Therapist Jobs in Columbia, SC
Therapist jobs in Columbia, South Carolina are in steady demand across community mental health, hospital systems, and private practice, with openings concentrated in the Midlands Medical District, Forest Acres, and the Vista corridor. Employers hiring right now include Prisma Health, Rehab Employee Services, and Lexington Health. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- R-0000060714
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Professional Care & Therapists
- Nursing, Advanced Practice Providers, & Therapists
- Full Time
- Hospital Authority (MUHA)
Job Description Summary
The Respiratory Therapist at MUSC Midlands provides advanced respiratory care to patients with a variety of respiratory conditions. This role involves performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans. The Respiratory Therapist ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients of all ages.Entity
Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)Worker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularCost Center
CC001435 KER - Respiratory Therapy (KMC)Pay Rate Type
HourlyPay Grade
Health-26Scheduled Weekly Hours
36Work Shift
Job Description
Job Description
** $20K Sign on Bonus***
Entity/Organization: MUHA (Medical University Hospital Authority/Medical Center)
FLSA Status: Hourly
Job Description/Summary: The Respiratory Therapist at MUSC Midlands provides advanced respiratory care to patients with a variety of respiratory conditions. This role involves performing diagnostic tests, administering treatments, and working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans. The Respiratory Therapist ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to patients of all ages.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Care
Conduct thorough assessments of patients' respiratory conditions through physical examinations and diagnostic tests.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and physician directives.
Administer respiratory therapies, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and mechanical ventilation.
Monitor and adjust ventilator settings and other respiratory support devices as needed.
Diagnostic Testing
Perform pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and efficiency.
Conduct arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to evaluate oxygenation and acid-base balance.
Utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to identify and monitor respiratory disorders.
Emergency and Critical Care
Provide respiratory support in emergency situations, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced airway management.
Participate in the care of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), ensuring optimal respiratory function and support.
Assist in the transport of critically ill patients, maintaining stability during transfers.
Education and Training
Educate patients and their families on respiratory care techniques, equipment usage, and disease management.
Provide training and support to nursing staff and other healthcare professionals on respiratory care practices and procedures.
Stay current with the latest advancements in respiratory care through continuing education and professional development.
Compliance and Safety
Adhere to all MUSC Midlands policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations related to respiratory care.
Follow infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for patients and staff.
Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of respiratory equipment.
Qualifications
Education:
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
Experience:
0-1 year as a Respiratory Therapist in a clinical setting.
Experience in critical care or emergency care settings is preferred.
Licensure/Certification:
Current state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
Skills:
Strong clinical skills and knowledge of respiratory care procedures and equipment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
Working Conditions
Work Environment:
Exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials with proper safety protocols in place.
Rotating shifts, including possible evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required.
Physical Requirements: Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent) Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that can not assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous) Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent) Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) (Selected Positions) *Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous) (Selected Positions)
Additional Job Description
Education:
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited program.
Experience:
0-1 year as a Respiratory Therapist in a clinical setting.
Experience in critical care or emergency care settings is preferred.
Licensure/Certification:
Current state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required. PALS is required and will be obtained the week of Orientation.
If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!
The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.
Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
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Find Therapist JobsTherapist Job Market in Columbia
Who's Hiring
- Prisma Health13

- Rehab Employee Services8

- Lexington Health6

- Drayer Physical Therapy6

- PruittHealth5

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services44
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Agriculture & Farming2
- Education1
Therapist Jobs in Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a therapist job in Columbia?
Columbia's strongest hiring comes from community mental health centers, Veterans Affairs facilities, hospital-affiliated behavioral health programs, and school districts across Richland and Lexington counties. Candidates with experience in trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, or adolescent mental health have a clear edge here. Targeting the Midlands Medical District and Fort Jackson-adjacent providers broadens your options and puts you in front of the city's highest-volume employers.
Which companies hire therapists in Columbia?
Columbia therapist roles are posted by Prisma Health, Rehab Employee Services, and Lexington Health and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The local market is anchored by large hospital networks, state-funded behavioral health agencies, and a growing number of outpatient group practices serving the greater Midlands region.
Are there remote therapist jobs in Columbia?
Yes, though remote opportunities are more limited than in purely desk-based fields since many therapist roles involve in-person clinical work. About 16% of therapist openings tied to Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with telehealth positions most common among outpatient counseling and employee assistance program roles serving the Midlands.
How can I get a therapist job in Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Columbia is through practicum or internship placements at community mental health centers like Lexington or Richland area agencies, which regularly convert graduates into full-time staff. Entry-level case manager and behavioral health technician roles at local hospital systems also serve as strong stepping stones. Candidates who complete supervised hours at Columbia-area sites build the local referral networks that lead directly to clinical openings.
Which industries hire the most therapists in Columbia?
The sectors hiring the most therapists in Columbia are Healthcare & Medical Services, Consulting & Professional Services, and Agriculture & Farming, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Columbia's role as a state capital with major military, university, and healthcare infrastructure concentrates behavioral health demand across public agencies, academic medical centers, and veteran-serving organizations in the Midlands.
Related Jobs in South Carolina
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