TABLE OF CONTENTS
Respiratory therapist resume
summary examples
The first section of your resume will be the resume summary, which sits at the top of your document and is the first thing recruiters read during their seven-second scan of your resume.
The resume summary consists of a brief, two-to-three-sentence paragraph, but you still need to be strategic about what achievements you want to highlight.
The key to making the most of this section is to avoid approaching it by simply listing the things that describe you. Instead, showcase the skills and qualifications the employer is specifically looking for.
Experienced respiratory therapists can directly mention the key competencies relevant to their desired role by opting for the resume summary.
However, if you don’t have as much experience, you can focus on your career aspirations and skills with an objective statement.
The following examples will help you determine the right strategy for you.
Good example:
“I am a respiratory therapist with 10+ years of experience providing compassionate care to patients of all ages. I have a proven track record of successful treatments, with a 95% success rate in patient satisfaction. Additionally, I possess strong skills in patient education, critical thinking, and team collaboration, along with proficiency in managing ventilators and administering pulmonary rehabilitation.”
Why this example passes:
- Features quantifiable metrics: 95% success rate in patient satisfaction.
- Shows career length, 10 years.
- Mentions employer-desired skills: patient education, critical thinking and team collaboration.
Bad example:
“Experienced respiratory therapist with a passion for helping others. Skilled in providing quality care and customer service. Dedicated to providing the best care possible.”
Why this example fails:
- Doesn’t include any numbers that quantify a respiratory therapist’s performance
- Uses vague descriptions and skills.
- Doesn’t include years of respiratory therapist experience.
The fastest way to write your
professional summary
For expert guidance in writing a compelling professional summary for a respiratory therapist resume, try LiveCareer’s Resume Builder. It’s an automated tool that can help you complete a resume in 15 minutes!
- 1
Enter the details about your job title. The builder comes preloaded with auto-suggested content written by certified professional resume writers (CPRW).
- 2
The builder features professionally written content and resume keywords that you can select!
- 3
All you have to do is choose the summary phrases that best frame your experience. It’s like having a professional do it for you!
You’ll find the best resume content suggestions in our Resume Builder and can get professional resume-writing help. Get ready for the job search by taking advantage of these resume-writing tools!
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Respiratory therapist resume work
experience examples
Most of your achievements will go into your resume’s work experience, so you must pay extra attention to this section. Sharing unique accomplishments demonstrating your ability to thrive in your desired role will be key to write a good resume. Check out the following examples to learn how to ace this resume section.
Good example:
Mercy General Hospital I Chicago, IL I 8/2018-current
- Provided direct care to critically ill patients in the ICU setting, treating over 1,000 patients annually.
- Assisted with ventilator management, intubations and airway management, contributing to a 30% reduction in mechanical ventilation complications.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop and implement treatment plans for patients.
Why this example passes:
- Features quantifiable metrics: treating over 1,000 patients annually and 30% reduction in mechanical ventilation.
- Good use of strong words and active language.
- References specialized value respiratory therapist provides: ventilator management and develop and implement treatment plans.
Bad example:
Riverside Medical Center I Chicago, IL I 4/2022-present
- Assisted patients with breathing treatments.
- Assisted in setting up and maintaining equipment.
- Worked with physicians to ensure patient safety.
- Monitored patient vital signs and oxygen levels.
Why this example fails:
- Lacks numbers or statistics.
- Describes general tasks, not respiratory therapist achievements or career highlights.
- Uses active verbs, but doesn’t focus on results.
Respiratory therapist resume skills examples
Here are 18 sample skills for respiratory therapist:
- Regulatory Compliance
- Medical Terminology
- Team Collaboration
- Medication Administration
- Care Planning
- Appointment Scheduling
- Infection Control
- Heavy Lifting
- Relationship Building
- Patient Care
- Treatment Administration
- Equipment Setup
- Treatment Plan Development
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Patient Education
- Operational Reporting
- Care Plan Management
- Patient Advocacy
Your respiratory therapist resume should include hard skills, soft skills and interpersonal skills. Include them in your professional summary, work experience blurbs and a dedicated skills section.
Examples of additional resume sections
Your respiratory therapist resume must include the five main sections: contact information, professional summary, work experience, skills and education. You can customize your resume with sections for other achievements, such as certifications or licenses.
Here are some examples of optional respiratory therapist resume sections that you could add to provide greater detail:
- Certifications and Licenses
- Clinical Skills
- Professional Memberships
- Awards and Achievements
- Volunteer Work
When including extra sections, ensure you have the information to help you land the desired job. However, any qualifications irrelevant to the job will be dead weight on your resume.
How to choose a resume format
0-3
Years of experience
Functional formats
- Focus on skills.
- Best for first-time respiratory therapist who lack work experience.
- Good for people re-entering workforce.
- May omit dates in the work history section.
Organization:
- Skills listed above work experience.
3-10
Years of experience
Combination formats
- Balance skills and work history.
- Ideal for mid-career respiratory therapist.
- Suitable for career changers and people seeking promotion.
Organization:
- Skills next to or above work experience.
10+
Years of experience
Chronological formats
- Put the most focus on work history.
- Best for respiratory therapist with a long, steady career.
- Most popular format.
- Preferred by recruiters.
Organization:
- Work experience listed above skills.
More respiratory therapist resume examples
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