Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Iowa
Respiratory Therapist jobs in Iowa are concentrated in hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and outpatient pulmonary clinics, with demand running from new graduates to experienced critical care specialists. The most active hiring is in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, where large systems like UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, and University of Iowa Health Care maintain consistent openings. Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, and sleep medicine are among the most in-demand specialties across the state. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Respiratory Therapist
Join Cornerstone Services in Des Moines, IA, and become a part of a healthcare team that prioritizes compassion and commitment to exceptional care. As a Respiratory Therapist at Cornerstone Services, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
About the Role:
As a Respiratory Therapist, you will be responsible for providing high-quality respiratory care to our residents, including trach care, oxygen therapy, and ventilator management. You will work closely with our interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans that address the unique needs of each resident. Your expertise and attention to detail will ensure that our residents receive the highest level of care, empowering them to live life to the fullest.
Responsibilities:
Provide respiratory care to residents, including trach care, oxygen therapy, and ventilator management
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans
Conduct respiratory assessments and treatments, including ventilation and respiratory therapy
Monitor and maintain respiratory equipment, including ventilators and oxygen tanks
Educate residents, families, and healthcare staff on respiratory care and disease management
Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident care and outcomes
What We Offer:
A dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and development
Opportunities for collaboration and teamwork with a dedicated healthcare team
A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents and their families
Requirements:
Active NBRC license
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or registration as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
Current state licensure or certification as a Respiratory Therapist
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about providing exceptional respiratory care and want to join a team that is dedicated to making a difference, apply now to become part of Cornerstone Services' Respiratory Therapy team!
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Find Respiratory Therapist JobsRespiratory Therapist Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Respiratory Therapist Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- MercyOne12

- UnityPoint Health12

- The University of Iowa7

- American Traveler5

- FirstChoice4

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in respiratory therapist jobs across Iowa.
- Active Iowa respiratory care license issued by the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care
- Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care
- Associate or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program
- Current BLS certification and ACLS certification for critical care or ICU settings
- Experience with mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas interpretation, and airway management
- Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays in acute care settings
Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a respiratory therapist in Iowa?
You become a respiratory therapist in Iowa by completing an accredited respiratory therapy program, earning at least an associate degree, and obtaining a license from the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care. Licensure requires passing the National Board for Respiratory Care examinations to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. Iowa does not grant temporary permits, so your license must be active before you begin practicing in the state.
How much do respiratory therapists make in Iowa?
Respiratory therapists in Iowa earn a median of about $74,760 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $62,860 for the lowest 10% to over $86,510 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire respiratory therapists in Iowa?
Iowa respiratory therapist roles are posted by MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, and The University of Iowa and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's largest health systems, including regional hospital networks and academic medical centers, drive the majority of consistent openings across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most respiratory therapist jobs?
Des Moines, Davenport, and Iowa City have the most respiratory therapist openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors demand as the state's largest metro, home to major health systems and a growing network of specialty clinics, while Iowa City's concentration of University of Iowa Health Care facilities sustains steady academic and acute care hiring, and Cedar Rapids supports a strong regional hospital market.
Are there remote respiratory therapist jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Respiratory therapy is a hands-on clinical role that requires direct patient contact, so most positions are on-site in hospitals, clinics, or care facilities. About 0% of respiratory therapist openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those roles typically involve telehealth triage, respiratory care education, or clinical documentation and case management rather than direct bedside work.
How can I get hired as a respiratory therapist in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate programs at Iowa's larger health systems, where UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Health Care have historically offered structured orientation tracks for new respiratory therapy graduates. Candidates who hold the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential and a current Iowa license stand out even without clinical experience. Lateral moves from certified nursing assistant or pulmonary function technician roles can also provide a competitive foothold in the field.
Where can I find and apply to respiratory therapist jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to respiratory therapist jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your credentials and preferred location, and apply directly to whichever positions fit your background and goals.
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