Entry Level Registered Respiratory Therapist Jobs
New grad registered respiratory therapist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong clinical rotations or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Consulting & Professional Services, with employers like Kindred Hospitals, Ascension, and Atrium Health hiring at this level now.
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Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center
Department: Respiratory Therapy
Position is located: Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center
Work Type: Full Time
Hours Per Week: 36.00
Work Schedule: 6:30 PM to 7:00 AM
Salary Range: $34.00 - $41.42
Exempt: No
POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR SIGN ON BONUS (PLUS TAX) - $20,000 NIGHT SHIFT - PAID OUT IN INCREMENTS
Summary
Respiratory Therapists assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. They collect and analyze sputum, blood, and breath specimens to determine oxygenation and ventilation status. Respiratory therapists also measure lung volumes and capacities, deliver inhaled medication as prescribed, and perform a variety of chest physiotherapies to aid in the treatment of pulmonary disease. Under the supervision of the department manager and medical director, a Respiratory Therapist I must have successfully completed either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy. All Respiratory Therapist I’s must complete their board licensure testing as a CERTIFIED respiratory therapist and hold an active state license as a CERTIFIED respiratory technician and must obtain their REGISTERED respiratory therapy license within one year of hire. The RTI may provide care in all areas of the hospital, excluding NICU (at manager’s discretion) but must be indirectly supervised by a registered respiratory therapist as per state law. Once licensure as a Registered Respiratory Therapist is obtained, the RTI may be eligible for advancement to the RTII level.
Responsibilities:
- Mechanical ventilator initiation and management.
- Insertion and/or care of artificial airways.
- Patient assessment, medication administration, and recommendation for therapy, interpretation of clinical data.
- Airway clearance & bronchoscopy assist as appropriate.
- Participation in the Rapid Response Team, Code Team, Trauma Team, and Sepsis team as applicable by member.
- Participate in multi-disciplinary rounds in critical care areas and participate in education of students/other staff.
- Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
- Maintains a safe environment complying with NLH policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed.
- May perform other duties upon request.
Competencies and Skills:
- Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness, and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
- Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
- Word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, database experience, and other computer-related skills.
- Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
- Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments, and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
- Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
- Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results, and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
- Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Credentials:
- Required Respiratory Therapist
Education:
- Required Associate's Degree
- Graduate of a 2-year Associate Degree or a 4-year Baccalaureate Degree NBRC approved Respiratory Therapy Program
- Maine State professional license and meet the current license eligibility requirements of the NBRC
- BLS certification
Required Experience:
- 0 year/years of Relevant Work Experience
Working Conditions:
- Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
- Lifting, moving, and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
- Prolonged periods of standing.
- Prolonged periods of walking.
- Alternate shift schedules (day, evening, nights, weekends).
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is a 411-bed, regional tertiary care hospital and an American College of Surgeons-verified Level II Trauma Center. Located in Bangor, Maine, it serves as the principal referral center for a patient population of 500,000 residents across the northern two-thirds of the state. The medical center provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services, including advanced surgical care, neurosciences, cardiovascular medicine, oncology, and critical care.
Eastern Maine Medical Center is the base for LifeFlight of Maine, a critical care air medical transport program that conducts nearly 900 missions annually, ensuring timely access to specialized care for rural and remote communities. As a member of Northern Light Health, the medical center is part of an integrated statewide health system comprising nine hospitals, numerous primary and specialty care practices, long-term care facilities, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport services. This integrated model supports coordinated, patient-centered care across the continuum.
Eastern Maine Medical Center plays a central role in advancing clinical quality, operational efficiency, and health equity throughout the region. It is actively engaged in clinical education and serves as a training site for medical students, residents, and fellows through affiliations with academic and professional institutions.
Bangor, Maine offers a stable and supportive environment for healthcare professionals. The region is home to high-performing public and private schools, including the University of Maine’s flagship campus in Orono. Bangor International Airport provides convenient commercial air service with direct and connecting flights to major US hubs. The area also offers access to a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, with outdoor activities available year-round in Maine’s forests, lakes, mountains, and coastal regions.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is a strategic hub for clinical excellence, innovation, and community health in northern New England.
Questions? Contact Talent Acquisition:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
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Who's Hiring
- Kindred Hospitals34

- Ascension24

- Atrium Health21

- Encompass Health20

- Trinity Health18

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services615
- Education17
- Consulting & Professional Services9
- Science & Research6
- Technology & Software3
Entry Level Registered Respiratory Therapist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level registered respiratory therapist job?
Employers hiring at the entry level prioritize candidates who hold or are completing their Registered Respiratory Therapist credential, have completed clinical rotations in acute care or critical care settings, and can demonstrate hands-on competency with mechanical ventilation and airway management. A strong clinical externship, a letter of recommendation from a supervising therapist, and familiarity with common respiratory equipment give new candidates a clear edge over a long list of unrelated work history.
Which companies hire entry level registered respiratory therapists?
Companies hiring entry level registered respiratory therapists right now include Kindred Hospitals, Ascension, and Atrium Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hospitals, health systems, and long-term acute care facilities make up the largest share of employers actively hiring at this experience level.
Are there remote entry level registered respiratory therapist jobs?
Yes, though most openings in this field are on-site given the hands-on nature of the work. About 1% of entry level registered respiratory therapist openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those roles tend to be in patient education, telehealth support, or case management rather than direct bedside care.
Are these new grad registered respiratory therapist jobs?
Yes, the listings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior registered respiratory therapist roles. A new-grad-friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts clinical rotations or internships toward that threshold, and does not require prior independent practice. Candidates coming directly out of an accredited respiratory therapy program are well positioned to apply.
Which industries hire the most entry level registered respiratory therapists?
Entry Level registered respiratory therapist roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Consulting & Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the entry level because they maintain high patient volumes, operate around the clock, and regularly onboard new graduates to fill shift-based clinical staffing needs.