Respiratory Therapist

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.

Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

Job Description

General Summary

Join our team as a Respiratory Therapist and make a meaningful impact every day by providing expert, compassionate care to patients during some of their most critical moments. Under the guidance of the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, you will deliver life-support services, advanced respiratory treatments, diagnostic testing, and medical gas therapies across our Intensive Care Units (ICU) and General Practice Units.

This role is ideal for a skilled respiratory care professional who thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment, values teamwork, and is committed to improving patient outcomes. You will collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams while providing exceptional care to patients and support to their families.

As a trusted clinical resource, you will also have the opportunity to mentor and support Respiratory Therapy Assistants, orientees, externs, and students—helping to build the next generation of respiratory care professionals. Your expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence will play a vital role in maintaining high standards of care, accurate documentation, and patient safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive respiratory assessments and develop individualized care plans in partnership with patients and the healthcare team.
• Deliver hands-on patient care throughout each shift, ensuring safe, compassionate, and evidence-based respiratory support.
• Support and guide team members by delegating appropriate tasks, providing clear direction, and maintaining accountability.
• Participate in bedside rounds and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support coordinated patient care.
• Deliver advanced respiratory care interventions, including life-support therapies, monitoring, diagnostics, and specialized procedures.
• Provide flexible clinical coverage across inpatient areas based on department needs.
• Maintain current knowledge of respiratory care advancements through continuing education, professional development, in-services, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Ensure respiratory equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and calibrated to support safe and effective patient care.
• Document patient care, interventions, and outcomes accurately and within established timelines.
• Promote a culture of safety, respect, confidentiality, and compliance with HIPAA and organizational standards.

Why Join Our Team?

As a Respiratory Therapist, you will be a vital part of a collaborative healthcare team dedicated to delivering exceptional care. Your expertise will help patients breathe easier, recover stronger, and receive the support they need when it matters most.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapist program.
• Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy preferred, Associate of Science Degree, minimum
• Recent graduate of a Respiratory Therapy school or two years of recent Respiratory Therapist experience in a Tertiary Hospital. 

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:

• Registration with the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Current License - Respiratory Therapist in the State of Michigan
• Newly graduated therapists will be allowed 90 days from the date of graduation to complete their registration with the National Board of Respiratory Care and to obtain a State of Michigan Respiratory Therapist License. If not obtained, will be terminated.
• Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the HFHS’ Customer Service Policy
• Must practice the customer skills as provided through on-going training and in-services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work performed in a patient care setting and blood-analysis laboratories with potential exposure to communicable disease.
• Wash, clean and disinfect soiled medical equipment.
• Work with pressurized piped-in and bottled medical gases.
• Incorrect lifting, moving and use of equipment could result in personal, patient and/or equipment injury.
• Must be able to constantly move, lift patients, help push patients on hospital beds, and move heavy equipment across the Hospital.
• Limited noise, temperature fluctuation and dust are possible