Jobs for respiratory therapists are expected to grow by 23% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you want to explore new opportunities in this growing field, a strong cover letter can help.

With the cover letter resources below, you can:

  • Download templates with strong text examples, whether you are a new college grad or seasoned veteran in your field.
  • See an overview of the best cover letter structure, along with ideas for adding some extra flair.
  • Learn tips for crafting a great letter for respiratory therapist openings.

Respiratory Therapist Cover Letter Examples and Templates

  • Entry-level
  • Mid-career
  • Senior-level
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Respiratory Therapist Cover Letter Checklist

A great respiratory therapist cover letter has five main elements:

1. Heading. Be sure to include:

  • Your name, title, and contact info. (Note, copying in your resume header helps keep a uniform presentation across your two documents. Always double-check your phone number and email address for accuracy – it’s as important as anything else on your application.)
  • The date you wrote it.
  • The addressee’s details.

2. Salutation. Greet the hiring manager by name: “Dear Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]”. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use “Dear Hiring Manager,” instead. Never use “To whom it may concern.”

3. Introduction. Catch your reader’s attention with an achievement from your past, then express interest in the job at hand.

4. Body paragraphs. Include two paragraphs that describe your relevant skills, experience, and education. Consider adding a list of bullet points to break up the text and help the hiring manager more easily take in your top selling points.

5. Closing section. Think of your conclusion as a call to action (CTA). In no uncertain terms, ask the hiring manager to invite you in for an interview.

Introduction

Your introduction is where you express interest in the job opening, but more importantly it’s where you should grab the reader’s attention. To do that, pick one of the top achievements listed on your resume and restate it in a clear, confident tone. Choose a highlight that speaks to your relevant professional strengths. Avoid offering generic facts like your years of experience or level of education.

Good


Recently I was singled out as a top respiratory therapy student during my practicum at Roxborough Memorial Hospital. I believe it was my eagerness to learn, work hard, and collaborate on a team that earned me recognition. I hope to bring that same dedication to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist.

Bad


As a college graduate with a degree in respiratory therapy, I would like to express my interest in your new Respiratory Therapist job opening.

Body Paragraphs

Begin the body of your cover letter by expressing your interest in the organization and alignment with its mission. Get specific about why you want this position – quoting text from the job posting can be a great way to catch the reader’s eye and show them you are responding to their particular work opportunity.

Next, go through your relevant achievements or career highlights. Examples may include educational degrees or certifications, promotions, or any successful projects you spearheaded. For each highlight you list, include a positive outcome to show the types of success you could bring to this new position.

Good


I’m drawn to your hospital’s reputation for medical excellence, and to your stated focus on patient outcomes. My skill set (detailed on the enclosed resume) is a strong match with this opportunity. Below are four of my key qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy with honors from Temple University.
  • Experience providing nebulized medications and performing tracheostomy care of patients with respiratory or cardiopulmonary ailments.
  • Demonstrated success working with nurses and providers to monitor each patient’s acuity level and readiness for decannulation or other next phase of care.
  • Praised by preceptor and charge nurses for calmly addressing and prioritizing patient needs in a fast-paced setting.

Bad


As part of my degree program, recently I completed a practicum at a regional hospital. Some of my responsibilities during this time included:

  • Administering medications.
  • Helping patients with various ailments and health needs.
  • Working collaboratively with nurses and providers.

Closing

Close with a CTA that offers a next step for the hiring manager – in the context of a cover letter, that’s scheduling an interview. Avoid simply thanking the hiring manager for their time.

Good


I would appreciate the chance to discuss how I can help advance your healthcare objectives. Please feel free to contact me with an interview time that works best for your schedule. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Melissa Anderson

Bad


Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Melissa Anderson

Respiratory Therapist Text-Only Cover Letters

  • Entry-level
  • Mid-career
  • Senior-level

Raymond Ortiz
Respiratory Therapist | 123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Monday, April 18, 2022

Ms. Meiling Li
Hiring Manager
NY-Presbyterian Hospital
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]

Dear Ms. Li:

I write to express my interest in your Respiratory Therapist opening. Recently I was top-ranked on my hospital RT team for efficiency and documentation, and I hope to bring that same level of diligence to your facility.

With six years of combined experience in an acute care setting, I’m drawn to NY-Presbyterian Hospital’s reputation for medical excellence. My skill set (detailed on the enclosed resume) is a strong match for your advertised position. Below are a few of my career highlights and focus areas:

  • Extensive background providing nebulized medications and performing tracheostomy care of patients with acute respiratory or cardiopulmonary ailments.
  • Natural collaborator who works closely with doctors to monitor each patient’s acuity level and readiness for decannulation or other next phase of care.
  • Consistently praised by managers and charge nurses for calmly addressing and prioritizing patient needs in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
  • Dedicated and reliable educator; make a point to teach patients about effective inhaler use, and nurses about the various details of proper tracheostomy care.

I’d like to set up an interview to discuss how I can help advance your hospital’s objectives. Please feel free to contact me with a time that works best for your schedule.

I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,
Raymond Ortiz

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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