Respiratory Therapist - New Grads Welcome!

Registered Respiratory Therapist - Central Illinois | Up to $20,000 Sign-On Bonus


A leading healthcare system in Central Illinois is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join a mission-driven team delivering life-saving care across a broad patient population. This is an exceptional opportunity to grow your clinical skills in a collaborative, technology-forward environment that values both career development and patient outcomes. New graduates are welcome; mentorship and structured onboarding are provided.

About the Role:


In this dynamic role, you'll provide high-quality respiratory care to patients of all ages, with an advanced focus on adult and critical care populations. You'll work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in intensive care units, general floors, emergency rooms, and surgical settings - helping stabilize, assess, and support patients in acute and emergent conditions. From administering medical gases and life-sustaining ventilatory support to collaborating on interdisciplinary rounds, this role is essential to the continuum of care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform all respiratory therapy duties within the scope of the Illinois Respiratory Therapy Practice Act
• Deliver evidence-based care to patients in medical-surgical, ICU, and ED settings per provider orders
• Respond to emergency codes (Blue Alerts) and serve as the primary airway manager
• Manage mechanical ventilation, including advanced modes (e.g., high frequency, inverse I:E ratio)
• Administer specialty medical gases such as Heliox, Nitric Oxide, and Nitrogen
• Assess therapy effectiveness and make evidence-based recommendations for treatment adjustments
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and document care per TJC and CMS standards
• Utilize EPIC and electronic documentation systems for all patient interactions

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy program
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certified by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Illinois (or application in process for recent grads)
• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association
• Basic proficiency in EMR documentation (EPIC preferred)
• Must have passed NBRC's TMC and CSE exams if credentialed after July 1, 2002

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Pay : $31 - $37, based on experience
• Sign-On Bonus : Up to $20,000 with work commitment
• Schedule : Full-time; includes rotating weekends and holidays. No on-call required.
• Supportive team environment - You'll always work alongside fellow healthcare professionals

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs., push/pull carts and equipment, and reposition patients as needed
• Requires frequent standing, bending, manual dexterity, and the ability to see and communicate clearly
• Must be able to work 4+ hours at a time in a clinical setting with regular movement

Why Apply?


This is more than just a job-it's a career move with purpose. Whether you're just starting your journey as a therapist or looking for your next challenge, you'll find growth, mentorship, and mission in this role. Be part of a team that believes in compassionate care, clinical excellence, and continuous learning.