About this role
• Respiratory Therapist – New Grad
Clinical Care Expertise. Academic Medicine. That Changes Outcomes.
This is your opportunity to begin your respiratory therapy career in an environment where your clinical voice matters, and your work directly impact outcomes for some of the most complex patients in the region.
As a New Graduate Respiratory Therapist at UVA Health, you will step into a high-acuity academic medical center where respiratory care is deeply integrated into patient management, education, and innovation. From your first day, you are supported as a trusted clinical expert and developed as a long-term professional.
The Role
You will practice respiratory therapy at the top of your license, caring for critically ill adults, pediatric, and neonatal patients across a wide range of specialties. This role blends hands-on clinical care with collaboration, learning, and professional growth.
In an average day, you will:
• Provide advanced respiratory care for patients with complex cardiopulmonary disease
• Manage mechanical ventilation across medical, surgical, trauma, and specialty ICUs
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, fellows, and residents
• Respond to emergency and rapid response situations throughout the hospital
• Deliver airway and tracheostomy management in high-acuity environments
• Educate patients and families as part of holistic, team-based care
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice
The pace is dynamic, the learning curve is steep, and the impact is real. You are not just executing orders. You are actively engaged in care decisions and clinical problem-solving every day.
Why UVA Health
UVA Health offers Respiratory Therapists something many health systems do not: a true seat at the clinical table within an academic medical center known for complex care and innovation.
At UVA Health, you will find:
• A nationally recognized academic medical center where respiratory therapy is integral to patient outcomes
• Level 1 Trauma Center experience with exposure to high-acuity emergency and critical care
• Level IV NICU supporting the most fragile neonatal patients
• Pediatric cardiac surgery and advanced pediatric specialty care
• A culture of collaboration and mutual respect across disciplines
• Respiratory Therapists who help shape treatment plans, not just carry them out
Clinically, you will develop expertise in
• Advanced mechanical ventilation strategies
• Esophageal pressure monitoring
• Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT)
• Evidence-based protocols and quality-driven practice
• Airway and tracheostomy management across the lifespan
UVA Health is deeply invested in your future through
• Structured clinical ladder advancement
• Leadership development opportunities
• Specialty education and skills training
• Support for research, professional growth, and conferences
• The UVA difference is simple and powerful: At many hospitals, Respiratory Therapists carry out treatment plans. At UVA Health, Respiratory Therapists help create them.
Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
Why People Love Living in Charlottesville:
Charlottesville, Virginia offers a unique balance for healthcare professionals seeking both professional fulfillment and quality of life. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides easy access to hiking, outdoor recreation, and scenic beauty year-round. The community is known for its vibrant food scene, local wineries and breweries, arts and culture, and strong sense of connection. With a lower cost of living than many major metro areas and excellent schools, Charlottesville is a place where clinicians and their families can thrive both inside and outside the hospital.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Graduate of an accredited respiratory therapy educational program required. Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy preferred. Experience: None required License/Certification: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) within 90 days of hire. Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS certification required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Job requires standing for prolonged periods, frequently traveling and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 - 50lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.
The pay rate for this role is $33.00 hourly. This position is compensated at a fixed rate. Compensation is established in accordance with the position's approved pay structure.
Benefits
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and education support
• Generous Paid Time Off
UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.