Respiratory Therapist Resume Guidance

A Respiratory Therapist plays a crucial role in healthcare, often closely working with doctors and nurses to develop and implement treatment plans for patients with breathing disorders. Their CV needs to breathe life into their skills and experience in a tangible way.

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Resume Structure

1. Contact Information

At the top of your resume, include:

• Full Name
• Professional Title (e.g., Respiratory Therapist, RRT, CRT)
• Phone Number
• Email Address (e.g., firstname.lastname@example.com)
• LinkedIn Profile (optional, but helpful for networking)
• License Number and State (if applicable)

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2. Professional Summary

Write a concise overview of your experience, skills, and career goals in 2–3 sentences.

Example:

Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with 5+ years of experience in acute care and critical care settings. Proficient in ventilator management, pulmonary function testing, and patient education. Committed to delivering exceptional care and improving respiratory health outcomes.

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3. Licenses and Certifications

This section is critical for a healthcare professional. Include:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT): NBRC (if applicable)
• State Licensure: (e.g., Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, State Name)
• Basic Life Support (BLS): American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): (if applicable)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): (if applicable)

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4. Education

List your educational qualifications in reverse chronological order:

• Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy – College Name, Graduation Year
• Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (if applicable) – University Name, Graduation Year

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5. Professional Experience

Include detailed work experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide:

• Job Title
• Employer Name, Location (City, State)
• Dates of Employment (Month/Year – Month/Year)
• 4–6 bullet points describing responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify outcomes where possible.

Example:
Respiratory Therapist
Community Hospital, Miami, FL
June 2018 – Present

• Performed respiratory therapy treatments, including oxygen therapy, aerosol treatments, and ventilator management for patients in critical care units.
• Assisted in emergency intubations and provided rapid respiratory assessments during code situations.
• Educated patients and families on managing chronic respiratory conditions, improving compliance with treatment plans by 20%.
• Conducted pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analyses to evaluate patient progress.

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6. Key Skills

Highlight relevant technical and interpersonal skills in a concise list:

• Ventilator Management (Invasive and Non-Invasive)
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation
• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
• Airway Management and Intubation Assistance
• Patient Education and Chronic Disease Management
• EMR/EHR Proficiency (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Team Collaboration and Communication

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7. Volunteer Work or Leadership Roles (Optional)

Include any volunteer experience or leadership roles that demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

• Volunteer Respiratory Therapist: Free Community Clinics, 2020–Present
• Mentor: Assisted in training new hires or students during clinical rotations.

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8. Awards and Achievements (Optional)

Include recognitions that set you apart:

• Employee of the Month: Recognized for exceptional patient care, 2021
• Top Graduate Award: Respiratory Therapy Program, 2018

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9. Additional Sections (Optional)

Include other relevant details that enhance your application:

• Languages: Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Spanish) can be a strong asset.
• Professional Memberships: American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) or other organizations.

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Formatting Tips

1. Length: Keep your resume concise (1 page is ideal, 2 pages if extensive experience).
2. Font: Use clean, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10–12 pt).
3. Keywords: Tailor your resume to the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
4. Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe achievements (e.g., “Administered,” “Collaborated,” “Conducted”).
5. Proofread: Ensure your resume is error-free to demonstrate attention to detail.

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Pro Tips

Showcase Patient Impact: Highlight how your care improved patient outcomes or satisfaction. Suggest or revise an existing one!

Customize for Each Job: Adjust your resume to highlight skills and experiences relevant to the specific job description.

Emphasize Metrics: Quantify achievements when possible (e.g., “Reduced ventilator-associated complications by 15%”).

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