Respiratory Therapy Program, Jobs and Careers at Rady Children’s

Respiratory Therapy Residency Programs

We’re proud to offer a unique program that supports adult RTs’ switch to a career in pediatrics. Caring for kids is our sole focus here, and we want to ensure all new team members have the training and support needed to properly transition to serving our population of children.

Respiratory Therapy Residency

Rady Children's Health has a 14-week program which is hands-on, preceptor-guided training to prepare respiratory therapists to work throughout the hospital and deliver care to the most vulnerable patients.

We are running two fall residency programs along with a spring cohort for RTs; please check back regularly for updates and job postings.

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Respiratory Therapist – Adult to Pediatrics Program

If you are an experienced Respiratory Therapist with at least three years of adult ICU experience, we have a program designed to help you transition from an adult-based practice to pediatrics. The program is unique, with classes and clinical hands-on training which is specific to Rady Children’s. We are committed to help make the transition to pediatrics one you will enjoy, as caring for kids is not just a part of what we do. It is our focus.

Opportunity for this great program will be posted in our job postings.

Respiratory Therapy Residency FAQs

This is a full-time position that requires 72 hours per two-week pay period for the full program; however, there may be times where the residents will work up to 80 hours during the pay period. Number of days per week varies depending on the number of residency classes, as well as unit-based class days.

Respiratory residency begins with a week of class time, then bedside clinical training, with periodic classes for continued training and education.

The residency curriculum is developed so that it is applicable to all RT Residents; all residents attend the classes together. The learning curriculum is designed to enhance the general pediatric knowledge base of the residents and is specific to practice at Rady Children’s. The curriculum includes computer-based learning modules, lecture presentations, case studies, hands-on activities, small group discussions and team-building workshops. Residents also participate in mentoring and debriefing sessions during class day.

The Respiratory Therapy Department provides a unique educational experience that involves rotating between days and nights while on orientation. There is no holiday requirement while the residents are on orientation however will have some weekend shifts.

The residents are expected to attend all classes offered during the program. Any long weekend vacations must be scheduled around class days, as well as the schedules that are provided to them by the department. Flexibility of the RT Residents is very important. The leadership and management team will assist the residents as best as possible to meet occasional scheduling needs.

The RT Residents are eligible to request extended vacations once completion of the program and once they have accrued an adequate amount of paid leave time to cover their time off.

The residents will continue working full-time (72-hours per pay period) and will go to a straight night shift position. RT’s may be eligible for a straight day shift position dependent upon Respiratory Therapy Department need.