Registered Respiratory Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Little Rock, AR, 72205
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 26.7-39.71 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
- Assess and evaluate of the appropriateness and effectiveness of therapy based on patient’s age, cognitive and physical abilities, and/or developmental needs
- Make recommendations for changes in specific modes of therapy
- Educates patients and arranges home respiratory care services and patient therapy follow-up assessments using language and materials appropriate for age, cognitive and physical abilities, and/or developmental needs
- Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth through participation in department meetings, in-service programs and continuing education programs
- Maintains established department policies, procedures and objectives, concerning quality assurance, safety, environmental conditions and infection control
- Must be a graduate of an accredited School of Respiratory
- Must have an unencumbered license to practice in the State of Arkansas
- RRT preferred
- BLS and ACLS from American Heart Association is required
As a Respiratory Therapist at CHI St Vincent, you’ll join an established team of RTs who share your passion in caring for patients experiencing breathing issues. Our Respiratory Therapists are highly trained when it comes to delivering specialized cardiopulmonary care including breathing techniques, ventilator management, nebulizer treatment, oxygen therapies, external ventilation support and some pulmonary function assessments.
Your success in this role comes from a blend of your keen assessment skills and a sense of urgency. You have the ability to remain calm and focused in emergent situations. Your critical thinking skills enhance your care plans as you know what to do as well as the expected outcomes.
If you’re a passionate RRT ready to join an organization centered in humankindness, apply with CHI St Vincent today!
About Us:
CHI St Vincent Infirmary is a 600 bed faith-based, non-profit, acute care facility providing quality health care to patients and communities from all over the State of Arkansas. Our level II trauma center is a regional referral center for cardiology, trauma, behavioral health, cancer care, neurosciences, and other specialties. We have been consistently named by US News & World Report as one of the State’s best hospitals, with high performance in heart care, colorectal surgery, and joint replacement.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches
Frequently asked questions
Little Rock, AR, maintains a steady demand for Registered Respiratory Therapists due to its large healthcare infrastructure, including trauma centers and specialty hospitals. Compared to smaller towns in Arkansas, job openings here are more frequent, reflecting the area's role as a regional medical hub with diverse respiratory care needs.
In Arkansas, especially around Little Rock, possessing an unencumbered state license is mandatory, with Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification highly preferred. Additionally, BLS and ACLS certifications from the American Heart Association are essential, ensuring therapists meet critical care and emergency response standards.
Outside hospital walls, Registered Respiratory Therapists in Little Rock often manage home respiratory care, providing patient education and arranging follow-ups. This includes tailoring therapy plans to individual needs and supporting patients through equipment management and chronic condition monitoring in community or home health environments.
Catholic Health Initiatives fosters professional growth by encouraging participation in department meetings, in-service training, and continuing education programs. This culture of learning aids respiratory therapists in staying current with best practices and advancing skills within a faith-based, patient-centered organization.
Respiratory therapists at Catholic Health Initiatives often handle complex cases involving trauma and cardiopulmonary conditions due to the hospital's Level II trauma center designation. The environment demands quick critical thinking and composure under pressure, especially during emergent respiratory distress scenarios.
Registered Respiratory Therapists in Little Rock can expect salaries ranging from approximately $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This aligns with regional healthcare pay standards, balancing cost of living and specialized skill requirements in cardiopulmonary care.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, respiratory therapists engage in a faith-driven care model emphasizing humankindness alongside technical expertise. The role often involves collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, focusing on comprehensive cardiopulmonary treatments in a high-acuity setting, distinguishing it from some smaller or less specialized facilities.
Starting as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Catholic Health Initiatives opens doors to advanced roles such as respiratory therapy leadership, clinical specialist positions, or involvement in research and education. Continuous professional development is encouraged, enabling upward mobility within a supportive healthcare system.
Respiratory therapy programs accredited nationally offer comprehensive training in patient assessment, ventilator management, and emergency care, aligning with Arkansas licensure requirements. Graduates are equipped to pass state exams and certifications like RRT, ensuring readiness to handle complex respiratory cases in hospitals such as CHI St Vincent.
A common misconception is that respiratory therapy is solely equipment-focused; however, in acute care settings like Little Rock’s hospitals, therapists must integrate cognitive assessment, patient communication, and rapid clinical decision-making, making the role both highly technical and deeply patient-centered.