Respiratory Therapy Apprentice

JOB RELATIONSHIPS Responsible to the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services for daily operational workflows, equipment management, and patient care delivery. Also maintains a reporting relationship with the Student Programs Coordinator for apprenticeship coordination, academic progress tracking, and program compliance, working in close collaboration with Carteret Community College (CCC).

DEFINITION OF POSITION The Respiratory Therapy Apprentice position is a dynamic, multi-stage healthcare career pathway operated in formal partnership with Carteret Community College (CCC). Designed to combine paid, hands-on clinical experience with academic instruction, this apprenticeship guides students through a structured progression as they build skills and advance in responsibility across three distinct roles: Equipment Technician: Provides essential technical support for the Cardiopulmonary Department.

Responsibilities include

cleaning, assembling, testing, and maintaining respiratory equipment, managing supply inventory, delivering equipment to clinical units, and assisting respiratory therapists with setup and troubleshooting. Scope is strictly limited to non-clinical and supportive duties such as equipment transport, stocking, simulation activities, and direct clinical observation, with performance of direct patient care or assessment strictly prohibited.

Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA): Obtains RCA licensure through the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board (NCRCB). Supports licensed respiratory care practitioners by performing basic patient care duties and non-invasive cardiopulmonary procedures. Tasks include oxygen systems, equipment processing, manual resuscitation, oxygen/aerosol/humidity therapy, nebulizers, MDIs, incentive spirometry, airway clearance, chest physiotherapy with suctioning, arterial puncture, ECGs, and patient reporting.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): Attains full scope of clinical practice following graduation from Carteret Community College#s CoARC-accredited program, attainment of the NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, and active NC RCP licensure. Directs patient care under provider oversight, including advanced cardiopulmonary evaluations, mechanical ventilation management, diagnostic procedures, and urgent airway interventions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be actively accepted into or currently enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program at Carteret Community College (CCC) and remain in good academic standing throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. Basic Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. Essential Skills: Basic knowledge of medical and cardiopulmonary terminology, ability to maintain strictly confidential medical information and adhere to HIPAA guidelines, strong communication skills and basic computer literacy, commitment to patient-centered care, and the organizational ability to balance clinical shifts with CCC academic coursework.

Current BLS Healthcare Provider Certification. Working Conditions Generally comfortable surroundings. Extensive walking and standing. Variable work hours expected (4-12 shifts). Exposure to infectious diseases. Exposure to radiation Moderate noise. Exposure to air borne particles. Exposure to caustic chemicals Risk of electrical shock.