Respiratory Care Apprentice - Adult

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1,062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

About the role

The Respiratory Care Apprentice provides non-clinical operational support to the Respiratory Care Services department. Working under the direct supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist, the Respiratory Care Apprentice is responsible for equipment processing, supply management, transportation of respiratory equipment, and maintaining departmental readiness. This position is designed for first-year respiratory therapy students who have not yet completed clinical competencies and does not involve direct patient care.

Responsibilities

• Provides first-year respiratory care students with paid, structured exposure to Respiratory Care Services while they are not yet eligible to provide direct patient care.
• Supports departmental equipment, supply, educational, quality, and operational activities under the direction of Respiratory Care leadership and licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners.
• Rotate supplies according to expiration dates and departmental procedures.
• Restock and verify approved emergency airway, bronchoscopy, transport, procedure, and skills-training carts.
• Notify respiratory leadership of identified equipment, supply, or medical-gas concerns.
• Participate in approved nonclinical quality, safety, and process-improvement activities appropriate to the apprentice’s knowledge and assigned role.
• Assist with monitoring compliance with equipment-processing and clean-storage standards.
• Identify and promptly report safety risks, equipment concerns, supply deficiencies, or deviations from standard work.
• Develops foundational knowledge, professional behaviors, familiarity with hospital operations, and readiness for future clinical respiratory care responsibilities.
• Observe licensed respiratory therapists performing clinical and operational responsibilities when authorized and appropriately supervised.
• Learn the names, functions, components, and basic operating principles of commonly used respiratory equipment.
• Develop foundational knowledge of oxygen safety, infection prevention, equipment processing, alarm safety, emergency readiness, and respiratory terminology.
• Does not independently perform respiratory care, provide patient assessment or treatment, or replace licensed respiratory care staffing.
• Perform other nonclinical duties consistent with the purpose and scope of the position.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent plus prerequisite coursework (varies based on the apprenticeship program).