Respiratory Therapy

Become a Respiratory Therapist

Join over 1,000 respiratory therapists at Advocate Health, where multiple advancement opportunities empower you to shape your own career path in this high-demand profession. As vital contributors to the healthcare system, respiratory therapists significantly impact patients’ lives daily, facing new challenges that make the career both rewarding and dynamic. This field merges the art of science and care, requiring precision and specialized skills. By embodying excellence, compassion, and respect, our Respiratory Therapists promote a collaborative environment among team members, all dedicated to our mission of improving the well-being and quality of life for the individuals we serve.

Steps to become a Respiratory Therapist:

  1. Enroll in an Associates, Bachelor or Master’s Degree Program for Respiratory Care.
  2. Upon graduation, complete the credentialing exam.
  3. Obtain a license to practice in your state.
  4. Earn advanced credentialing.

Here are some resources to learn more:

Respiratory Male

Professional Development:  

  • Loan Support Program – up to $5,000 per year towards eligible student loans (4 year maximum). 
  • Education Assistance – up to $5,000 per year towards continuing education.
  • ExCEL-RT Program – Professional development program.

Shared Governance  

Shared governance at Advocate Midwest provides a structure by which bedside clinicians, leaders and other disciplines are engaged and empowered by shared decision making and evidence-based practice, professional development and research within the framework or our Respiratory Therapy Practice Model.  

Respiratory Therapy Career Pathway

A Respiratory Therapy Extern is a student in the field of respiratory therapy, that is working with us in a clinical setting. As a student extern you can gain practical, hands-on experiences under the mentorship and supervision of a licensed respiratory therapist. You will experience real-world scenarios and develop clinical and critical thinking skills, while building professional relationships.  

Respiratory Therapists provide comprehensive assessment and care using tailored treatment plans and techniques while managing complex respiratory conditions. They provide education to patients and families and continuously collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Click to view openings in IL or WI.

A Respiratory Education Coordinator develops, implements and oversees education and training, to ensure that staff members are equipped with clinical guidelines ensuring the highest quality of patient care. They work closely in a multidisciplinary fashion that promotes integrated, patient-centered care.  

Take the next step into a Lead, Supervisor, Manager or Director position. Serving as a respiratory leader with us allows you to provide a meaningful impact both at an individual site and system level. You’ll have plenty of leadership and preceptorship opportunities available to take you to the next level in your career. 

Watch our teammates shine

Respiratory Therapy Clinical Specialties

The Pediatric Transport Team provides interfacility transport via ambulance and rotor wing for critically ill or injured infants and children. In this role the respiratory therapist functions at the highest level of clinical skill including ECMO transports, intubations, invasive line and I/O placements. 

A Pediatric ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Specialist is a highly trained healthcare professional responsible for managing and operating the ECMO machine.  This role requires a deep understanding of pediatric physiology and critical care management while also working closely with a multidisciplinary team.

A Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT) conducts testing to assess lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions in both adults and children. The technologist performs procedures such as spirometry and lung volume measurements, working with teams to ensure accurate results. 

A Pulmonary Rehab Therapist specializes in improving the quality of life for patients with chronic respiratory conditions causing breathing difficulties. They design and implement personalized exercise programs, provide education on disease management, and teach techniques to enhance breathing and overall lung function. 

A Polysomnography Technician (Sleep Tech) is skilled with performing sleep studies using electrodes to view brainwaves, parameters for respiratory effort, EKG, and limb movements. The technician is able to identify and begin treatment for sleep apnea in the sleep lab.

The Certified Hyperbaric Technologist is a specially trained allied health professional with advanced knowledge of the delivery of hyperbaric oxygen. These professionals operate as a chamber operator and/or inside chamber attendant providing care for a variety of different diagnoses that benefit from this unique therapy.

A Home Health Respiratory Therapist provides care and support to patients in their own home. Using assessment and clinical thinking, they administer therapies while ensuring the patients and their families have the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain their independence and quality of life.