NICU/Pediatrics Registered Respiratory Therapist - University Hospital

University of Missouri Health Care•Columbia, MO

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapy Department at University of Missouri Health Care provides specialized, patient‑centered respiratory services across a large academic health system, with a strong focus on neonatal and pediatric critical care. Our therapists work side‑by‑side with neonatologists, pediatric intensivists, nurses, and multidisciplinary clinical teams to deliver high‑quality respiratory care to our most vulnerable patients. Our NICU and Pediatric Respiratory Therapists support care delivery across a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and multiple Pediatric Intensive Care settings, within a designated Level I Trauma Center. Therapists play a vital role in caring for premature, medically fragile newborns and critically ill pediatric patients, while also gaining exposure to high‑acuity cases within a diverse academic environment that serves approximately 600 patients daily across all populations. Therapists gain hands‑on experience with a wide range of neonatal and pediatric ventilator platforms, including Servo‑i, Servo U & N, Hamilton, Dräger, Bunnell, Bella Vista, and Nihon Kohden systems, as well as advanced non‑invasive ventilation using Philips V60, Bella Vista, Breas, and Nihon Kohden devices. The department also provides experience with inhaled nitric oxide therapy using the NoxBox system, supporting advanced neonatal and pediatric respiratory management. Our NICU and Pediatric RTs are actively involved in advanced respiratory care, including invasive and non‑invasive ventilation management, airway management, aerosol therapy, airway clearance techniques, and emergency response. Therapists assist with endotracheal intubation and bedside bronchoscopy, provide specialized neonatal respiratory support, and participate in critical care interventions throughout pediatric and neonatal units. The Respiratory Therapy Department fosters a supportive, team‑oriented environment that values collaboration, clinical expertise, and therapist autonomy. RTs work closely with physicians and nursing teams in fast‑paced, high‑acuity settings, developing advanced skills while maintaining strong interdisciplinary relationships. We offer standard 12‑hour shifts (0700–1900 / 1900–0700), supporting continuity of care within the NICU and pediatric units while promoting work‑life balance. Qualifications include graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program, current CRT or RRT licensure in Missouri, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification required, with Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification preferred. Strong communication skills and a passion for neonatal and pediatric care are essential. What makes this role special is the opportunity to build deep expertise in neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, gain hands‑on experience with advanced ventilation strategies, and work within a progressive academic medical center that supports career advancement, continuing education, and professional growth. 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.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
Current CRT or RRT licensure in Missouri.
BLS certification.
ACLS certification.
PALS certification.
Strong communication skills.
Passion for neonatal and pediatric care.
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.

Nice To Haves

Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
Additional license/certification requirements as determined by hiring department.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized, patient‑centered respiratory services.
Work side‑by‑side with neonatologists, pediatric intensivists, nurses, and multidisciplinary clinical teams to deliver high‑quality respiratory care to our most vulnerable patients.
Support care delivery across a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and multiple Pediatric Intensive Care settings, within a designated Level I Trauma Center.
Play a vital role in caring for premature, medically fragile newborns and critically ill pediatric patients.
Gain exposure to high‑acuity cases within a diverse academic environment.
Gain hands‑on experience with a wide range of neonatal and pediatric ventilator platforms.
Provide advanced non‑invasive ventilation.
Provide inhaled nitric oxide therapy.
Actively involved in advanced respiratory care, including invasive and non‑invasive ventilation management, airway management, aerosol therapy, airway clearance techniques, and emergency response.
Assist with endotracheal intubation and bedside bronchoscopy.
Provide specialized neonatal respiratory support.
Participate in critical care interventions throughout pediatric and neonatal units.
Work closely with physicians and nursing teams in fast-paced, high-acuity settings.
Administer services via approved protocols and guidelines.
Provide Respiratory Therapy Activities including the 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.
Perform advanced pulmonary function testing procedures (with additional training).
Assist with basic and advanced bronchoscopy procedures (with additional training).
Complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Benefits

Base Pay Range: $30.96 - $46.92 per hour, based on experience
Special Pay: Additional $8.00 per hour until 6/28/26
Shift Differentials: Additional $2.00 per hour for evening shifts
Shift Differentials: Additional $4.00 per hour for night shifts
Shift Differentials: Additional $3.00 per hour for weekend shifts
Shift Differentials: Additional $5.00 per hour for weekend evening shifts
Shift Differentials: Additional $7.00 per hour for weekend night shifts
Sign-On Bonus: $10,000
Retention Rewards: Up to $15,000
Relocation Support: Additional $5,000 if moving from over 50 miles away
Student Loan Repayment: $2,000 per year toward student loans, up to 5 years, totaling $10,000
Enhanced Retention: $5,000 after 6 months, $3,000 after 12 months, and finally $2,000 after 24 months.
Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine 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