Respiratory Therapist
Company : Prime Healthcare Services
Location : Kansas City, MO, 64114
Job Type : Contractor
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
We are seeking a Respiratory Therapist, internally referred to as our Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). The Respiratory Therapist, also known as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP II), plays a crucial role in the care and management of patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They assist patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions in achieving optimal respiratory function and improving their quality of life. This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed.
Shift’s Available: Nights
Employment Type: Per Diem (PD / PRN)
Hours: 12-hour shifts
Location: St. Joseph Medical Center – Kansas City, MO
Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare:
- Competitive compensation
- Medical insurance benefit plan
- 401K
- Sick leave accrual
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to):
- Will provide treatments such as inhalation therapies, oxygen therapy, and aerosol medications to help patients breathe more easily
- Conduct tests like pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis to assess lung capacity and gas exchange in patients
- Set up, monitor, and adjust ventilators and other life-supporting equipment for patients who cannot breathe independently
- May be part of a rapid response team in emergencies, which you will provide airway management, perform intubations, and resuscitate patients in critical situations
- Assess patients' respiratory status, monitor their progress, and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed
- Ensure that all respiratory equipment is properly cleaned, sterilized, and maintained to prevent infections and ensure patient safety
Qualifications
Education and Work Experience
Before we go any further, we do have some deal-breakers. You must have:
- State Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) License
- Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current
- Respiratory Therapist (RT) certification from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
- ACLS certificate within 60 day of hire and maintain current
- PALS certificate within 60 days of hire and maintain current
- High school diploma or equivalent
Additional Qualifications That Are a Plus:
- 2 years experience as an RCP
- NRP certificate
- Associate Degree or Bachelor of Science Degree
Full benefits at Prime Healthcare: https://www.primehealthcare.com/careers/benefits/
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Employment Status
Per DiemShift
NightsEqual Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
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Frequently asked questions
Kansas City has a steady need for qualified respiratory therapists due to its aging population and healthcare growth. Job openings at places like Prime Healthcare Services reflect ongoing demand, but candidates with certifications and night shift flexibility often stand out in this moderately competitive market.
Yes, Missouri requires respiratory therapists to hold a state respiratory care practitioner (RCP) license. Supplementary certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS are typically mandated within a certain timeframe after hiring, ensuring therapists meet local standards for patient care and safety.
An RRT generally represents a higher credential level than a CRT, often indicating more advanced clinical skills and responsibilities. Employers like Prime Healthcare Services may prefer RRTs for critical care roles, though both certifications are vital for delivering quality respiratory therapy.
Night shifts at Prime Healthcare include managing ventilators, administering inhalation and aerosol therapies, and responding to emergencies like airway management. The role demands vigilance in monitoring patient respiratory status and ensuring proper sterilization of equipment during overnight hours.
Prime Healthcare offers competitive pay and benefits such as medical insurance and 401(k) plans, which enhance job satisfaction. They also encourage certification maintenance and provide opportunities for hands-on experience in acute and chronic respiratory care, fostering career advancement.
Respiratory therapists in Kansas City generally earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Per diem positions like those at Prime Healthcare may offer hourly rates ranging roughly from $30 to $45, reflecting market standards for flexible, skilled respiratory care.
St. Joseph Medical Center is centrally located, but night-shift respiratory therapists should consider Kansas City's traffic patterns and public transit schedules. Early planning for safe travel is advisable, especially during winter months when road conditions can affect commute times.
Beyond flexible scheduling, Prime Healthcare extends benefits like sick leave accrual, competitive compensation, and health insurance options even for per diem employees. These perks make it appealing for respiratory therapists desiring work-life balance alongside professional support.
Respiratory therapists at Prime Healthcare actively participate in rapid response teams, managing airway emergencies, performing intubations, and assisting in resuscitations. This dynamic involvement requires therapists to be skilled in critical care techniques and quick decision-making during urgent situations.
Respiratory therapists can advance toward supervisory roles, specialize in pulmonary care, or transition into educational and consultant positions. Kansas City's diverse medical facilities offer multiple avenues for skill expansion and leadership development within respiratory therapy.