladder position: Advancement complies with the requirements of the Respiratory Therapist Clinical Ladder. Experience, approved certification, and education as outlined in Respiratory Therapist Clinical Ladder.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Excellent organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and establish working relationships.
- Effective problem solving, decision making, and delegation skills.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and demonstrates the skills and competency appropriate to the ages, culture, developmental stages, and special needs of the patient population served.
- Protected Health Information:
- Will limit access to protected health information (PHI) to the information reasonably necessary to do the job.
- Will share information only on a need-to-know basis for work purposes.
- Access to verbal, written, and electronic PHI for this job has been determined based on job level and job responsibility within the organization. Computerized access to PHI for this job has been determined as described above and is controlled via user ID and password.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Requires repetitive physical activity. Able to walk and stand to perform duties. Ability to lift 20-50 pounds. Ability to move patients of all age groups. Adequate hearing and eyesight are necessary. Exposure to a working environment that may include odors, low lighting, and crowded working conditions.
Preferred Job Requirements
Preferred Education
BA/BS or higher preferred.
BSRT preferred
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
- Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits and more
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
Performs all aspects of direct respiratory care according to physician's orders and/or approved protocols. Consults physicians on effectiveness of therapy and makes appropriate recommendations. Provides appropriate ventilator support and maintains and monitors other cardiopulmonary life support equipment. Maintains and properly utilizes respiratory care equipment.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Respiratory Therapist
Confirm your OPT start date before applying
Hospitals typically need a confirmed start date before extending an offer. Apply 60 to 90 days before your OPT begins so hiring timelines align with your authorization window and you avoid gaps between graduation and your first clinical shift.
Obtain state licensure as early as possible
Most RT positions require a valid state license before your first day. Submit your NBRC exam scores and licensure application immediately after graduation. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks and will determine which states you can realistically target in your job search.
Clarify OPT work authorization with HR upfront
Many hospital HR departments are unfamiliar with OPT. Bring your EAD card, I-20, and a one-page OPT explainer to any offer conversation. Framing it as a straightforward authorization process reduces hesitation from hiring managers unfamiliar with F-1 students.
Target large health systems with established international hiring
Large hospital networks like academic medical centers and VA facilities have dedicated HR teams familiar with work authorization. They are more likely to have processed OPT documentation before and can move through the hiring process without delays caused by compliance uncertainty.
Understand your STEM OPT extension eligibility
Respiratory Therapy programs classified under specific CIP codes may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm with your DSO whether your degree program qualifies before accepting a role, so you can accurately communicate your authorized work timeline to prospective employers.
Highlight clinical hours and NBRC credentials prominently
Respiratory Therapist roles are highly credentialed. Lead with your RRT or CRT designation, ACLS certification, and total supervised clinical hours on your resume. Quantifying your hands-on experience reduces perceived risk for employers evaluating OPT candidates against licensed domestic applicants.
Respiratory Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Respiratory Therapist on OPT without an H-1B visa?
Yes. Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) grants you the right to work for any qualifying employer during your OPT period without requiring H-1B visa sponsorship. The employer does not need to file any petition on your behalf. You simply present your EAD and valid I-20 to HR as proof of work authorization.
Do Respiratory Therapist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on how your degree program is classified. Respiratory Therapy programs are sometimes coded under health-related CIP codes that qualify for STEM OPT, but not all programs meet the criteria. Verify your program's CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming eligibility. If it qualifies, you can request a 24-month extension and file Form I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires.
How do I find Respiratory Therapist jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness and work authorization compatibility. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you identify Respiratory Therapist roles at employers who have hired OPT candidates before, saving time you would otherwise spend screening postings that exclude international students.
Can I work as a travel Respiratory Therapist on OPT?
Travel RT contracts are technically permissible on OPT since your EAD authorizes employment in your field of study, not at a fixed employer. However, short-term travel contracts create reporting complications. Each assignment location may need to be updated with your DSO, and gaps between contracts could affect your OPT status. Consult your DSO before accepting travel assignments to ensure compliance.
What happens to my OPT if my Respiratory Therapist employer goes through layoffs or restructuring?
If you lose your job, you enter a 60-day unemployment grace period. You must report the separation to your DSO promptly and begin searching for a new qualifying position. OPT unemployment days are cumulative and capped at 90 days total for standard OPT. Staying under that threshold is critical to maintaining lawful F-1 status while you search for your next role.