Respiratory Therapist - PRN - University Hospital

Shift: Various shifts 
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Department: Respiratory Therapy
Facility: University Hospital & Children's Hospital – 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO
Compensation:

·        Base Pay Range: $41.81 PRN Flat Rate

·        Special Pay: Additional $6.00 per hour until 1/4/27

·        Shift Differentials:

o   Additional $2.00 per hour for evening shifts

o   Additional $4.00 per hour for night shifts

o   Additional $3.00 per hour for weekend shifts

o   Additional $5.00 per hour for weekend evening shifts

o   Additional $7.00 per hour for weekend night shifts

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Respiratory Therapy Department at University of Missouri Health Care provides comprehensive, patient‑centered respiratory services across a large and diverse academic health system. Our therapists work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary clinical teams to deliver high‑quality care to patients of all ages and acuity levels.

We support multiple specialty Intensive Care Units—including Medical, Cardiac, Neuroscience, Surgical, Neonatal, and Pediatric ICUs—within a designated Level I Trauma Center. With 188 intensive care beds and 572 acute care beds, therapists have the opportunity to care for high‑acuity, complex patient populations. In addition, our Level III Nursery provides specialized respiratory support for premature and medically fragile newborns.

Therapists work with a wide array of invasive and non‑invasive ventilator platforms, including Servo, Hamilton, Drager, Bella Vista, and the Nihon Kohden 330, ensuring experience with modern and advanced respiratory technologies. Our department also utilizes several Respiratory Therapist–driven protocols—Bronchodilator, Ventilator, ED Assess & Treat, and Airway Clearance—to support therapist autonomy and optimize patient outcomes.

We offer flexibility through standard 12‑hour shifts (0700–1900 / 1900–0700) as well as non‑traditional options such as 0700–1500 and 1500–2300, helping support work‑life balance while maintaining consistent clinical coverage.

Respiratory therapists are actively engaged in advanced respiratory care, including invasive and non‑invasive ventilation management, airway management, aerosol therapy, airway clearance techniques, emergency response, and neonatal/pediatric respiratory support. Therapists also have opportunities to grow into expanded roles—such as serving on the Children’s Transport Team as a Transport RT.

Professional development is supported through a structured RT Career Ladder, encouraging skill advancement, leadership development, and ongoing clinical education. Our department recently completed a renovation that includes updated workspaces, dedicated meeting rooms, and a large staff break room designed to support collaboration, comfort, and team cohesion.

At University of Missouri Health Care, our Respiratory Therapy Department offers a dynamic, supportive environment where therapists can develop a broad clinical skill set, engage in high‑acuity patient care, and advance their careers within a progressive and collaborative practice setting.

ABOUT THE JOB

MU Healthcare is looking for a passionate and skilled Respiratory Therapist, Registered to join our dynamic team. In this role, you'll play a crucial part in providing respiratory therapy procedures, not just as a routine, but also in emergency situations across general, progressive care units, and ICU. We're seeking an individual who embodies independence and is adept at administering services through approved protocols and guidelines. As a key member of our healthcare family, you'll be involved in Code Blue, Rapid Response Team, and Trauma Response Team activities, showcasing your ability to thrive under pressure. Beyond the responsibilities outlined, we value individuals who prioritize patient documentation through electronic medical records, follow stringent infection control and safety standards, and excel in educating and advising patients' families on respiratory therapy procedures. Your contribution will extend to providing education to students and collaborating with fellow healthcare providers. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and participate in Department Performance Improvement Projects, including advanced pulmonary function testing and bronchoscopy procedures, then we invite you to bring your expertise to MU Healthcare. Join us in delivering exceptional care and shaping the future of respiratory therapy.

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE

MU Health Care is proud to be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Employers seven years in a row, and that’s largely a result of the incredible culture and team we’ve built. At MU Health Care, we have an inspired, hard-working and collaborative environment driven by our mission to save and improve lives. Here, we believe anything is possible and rally around solutions. We celebrate innovation and offer opportunities to be a part of something bigger — to have a voice and role in the work that is serving our community and changing the field of medicine.

Our academic health system — the only in mid-Missouri — is home to seven hospitals, including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital, as well as over 90 specialty clinics. Here you can define your career among our many clinical and nonclinical positions — with growth, opportunity and support every step of the way.

Learn more about MU Health Care.

Learn more about living in mid-Missouri.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

·        Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one 

·        Generous paid leave and paid time off, including ten holidays 

·        Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years

·        Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%) 

·        Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

·        See a comprehensive list of benefits here. 

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION

• Work independently to administer services via approved protocols and guidelines. Provide Respiratory Therapy Activities including the following collection and analysis of blood gas samples, oxygen therapy and specialty medical gas administration, invasive and non-invasive ventilation, inhaled medication administration, airway clearance techniques and airway maintenance, and pulmonary diagnostic testing and clinical monitoring.
• Act as member of the Code Blue, Rapid Response Team, and Trauma Response Team.
• Provide patient documentation through the electronic medical record.
• Follow infection control and safety standards.
• Educate and advise patients' families on respiratory therapy procedures. Provide education to students and other health care providers.
• Participate in Department Performance Improvement Project.
• Pulmonary Function Lab (with additional training) Perform advanced pulmonary function testing procedures. Assist with basic and advanced bronchoscopy procedures.
• May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.
   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or (RCP-Temp) licensure by the Missouri Respiratory Care board. Educational Permit holders must be a graduate of a respiratory program.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within one (1) month as a condition of continued employment in this job classification.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) within one (1) year as a condition of continued employment in this job classification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·        Additional license/certification requirements as determined by hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and requires ambulating, reaching, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.