Respiratory Therapist Jobs in North Carolina
Respiratory Therapist jobs in North Carolina are consistently in demand, with openings concentrated in hospital systems, acute care, neonatal and pediatric units, and pulmonary rehabilitation across the state at every level from new graduate to senior clinician. Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro drive the heaviest hiring volume, anchored by large employers like Atrium Health, UNC Health, and Novant Health. Critical care, neonatal respiratory therapy, and sleep disorder management are among the most sought-after specialties across North Carolina's health systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 204+ Respiratory Therapist jobs
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke Raleigh Hospital, A Campus of Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with the Duke Raleigh Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 204-beds, it is the third largest of the four Duke Health hospitals and offers a comprehensive array of services, including cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, advanced gastrointestinal, and wound healing care.
$20,000 Committment Bonus (if eligible)
Up to $8,000 in relocation assistance (if eligible)
Job Description
Perform and evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice, performing work in accordance with physician orders in the neonatal, pediatric, and adult patient populations.
Work Performed
Perform all duties and responsibilities required of a Respiratory Care Practitioner I. Evaluate appropriateness of medical orders. Proficient in the application of mechanical ventilator modalities. Proficient in the application of Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV); Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Perform endotracheal intubation under the observation of a Supervisor or Advanced Practitioner. Perform extubations. Serve as member of the code/ emergency team. Administer medical gases. Insert nasogastric and orogastric tubes. Perform tracheotomy tube changes. Perform capnography monitoring. Transport patients requiring mechanical ventilation or airway protection. Interpret clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives. Participate in clinical rounds with physicians, nurses, and other health care providers Assist with Bronchoscopy. Assist with orientation and training of Level II RT. Assure safe operations of devices in the MRI. Qualified for certification in the hyperbaric chamber if applicable to the institution scope of practice.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge necessary to make appropriate clinical decisions and interaction relative to the specific age of a patient. Skills validation/certification of competencies for the duties and responsibilities required for a Level I RT. Skills validation / certifications of competencies for the duties and responsibilities of this level. Work involves contact with patients of all ages, family members, physicians, nursing, and all other members of the health care team. Work is performed in all areas of the hospital. Work may require lifting or pushing in excess of 30 pounds. Required to carry emergency airway bag weighing approximately 20 pounds. Work requires walking, running, climbing, and bending. Customer service and communication expertise.
Level Characteristics
N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Completion of a 2-year AMA approved respiratory care program (associate’s degree or the equivalent). Must maintain annual skill maintenance requirements Must maintain annual safety/compliance requirements Must maintain North Carolina annual license requirements for CEUs.
Experience
Six months to one year of clinical experience following graduation from a respiratory care program.
Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
North Carolina State Licensure Registry (RRT) by the National Association for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRPS) if applicable to institution.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke Raleigh Hospital, A Campus of Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with the Duke Raleigh Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. With 204-beds, it is the third largest of the four Duke Health hospitals and offers a comprehensive array of services, including cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, advanced gastrointestinal, and wound healing care.
$20,000 Committment Bonus (if eligible)
Up to $8,000 in relocation assistance (if eligible)
Job Description
Perform and evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic clinical procedures as defined in the Respiratory Care Services scope of clinical practice, performing work in accordance with physician orders in the neonatal, pediatric, and adult patient populations.
Work Performed
Perform all duties and responsibilities required of a Respiratory Care Practitioner I. Evaluate appropriateness of medical orders. Proficient in the application of mechanical ventilator modalities. Proficient in the application of Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV); Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Perform endotracheal intubation under the observation of a Supervisor or Advanced Practitioner. Perform extubations. Serve as member of the code/ emergency team. Administer medical gases. Insert nasogastric and orogastric tubes. Perform tracheotomy tube changes. Perform capnography monitoring. Transport patients requiring mechanical ventilation or airway protection. Interpret clinical data to optimize patient clinical objectives. Participate in clinical rounds with physicians, nurses, and other health care providers Assist with Bronchoscopy. Assist with orientation and training of Level II RT. Assure safe operations of devices in the MRI. Qualified for certification in the hyperbaric chamber if applicable to the institution scope of practice.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge necessary to make appropriate clinical decisions and interaction relative to the specific age of a patient. Skills validation/certification of competencies for the duties and responsibilities required for a Level I RT. Skills validation / certifications of competencies for the duties and responsibilities of this level. Work involves contact with patients of all ages, family members, physicians, nursing, and all other members of the health care team. Work is performed in all areas of the hospital. Work may require lifting or pushing in excess of 30 pounds. Required to carry emergency airway bag weighing approximately 20 pounds. Work requires walking, running, climbing, and bending. Customer service and communication expertise.
Level Characteristics
N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Completion of a 2-year AMA approved respiratory care program (associate’s degree or the equivalent). Must maintain annual skill maintenance requirements Must maintain annual safety/compliance requirements Must maintain North Carolina annual license requirements for CEUs.
Experience
Six months to one year of clinical experience following graduation from a respiratory care program.
Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
North Carolina State Licensure Registry (RRT) by the National Association for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRPS) if applicable to institution.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
See All 204+ Respiratory Therapist Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Respiratory Therapist JobsRespiratory Therapist Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Respiratory Therapist Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Advocate Aurora Health56
- Atrium Health40
- Novant Health17
- UNC Health12
- Duke Health8
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in respiratory therapist jobs across North Carolina.
- Active North Carolina Respiratory Care License issued by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board
- Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care
- Associate or bachelor's degree from a COARC-accredited respiratory therapy program
- Demonstrated experience with mechanical ventilation and critical care patient management
- Basic Life Support certification and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification required
- Strong proficiency with arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function testing procedures
Respiratory Therapist Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a respiratory therapist in North Carolina?
You must hold an active license issued by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board to work as a respiratory therapist in the state. The path starts with completing an accredited respiratory therapy program at a community college or university, then passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation Examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential, which is required for licensure in North Carolina.
How much do respiratory therapists make in North Carolina?
Respiratory therapists in North Carolina earn a median of about $80,090 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,990 for the lowest 10% to over $99,520 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire respiratory therapists in North Carolina?
Employers hiring respiratory therapists in North Carolina right now include Advocate Aurora Health, Atrium Health, and Novant Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. North Carolina's large integrated health systems tend to hire continuously across acute care, neonatal intensive care, and outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation units.
Which North Carolina cities have the most respiratory therapist jobs?
Charlotte, Concord, and Raleigh have the most respiratory therapist openings in North Carolina. Charlotte's concentration of large acute care and children's hospital campuses drives the highest volume, while Raleigh-Durham's research hospitals and health system expansion fuel steady demand, and Greensboro serves as a major hiring center for the Piedmont Triad's regional hospital network.
Are there remote respiratory therapist jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. Respiratory therapy is inherently a hands-on, bedside-focused role that requires direct patient contact, so most positions are fully on-site. About 0% of respiratory therapist openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those roles are almost exclusively in telehealth respiratory monitoring, utilization review, or clinical education.
How can I get hired as a respiratory therapist in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate positions at large North Carolina health systems like UNC Health and Atrium Health, both of which run structured respiratory therapy residency and transition-to-practice programs for candidates without clinical experience. Completing a clinical rotation at a North Carolina hospital strengthens your application considerably, and holding your Certified Respiratory Therapist credential while pursuing your Registered Respiratory Therapist exam signals readiness to hiring managers. Entry-level roles in pulmonary function testing or sleep lab positions are also common stepping stones within the state.
Where can I find and apply to respiratory therapist jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to respiratory therapist jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Find roles that fit your credentials and experience below and apply directly.
See All 204+ Respiratory Therapist Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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