Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Kentucky
Respiratory Therapist jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, and the Bowling Green area, where major health systems maintain consistent demand for cardiopulmonary care, neonatal and pediatric respiratory support, and sleep disorder management. Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health, and UK HealthCare are among the most established employers in the state, recruiting at every level from entry-level CRT to seasoned RRT and travel staff. Critical care and neonatal respiratory therapy are among the most actively recruited specialties statewide. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Summary:
Provides assessment, treatment, care, education, and evaluation for patients with respiratory insufficiencies.
Job Responsibilities:
Delivers and assesses response to ordered therapy per plan of care.
Monitors, records, and communicates patient condition as appropriate.
Evaluates respiratory practice, administration of medications, and treatment based on patient outcomes.
Responds to emergency resuscitation team calls.
Educates the patient and family about the patient's illness, medications, and provides information about community support groups and other resources.
Skills and Attributes:
Requires critical thinking skills and decisive judgment.
Works under minimal supervision.
Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
Position Requirements:
Work Experience
No experience required
Education
Associate's degree or higher in Respiratory Therapy required upon hire OR
Associate's degree or higher in related field required upon hire
Additional Education Information
A combination of education, training and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Licensure/Certification/Registration
CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist with the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) required upon hire AND
RCP - Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of Kentucky required upon hire AND
BLS - Certified as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider required within 90 days of employment in this position
Organizational Responsibilities:
Supports Owensboro Health’s Mission, Vision, Core Commitments, and business interests. Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures. Executes all tasks and behaves in a manner consistent with a culture of compliance, safety and a high reliability organization.
Additional Job Information:
This job description describes the general nature and level of work required by the position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions of the job. Specific duties and responsibilities consistent with the general nature and level of work described may vary by department and additional related duties may be assigned as needed. Some duties listed may not apply to all employees with this job description.
The job description is subject to change with or without notice, and Management reserves the right to add, modify or remove any qualification or duty. Nothing in this job description changes the existing at-will employment relationship between the Organization and the employee occupying the position.
Standard ADA Settings:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: (Clinical-Hospital)
Standing: Frequently
Walking: Frequently
Sitting: Occasionally
Lifting 0-25 lbs: Frequently
Lifting 25-75 lbs: Rarely
Lifting over 75 lbs: Rarely
Carrying 0-25 lbs: Frequently
Carrying 2575 lbs: Rarely
Carrying over 75 lbs: Rarely
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs: Frequently
Pushing/Pulling 25-75 lbs: Frequently
Pushing/Pulling over 75 lbs: Frequently
Climbing: Occasionally
Bending/Stooping: Frequently
Kneeling: Occasionally
Crouching/Crawling: Occasionally
Reaching: Frequently
Talking: Frequently
Hearing: Frequently
Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements: Rarely
Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements: Frequently
Keyboard Data Entry: Frequently
Running: Occasionally
Vision: Depth Perception: Frequently
Vision: Distinguish Color: Frequently
Vision: Seeing Far: Frequently
Vision: Seeing Near: Frequently
Hazardous Drug Risk Exposure:
Risk Level: Low-Risk
Owensboro Health Core Commitments
INTEGRITY - We conduct ourselves with a high level of responsibility, reliability and honesty because we take seriously the trust of our patients and coworkers.
RESPECT - We value and accept the unique talents and contributions of every patient, customer and team member in the Owensboro Health community.
TEAMWORK - We build a spirit of connectivity and fellowship by striving together to overcome obstacles, surpass goals, celebrate accomplishments and plan the future.
INNOVATION - We foster original ideas and creative solutions that improve our daily work and promote the mission of Owensboro Health.
SERVICE - We focus on service to patients, customers and team members by anticipating their needs, thoughtfully meeting those needs and continually improving the quality of everything we do.
EXCELLENCE - We reach beyond basic expectations to expand our knowledge and awareness, produce exceptional work and provide outstanding service.
Job Summary:
Provides assessment, treatment, care, education, and evaluation for patients with respiratory insufficiencies.
Job Responsibilities:
Delivers and assesses response to ordered therapy per plan of care.
Monitors, records, and communicates patient condition as appropriate.
Evaluates respiratory practice, administration of medications, and treatment based on patient outcomes.
Responds to emergency resuscitation team calls.
Educates the patient and family about the patient's illness, medications, and provides information about community support groups and other resources.
Skills and Attributes:
Requires critical thinking skills and decisive judgment.
Works under minimal supervision.
Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
Position Requirements:
Work Experience
No experience required
Education
Associate's degree or higher in Respiratory Therapy required upon hire OR
Associate's degree or higher in related field required upon hire
Additional Education Information
A combination of education, training and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Licensure/Certification/Registration
CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist with the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) required upon hire AND
RCP - Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of Kentucky required upon hire AND
BLS - Certified as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider required within 90 days of employment in this position
Organizational Responsibilities:
Supports Owensboro Health’s Mission, Vision, Core Commitments, and business interests. Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures. Executes all tasks and behaves in a manner consistent with a culture of compliance, safety and a high reliability organization.
Additional Job Information:
This job description describes the general nature and level of work required by the position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions of the job. Specific duties and responsibilities consistent with the general nature and level of work described may vary by department and additional related duties may be assigned as needed. Some duties listed may not apply to all employees with this job description.
The job description is subject to change with or without notice, and Management reserves the right to add, modify or remove any qualification or duty. Nothing in this job description changes the existing at-will employment relationship between the Organization and the employee occupying the position.
Standard ADA Settings:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: (Clinical-Hospital)
Standing: Frequently
Walking: Frequently
Sitting: Occasionally
Lifting 0-25 lbs: Frequently
Lifting 25-75 lbs: Rarely
Lifting over 75 lbs: Rarely
Carrying 0-25 lbs: Frequently
Carrying 2575 lbs: Rarely
Carrying over 75 lbs: Rarely
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs: Frequently
Pushing/Pulling 25-75 lbs: Frequently
Pushing/Pulling over 75 lbs: Frequently
Climbing: Occasionally
Bending/Stooping: Frequently
Kneeling: Occasionally
Crouching/Crawling: Occasionally
Reaching: Frequently
Talking: Frequently
Hearing: Frequently
Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements: Rarely
Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements: Frequently
Keyboard Data Entry: Frequently
Running: Occasionally
Vision: Depth Perception: Frequently
Vision: Distinguish Color: Frequently
Vision: Seeing Far: Frequently
Vision: Seeing Near: Frequently
Hazardous Drug Risk Exposure:
Risk Level: Low-Risk
Owensboro Health Core Commitments
INTEGRITY - We conduct ourselves with a high level of responsibility, reliability and honesty because we take seriously the trust of our patients and coworkers.
RESPECT - We value and accept the unique talents and contributions of every patient, customer and team member in the Owensboro Health community.
TEAMWORK - We build a spirit of connectivity and fellowship by striving together to overcome obstacles, surpass goals, celebrate accomplishments and plan the future.
INNOVATION - We foster original ideas and creative solutions that improve our daily work and promote the mission of Owensboro Health.
SERVICE - We focus on service to patients, customers and team members by anticipating their needs, thoughtfully meeting those needs and continually improving the quality of everything we do.
EXCELLENCE - We reach beyond basic expectations to expand our knowledge and awareness, produce exceptional work and provide outstanding service.
See All 71 Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Respiratory Therapist JobsRespiratory Therapist Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Respiratory Therapist Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Vibra Travels12
- Baptist Health System KY & IN9
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare5
- Vibra Healthcare3
- Kindred Hospitals3
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in respiratory therapist jobs across Kentucky.
- Active Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist license from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
- Graduate of a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program at the associate or bachelor level
- Current Basic Life Support certification required for all clinical settings in Kentucky
- ACLS or PALS certification preferred for ICU, emergency, and neonatal respiratory positions
- Demonstrated experience with mechanical ventilation and arterial blood gas analysis
- Ability to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends in acute care hospital environments
Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a respiratory therapist in Kentucky?
You must hold an active license issued by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure to work as a respiratory therapist in the state. The path starts with completing a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, which leads to either the Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. You then apply for a Kentucky license using those credentials. Community colleges and university programs across the state offer accredited pathways.
How much do respiratory therapists make in Kentucky?
Respiratory therapists in Kentucky earn a median of about $72,750 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $58,330 for the lowest 10% to over $92,540 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire respiratory therapists in Kentucky?
Kentucky respiratory therapist roles are posted by Vibra Travels, Baptist Health System KY & IN, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Large integrated health systems headquartered in Louisville and Lexington account for the largest share of permanent and per-diem openings statewide.
Which Kentucky cities have the most respiratory therapist jobs?
Louisville, Paducah, and Madisonville have the most respiratory therapist openings in Kentucky right now. Louisville leads because it is home to several major hospital systems and the state's largest trauma centers, while Lexington's openings are driven largely by UK HealthCare and the surrounding academic medical complex, and smaller metros benefit from regional hospital expansions serving rural catchment areas.
Are there remote respiratory therapist jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. Respiratory therapy is a hands-on clinical role, so the vast majority of positions require on-site presence in a hospital, long-term care facility, or outpatient clinic. About 0% of respiratory therapist openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions are almost exclusively in telehealth pulmonary monitoring or case management, rather than direct bedside care.
How can I get hired as a respiratory therapist in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate respiratory therapist roles posted by large Kentucky health systems, which regularly recruit CoARC graduates before or just after they sit for the NBRC exam. Norton Healthcare and Baptist Health have historically offered structured new-grad orientation programs in their acute care units. Candidates who have worked as a respiratory therapy aide, pulmonary function technologist, or sleep study technician hold a meaningful advantage, and securing your Kentucky license promptly after passing the CRT exam is the single most important step.
Where can I find and apply to respiratory therapist jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to respiratory therapist jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your credentials and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 71 Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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