Education and Clinical Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Care

The Education and Clinical Specialist for the Respiratory Care Department partners with the Respiratory Care Leadership Team to provide clinical practice support, staff development, and educational services for the department and its key stakeholders. This role serves as a clinical expert, educator, and resource for respiratory therapists, interdisciplinary healthcare teams, students, and patients.

The Education and Clinical Specialist is responsible for assessing educational needs, developing and delivering training programs, supporting competency validation, and promoting evidence-based respiratory care practices. The individual collaborates with department leadership to implement clinical initiatives, support quality improvement efforts, facilitate onboarding and orientation programs, and ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.

This position provides direct clinical support and consultation while assisting with the development, implementation, and evaluation of respiratory care policies, procedures, and best practices. The specialist serves as a liaison between clinical staff, providers, educators, and operational leaders to advance patient care outcomes, professional development, and departmental goals.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to educate and influence across disciplines. This role requires flexibility to meet departmental and organizational needs, including occasional evening, night, or weekend responsibilities related to education, clinical support, project implementation, or special departmental initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a clinical and educational resource for respiratory care staff and interdisciplinary teams.
• Support evidence-based practice initiatives and clinical practice standardization.
• Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, accreditation, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Mentor staff, students, and new employees through coaching, training, and professional development.
• Assist with implementation of new technology, equipment, workflows, and clinical programs.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence in patient care.
• Maintain clinical expertise and provide direct patient care support as needed.
   

This position combines clinical excellence, education, leadership, and quality improvement to advance the Respiratory Care Department's mission and support exceptional patient care.

Qualifications

Education

• Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• Associate of Science degree required.
• Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field required, or completion of degree within 2 years of hire.
• Masters degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience in respiratory care required.
• At least two years of critical care experience preferred.
• Previous teaching and leadership experience preferred.

Licensure and Certifications

• Must hold the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential prior to the first day of employment.
• Must be licensed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in the state of Arizona.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, or equivalent as determined by the hiring site, required.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required within three months of hire.
• COPD Educator course through the AARC is required or obtained within 90 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced computer proficiency.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with physicians, healthcare team members, patients, families, and the public.
• Ability to provide education and training in respiratory care practices and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and transfer patients and transport respiratory care equipment.
• Ability to perform the physical demands associated with direct patient care.

Work Environment

• Exposure to infectious diseases and communicable illnesses.
• Exposure to needle-stick and sharps hazards.
• Exposure to compressed gases and other respiratory care-related equipment and materials.