Respiratory Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Lakewood, CO, 80228-1527
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 28.5-46.75 HOUR
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
When you join our team, you will help advance modern medicine by providing your skills, experience, and commitment to compassionate care. The impact you will make in our faith-based, mission-driven culture drives the opportunity to cultivate excellence and achieve professional fulfillment united in humankindness.
As a Respiratory Therapist (RT) you will:
- Perform respiratory procedures under physician direction in all patient areas.
- Be responsible for patient assessments, care plans, plan implementation and evaluation and revision of therapy plan as needed.
- Collaborate with other professional disciplines to ensure the most effective and efficient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes.
- Utilize knowledge of patient’s age and cultural diversity in the provision of patient care.
- Support the organization vision and mission and practices performance improvement techniques to assure the delivery of the most effective patient care.
In addition to bringing your whole self to the workplace each day, qualified candidates will need the following:
- 1 year of respiratory therapy experience, preferred
- Prior use of electronic medical records (EMR), preferred
- High School Diploma required
- Associates Degree preferred
- Completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Education Program, i.e. CoARC, JRCRTE, or CAAHEP required
- Must have current state Licensure (RLT) in applicable state of employment. Must have CRT by NBRC required
- BLS required from the American Heart Association
- Current ACLS certification from the American Heart Association required upon hire or obtain within 6 months of hire (for locations in Kansas, ACLS is required within 1 year of hire/transfer date).
- NRP certification and PALS certification upon hire or obtain within 6 months of hire for: St. Anthony North Health, St. Francis Medical Center, St. Mary Corwin, St. Thomas More, Mercy, Longmont.
Physical Requirements - Medium Work - (Exert up to 50lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 20lbs frequently, and/or up to 10lbs constantly)
Where You'll WorkAt CommonSpirit Mountain Region, we believe in the healing power of humanity and serving the common good through our dedicated work and shared mission to celebrate humankindness.
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Frequently asked questions
Lakewood's diverse population influences respiratory therapy practices, requiring therapists to adapt techniques to various cultural backgrounds and age groups. This local variation emphasizes personalized care approaches, making the role uniquely challenging compared to less diverse regions.
Beyond the mandatory CRT and state licensure, certifications like ACLS and NRP are highly valued in Colorado. These credentials demonstrate advanced life support skills preferred by employers like Catholic Health Initiatives, enhancing job prospects within the state's healthcare system.
Daily duties fluctuate from assessing patient conditions, executing respiratory treatments, to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This dynamic environment demands flexibility and continuous adjustment of care plans to meet patients' shifting respiratory needs.
Mastering patient assessment, proficiency with electronic medical records, and acquiring certifications like CRT, BLS, and ACLS are critical. Gaining hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings sharpens decision-making, essential for career progression in respiratory therapy.
Demand for respiratory therapists remains robust locally, but competition is heightened due to the mission-driven culture and comprehensive benefits Catholic Health Initiatives offers. Candidates combining solid credentials with cultural sensitivity stand out in the selection process.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes a faith-based, humankindness-driven approach, fostering a compassionate care environment. This ethos, coupled with ongoing performance improvement practices, distinguishes their respiratory therapist positions from typical clinical roles.
Respiratory Therapists in Lakewood typically earn between $60,000 and $75,000 annually, reflecting moderate local living costs. Salaries may adjust based on experience, certifications, and facility type, aligning well with healthcare compensation trends in the Colorado region.
Yes, their commitment to mission-driven care includes structured pathways for skill enhancement, certification support, and interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering Respiratory Therapists to grow within a supportive and values-focused workplace.
Expect medium physical exertion involving lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally. Maintaining strength and stamina is crucial, as therapists frequently assist patients and handle equipment, ensuring safe and effective respiratory care delivery.
While a high school diploma is the minimum, an associate degree often leads to better job prospects and deeper clinical knowledge. It also facilitates meeting accreditation requirements, making candidates more competitive in the respiratory therapy job market.