Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Arlington, TX
Respiratory therapists are essential staff in Arlington's hospitals, where ICUs, emergency departments, and NICUs depend on them daily. Texas Health Arlington Memorial operates a Level III NICU and Medical City Arlington runs a busy trauma and stroke center, both of which require respiratory therapists around the clock, and Kindred Hospital Tarrant County's long-term acute care focus makes ventilator management a core part of its RT work.
Current Respiratory Therapist Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Respiratory Therapists
These Arlington facilities hire respiratory therapists across acute and long-term care:
- Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital - ICU, ER, and Level III NICU respiratory care.
- Medical City Arlington - trauma, cardiac, and critical-care respiratory roles.
- Kindred Hospital Tarrant County - Arlington - long-term acute care and ventilator weaning.
- USMD Hospital at Arlington - perioperative and inpatient respiratory support.
- Arlington home respiratory and DME providers - in-home oxygen and equipment support.
- Arlington skilled nursing and rehab centers - pulmonary care for long-term patients.
Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Arlington
- Entry-level RT (new graduate): about 58,000 to 66,000 dollars per year.
- Experienced RT (3 to 7 years): about 68,000 to 82,000 dollars.
- Senior, ICU, or NICU-specialized RT: about 84,000 to 98,000 dollars or more.
These are estimates that vary by employer, unit, and shift. Critical-care and NICU specialization raises pay, and Arlington hospitals add night and weekend differentials plus benefits and tuition help.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Arlington
You complete an accredited respiratory care program, then earn national credentials and a state license. Tarrant County College offers an associate degree Respiratory Care program accredited by CoARC that prepares graduates for the National Board for Respiratory Care exams. After earning the RRT or CRT credential, you must hold a license from the Texas Medical Board to practice in Arlington.
What the Job Involves
Respiratory therapists assess breathing, manage ventilators, deliver oxygen and breathing treatments, and respond to codes and rapid-response calls. In Arlington's critical-care units that means high-stakes work on 12-hour shifts, often including nights and weekends.
Skills Employers Look For
- Ventilator management and airway skills
- Quick assessment during codes and emergencies
- Clear teamwork with physicians and nurses
- RRT or CRT credential and Texas license
- Calm judgment under pressure
Career Path and Advancement
Arlington RTs often begin on general floors, then specialize in ICU, NICU, or ECMO for higher pay, and can advance into lead therapist, clinical educator, or cardiopulmonary manager roles across the Texas Health and Medical City systems. Kindred's long-term acute care setting is a strong place to build advanced ventilator-management expertise.
Related Careers in Arlington
Respiratory therapists in Arlington often explore these related paths:
- Registered Nurse Jobs
- Patient Care Technician Jobs
- Radiologic Technologist Jobs
- EMT and Paramedic Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to work as a respiratory therapist in Texas?
Yes. You must earn an NBRC credential such as the RRT and hold a respiratory care practitioner license from the Texas Medical Board before practicing in Arlington.
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in Arlington?
About two years through a CoARC-accredited associate degree program like the one at Tarrant County College, followed by passing the NBRC exams and obtaining Texas licensure.
Which respiratory therapy setting pays the most in Arlington?
Critical-care roles in the ICU and NICU, and specialized areas like ECMO, generally pay the most. Long-term acute care at Kindred also values advanced ventilator experience.
Are night shifts common for respiratory therapists in Arlington?
Yes. Because Arlington hospitals provide respiratory care 24 hours, many RT roles include nights, weekends, and holidays, usually with extra shift-differential pay.
Is there demand for respiratory therapists outside hospitals in Arlington?
Yes. Home respiratory and durable medical equipment providers, skilled nursing facilities, and rehab centers across Arlington hire RTs, often with more regular daytime hours.
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