Respiratory Technician Intern

Job Description Summary

The Respiratory Student Technician (RST) supports the Respiratory Therapy Department while progressing through an accredited respiratory therapy program. Depending on competency level, responsibilities range from respiratory equipment and supply management to direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist. The Respiratory Student Technician works in a hospital-based environment across multiple clinical and support areas. All duties are performed in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, infection prevention standards, departmental guidelines, and under the direction of Respiratory Therapy leadership.
PRN position. Hours include weekend and holiday coverage, as required, based on department needs.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

PRN

Cost Center

CC000708 CHS - Therapy - Respiratory Pediatric (SJCH)

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

Health-17

Scheduled Weekly Hours

8

Work Shift

Job Description

Respiratory Student Technician I (RST I):

First year student in the respiratory therapy program, primarily responsible for maintaining respiratory equipment and supplies. ​Responsibilities include retrieving soiled respiratory equipment, cleaning and disinfecting non-disposable equipment, preparing equipment for reuse, restocking respiratory supplies, delivering equipment to assigned areas, maintaining organized equipment storage locations, completing equipment logs, and identifying equipment that requires repair or preventative maintenance. ​The Respiratory Student Technician I collaborates with Respiratory Therapists, unit staff, clinical coordinators, educators, and department leadership to help maintain equipment availability and support efficient department workflow. All duties are performed according to established hospital policies and procedures, infection prevention standards, safety requirements, and departmental workflows.​ 

Respiratory Student Technician II (RST II):

As a second-year respiratory therapy student, Respiratory Student Technician II (RST II) assumes expanded clinical responsibilities as competencies advance. In addition to maintaining and managing respiratory equipment, the RST II performs respiratory assessments, administers respiratory therapies, assists with treatment planning, documents patient care activities, and provides patient and family education under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist.

All clinical activities and documentation must comply with departmental standards, hospital policies, and applicable regulatory requirements. Patient care documentation completed by an RST II requires review and co-signature by a supervising Respiratory Therapist.

The RST II is expected to demonstrate professionalism, support the delivery of safe and effective patient care, participate in ongoing professional development, and collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote high-quality respiratory care services and positive patient outcomes.

Qualifications:

Education:

· Currently enrolled in a Respiratory Therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC) or a recognized successor organization.

· High school diploma or equivalent (GED)required.

Skills & Abilities:

· Ability to follow detailed instructions and adhere to policies and procedures

· Strong organization and time management skills

· Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment

· Effective verbal and written communication skills

· Ability to work collaboratively with respiratory team members

Licensure & Certification:

· None required for this role; entry level

· Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred

Safety & Compliance:

· Adheres to all hospital infection prevention policies and CDC guidelines

· Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during all cleaning and handling processes

· Ensure proper handling, transport, and storage of contaminated and/or clean equipment

· Reports safety concerns or equipment malfunctions immediately to Shift Lead or RT Manager

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements:

(C) Continuous – 6-8 hours per shift; 2) (F) Frequent – 2-6 hours per shift; 3) (I) Infrequent– 0-2 hours per shift Ability to perform job functions while standing. (C) Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (C) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (F) Ability to climb stairs. (I) Ability to work indoors. (C) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (I) Ability to work from elevated areas. (F) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (F) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (I) Ability to bend at the waist. (F) Ability to twist at the waist. (F) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (F) Ability to perform “pinching” operations. (F) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (C) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (C) Ability to fully use both legs. (C) Ability to reach in all directions. (C) Possess good finger dexterity. (C) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (C) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (C) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (I) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to thirty-six inches unassisted. (I) Ability to lift from thirty-six” to overhead 25 lbs. (I) Ability to exert up to 50lbs. of force. (F) Ability to maintain vision 20/40 corrected. (C) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (C) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (C) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (C) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (C) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (C) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (C) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (C) Ability to work rotating shifts. (F) Ability to work overtime as required. (F) Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required. (F) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (C) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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