Respiratory Care Assistant (cohort)

Join the Respiratory Team at BJC Healthcare's Barnes Jewish Hospital as a Respiratory Care Assistant in the Cohort Program – a paid, “Earn as You Learn” opportunity for respiratory students.

Program Overview

This is a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your healthcare career with our Earn as You Learn program. As a student, you will be paid while you learn.

What You Will Learn

• Develop a deep understanding of various respiratory care equipment.
• Learn directly from ICU respiratory therapy preceptors through shadowing experiences.
• Strengthen time management and critical thinking.
• Participate in student‑focused classes on clinical skills and professionalism.

Cohort Program Details

• Start date: 10/26/2026
• Application deadline: 10/02/2026
• Compensation: $20/hr for less than 1 year of experience; $21/hr for greater than 1 year of experience
• Must be currently enrolled in a Respiratory School Program
• PRN – 3 shifts per 6‑week period required
• Schedule will work around school curriculum

Hands‑on Experience Overview

Barnes‑Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center is the largest hospital in Missouri and is ranked among the nation’s top hospitals. The staff includes full‑time academic faculty, community physicians, residents, interns, fellows, and other medical professionals. The hospital was the first adult facility in Missouri certified as a Magnet Hospital and offers unique opportunities for respiratory therapists, including exposure to specialties such as lung transplantation.

Preferred Qualifications

Under the supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist, you will provide basic routine patient‑care activities in general care areas related to respiratory care, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. You will ensure care is safe, effective, developmentally and age‑appropriate, and comply with quality, regulatory, and improvement initiatives. Responsibilities also include cleaning, processing, and general maintenance of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic routine diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory procedures in general care areas according to established standards, procedures, guidelines, and policies.
• Recognize and seek assistance with abnormal findings or changes in patient status.
• Communicate effectively by participating in information exchange, documentation, handoffs, and collaborative teamwork.
• Maintain self‑accountability, seek continuous learning and feedback, and apply effective time‑management skills.
• Process equipment according to manufacturer and industry standards.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Experience: No experience required
• Licenses & Certifications: Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS) preferred

Preferred Requirements

• Respiratory Education Permit – Missouri only

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and legal services (available first day of the month after hire date)
• Disability insurance (paid by BJC)
• Annual 4% BJC automatic retirement contribution
• 401(k) plan with BJC match
• Tuition assistance available on first day
• BJC Institute for Learning and Development
• Health care and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off that combines vacation, sick days, holidays, and personal time
• Adoption assistance