Respiratory Therapist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Respiratory therapists qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring specialized medical knowledge. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy or related field, though some employers accept associate degrees with extensive experience. Hospitals and healthcare systems regularly sponsor international respiratory therapists. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsTOTAL REWARDS:
OSF HealthCare is dedicated to provide Mission Partners with a comprehensive and market-competitive total rewards package that includes benefits, compensation, recognition and well-being offerings that focus on the whole person and engage with their current stage of life and career. Click here to learn more about benefits and the total rewards at OSF.
Expected pay for this position is $35.59 - $41.87/hour. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. This is an Hourly position.
This position also includes a night shift differential of $5.00/hr and a weekend differential of $3.25/hr.
Eligible for a $15,000 Sign On Bonus!
Position Summary: The Respiratory Therapist II provides age-appropriate respiratory care across all patient populations, in accordance with evidence-based practices, medical center protocols, and regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission and Medicare guidelines. This role involves close collaboration with the healthcare team, utilizing clinical expertise and critical thinking to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care. The Respiratory Therapist II plays a vital role in supporting patient outcomes through skilled interventions and continuous assessment. The Respiratory Therapist II plays a vital role in providing comprehensive patient care across various settings, including emergency rooms, intensive care units, general medical floors, homecare and clinics. They will collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, contributing to positive patient outcomes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Completion of accredited Respiratory Therapy Program
Licensure/ Certification: Must be a credentialed Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Must have a current Respiratory Care Practitioner state license from appropriate state (IL or MI) and current National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentials if credentialed after July 1, 2002. New graduate therapists must successfully pass all exams required for Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. Proof of Application for state licensure is required for new graduates before orientation to the department can begin. Licensure must be obtained within six months of hire for new graduates per the Respiratory Care Illinois Practice Act.
CPR – American Heart Association (BLS for Health Care Providers)
OSF HealthCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TOTAL REWARDS:
OSF HealthCare is dedicated to provide Mission Partners with a comprehensive and market-competitive total rewards package that includes benefits, compensation, recognition and well-being offerings that focus on the whole person and engage with their current stage of life and career. Click here to learn more about benefits and the total rewards at OSF.
Expected pay for this position is $35.59 - $41.87/hour. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. This is an Hourly position.
This position also includes a night shift differential of $5.00/hr and a weekend differential of $3.25/hr.
Eligible for a $15,000 Sign On Bonus!
Position Summary: The Respiratory Therapist II provides age-appropriate respiratory care across all patient populations, in accordance with evidence-based practices, medical center protocols, and regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission and Medicare guidelines. This role involves close collaboration with the healthcare team, utilizing clinical expertise and critical thinking to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care. The Respiratory Therapist II plays a vital role in supporting patient outcomes through skilled interventions and continuous assessment. The Respiratory Therapist II plays a vital role in providing comprehensive patient care across various settings, including emergency rooms, intensive care units, general medical floors, homecare and clinics. They will collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, contributing to positive patient outcomes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Completion of accredited Respiratory Therapy Program
Licensure/ Certification: Must be a credentialed Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Must have a current Respiratory Care Practitioner state license from appropriate state (IL or MI) and current National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentials if credentialed after July 1, 2002. New graduate therapists must successfully pass all exams required for Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. Proof of Application for state licensure is required for new graduates before orientation to the department can begin. Licensure must be obtained within six months of hire for new graduates per the Respiratory Care Illinois Practice Act.
CPR – American Heart Association (BLS for Health Care Providers)
OSF HealthCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See all 2,121+ Respiratory Therapist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Respiratory Therapist Jobs
Target hospitals with respiratory departments
Large hospital systems like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Kaiser Permanente frequently sponsor respiratory therapists. These employers understand the specialty occupation requirements and have established visa processes.
Emphasize your specialized training
Highlight mechanical ventilation expertise, critical care experience, and specialized certifications like CRT or RRT. These demonstrate the specialized knowledge required for H-1B approval in respiratory therapy roles.
Consider travel therapy agencies
Companies like Aya Healthcare and Cross Country Healthcare sponsor respiratory therapists for temporary assignments. This can provide H-1B experience while building your U.S. healthcare network for permanent opportunities.
Document your degree equivalency early
If you have a non-U.S. degree, get a credential evaluation from organizations like WES or ECE. Many respiratory therapy programs outside the U.S. may need formal evaluation for H-1B petitions.
Research state licensing requirements
Most states require respiratory therapist licensing before employment. Start the licensing process early since employers typically won't sponsor visas without confirmed eligibility to practice in their state.
Apply during peak hiring seasons
Healthcare hiring often peaks in spring and fall. Time your applications accordingly, as respiratory therapy positions in critical care units experience higher turnover during these periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do respiratory therapists qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, respiratory therapists qualify for H-1B visas as a specialty occupation requiring specialized medical knowledge. USCIS typically approves these petitions when the position requires a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy, cardiopulmonary sciences, or related field. Employers must demonstrate the role requires theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge in respiratory care.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a respiratory therapist?
Most H-1B petitions require a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy or related healthcare field. Some employers may accept associate degrees in respiratory therapy combined with extensive clinical experience, but bachelor's degree holders have stronger petition success rates. Your degree must relate directly to respiratory care, cardiopulmonary sciences, or similar medical specialization.
Which employers sponsor respiratory therapists for visas?
Large hospital systems, academic medical centers, and specialized respiratory care facilities most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for respiratory therapists. Major employers include Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Kaiser Permanente. Travel healthcare agencies like Aya Healthcare also sponsor therapists for temporary assignments that can lead to permanent opportunities.
Can I get sponsored with just an associate degree in respiratory therapy?
It's challenging but possible with extensive experience. USCIS allows three years of progressive work experience to substitute for one year of education. With an associate degree, you'd typically need 6+ years of specialized respiratory therapy experience to meet H-1B requirements. Bachelor's degree holders have significantly higher approval rates.
Do I need U.S. licensing before H-1B sponsorship?
Most employers require state respiratory therapist licensing before sponsoring H-1B petitions. Each state has different requirements, but most recognize NBRC credentials (CRT/RRT). Start the licensing process early since it can take several months and employers typically won't commit to sponsorship without confirmed practice eligibility in their state.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Respiratory Therapist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
How to find Respiratory Therapist jobs with visa sponsorship?
Use Migrate Mate to find Respiratory Therapist positions with visa sponsorship. Focus your search on hospitals, healthcare systems, and rehabilitation centers that commonly sponsor H-1B and EB-3 visas for healthcare professionals. These employers often have dedicated immigration support teams and regularly hire international Respiratory Therapists to fill critical staffing needs in intensive care, emergency departments, and specialized pulmonary units.