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 JobsDEPARTMENT: 26171 - Respiratory North Naples
LOCATION: 11190 Health Park Blvd, Naples, FL, 34110
WORK TYPE: Per Diem
WORK SCHEDULE: 12 Hour Night
About Nch
NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care. NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan. Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.
Job Summary
The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will utilize and be competent in all of the clinical skills performed by a Respiratory Therapist to include geriatric, adult, pediatric and newborn patient care. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will have the additional training and competency necessary to work under minimal supervision in a neonatal nursery unit. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will maintain competency and/or certification to perform all patient care activities according to NICU and Respiratory Care policy and procedure. Airway management and ventilator management are considered core competencies, which are established during the orientation process and annually thereafter. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will also assist in the training of new NICU therapists. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will aid the NICU nursing staff as necessary and assume charge duties as assigned by the Administrative Director, or department manager.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Other duties may be assigned.
- Performs accurate and appropriate respiratory care assessment of the newborn.
- Draws arterial blood gases according to policy from UAC lines, arterial lines, arterial sticks, and capillary heel sticks. Analysis of the ABG’s and morning lab draws on the blood gas systems according to nursery and departmental standards.
- Follows all hospital guidelines in adhering to the operating room procedures and Attire.
- Competent with all respiratory therapy equipment to include infant ventilators, oscillator ventilator, bubble cpap, Tpiece Resuscitator, heated high flow cannulas, heated oxygen hoods, nasal cannulas, nebulizers, blenders, o2 analyzers, resuscitation unit, transporter, and warmer tables.
- Cleans and properly reassembles all intubation boxes/bags and documents each shift that they are properly stocked.
- Competent in the proper cleaning and reassembles the infant transporter, isolettes, and warmer tables.
- Cleans and properly reassembles all respiratory therapy equipment and performs device checks on ventilators.
- Attends all high-risk deliveries defined by policy, and other deliveries at the request of the Neonatologist or NICU Delivery Team.
- Assists the RN with assigning Apgar scores following birth, coordinates transfer of newborn from the delivery area to the NICU or well-baby nursery.
- Proficiency and understanding of Surfactant Administration including dosing and troubleshooting.
- Attends/completes annual clinical competency program.
- Certification in neonatal intubation may be obtained following departmental policies and with direct observation and demonstration of competency by a neonatology physician or other certified individual.
Education, Experience And Qualifications
- Must be a graduate of an accredited program for Respiratory Care.
- Florida licensure as a Respiratory Therapist is required.
- Registered Respiratory Therapist preferred.
- NRP is required prior to completion of 90-day evaluation period.
- Experience in a level II nursery or greater is preferred.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
- Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association are highly recommended but not required.
- Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.
DEPARTMENT: 26171 - Respiratory North Naples
LOCATION: 11190 Health Park Blvd, Naples, FL, 34110
WORK TYPE: Per Diem
WORK SCHEDULE: 12 Hour Night
About Nch
NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care. NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan. Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.
Job Summary
The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will utilize and be competent in all of the clinical skills performed by a Respiratory Therapist to include geriatric, adult, pediatric and newborn patient care. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will have the additional training and competency necessary to work under minimal supervision in a neonatal nursery unit. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will maintain competency and/or certification to perform all patient care activities according to NICU and Respiratory Care policy and procedure. Airway management and ventilator management are considered core competencies, which are established during the orientation process and annually thereafter. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will also assist in the training of new NICU therapists. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will aid the NICU nursing staff as necessary and assume charge duties as assigned by the Administrative Director, or department manager.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Other duties may be assigned.
- Performs accurate and appropriate respiratory care assessment of the newborn.
- Draws arterial blood gases according to policy from UAC lines, arterial lines, arterial sticks, and capillary heel sticks. Analysis of the ABG’s and morning lab draws on the blood gas systems according to nursery and departmental standards.
- Follows all hospital guidelines in adhering to the operating room procedures and Attire.
- Competent with all respiratory therapy equipment to include infant ventilators, oscillator ventilator, bubble cpap, Tpiece Resuscitator, heated high flow cannulas, heated oxygen hoods, nasal cannulas, nebulizers, blenders, o2 analyzers, resuscitation unit, transporter, and warmer tables.
- Cleans and properly reassembles all intubation boxes/bags and documents each shift that they are properly stocked.
- Competent in the proper cleaning and reassembles the infant transporter, isolettes, and warmer tables.
- Cleans and properly reassembles all respiratory therapy equipment and performs device checks on ventilators.
- Attends all high-risk deliveries defined by policy, and other deliveries at the request of the Neonatologist or NICU Delivery Team.
- Assists the RN with assigning Apgar scores following birth, coordinates transfer of newborn from the delivery area to the NICU or well-baby nursery.
- Proficiency and understanding of Surfactant Administration including dosing and troubleshooting.
- Attends/completes annual clinical competency program.
- Certification in neonatal intubation may be obtained following departmental policies and with direct observation and demonstration of competency by a neonatology physician or other certified individual.
Education, Experience And Qualifications
- Must be a graduate of an accredited program for Respiratory Care.
- Florida licensure as a Respiratory Therapist is required.
- Registered Respiratory Therapist preferred.
- NRP is required prior to completion of 90-day evaluation period.
- Experience in a level II nursery or greater is preferred.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
- Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association are highly recommended but not required.
- Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Respiratory Therapist
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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