Explore how your federal experience as a Respiratory Therapist (GS-0651) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist, Junior Clinical Respiratory Specialist, Respiratory Care Assistant | Assists in providing basic respiratory care and treatments, supports senior therapists in patient assessment, prepares equipment for usage, and maintains patient records. | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Respiratory Specialist, Respiratory Care Practitioner | Conducts assessments to evaluate patient conditions, develops care plans, administers respiratory therapies, and monitors patient progress. | $55,000 - $75,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Respiratory Therapist, Lead Respiratory Care Specialist, Clinical Supervisor of Respiratory Therapy | Oversees respiratory care procedures, trains junior staff, collaborates with medical teams to implement patient care strategies, and manages complex respiratory cases. | $75,000 - $95,000 |
| 10-11 | Clinical Manager of Respiratory Therapy, Director of Respiratory Services, Respiratory Care Program Manager | Manages the respiratory therapy department, develops policies and procedures, ensures compliance with medical regulations, and coordinates staff training and development. | $95,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Healthcare Operations Director, Senior Director of Respiratory Services, Director of Clinical Affairs | Establishes strategic goals for respiratory therapy programs, manages budgets and resources, oversees quality assurance initiatives, and fosters partnerships with healthcare providers. | $120,000 - $150,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Clinical Services, Chief Clinical Operations Officer, Executive Director of Healthcare Programs | Leads organization-wide initiatives for respiratory care, directs policy formulation at the executive level, evaluates system-wide clinical outcomes, and drives innovation in treatment protocols. | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Chief Respiratory Therapy Officer, Senior Executive VP of Health Services, Healthcare Executive Director | Shapes the vision for respiratory therapy across the organization, influences healthcare policies on a national level, represents the organization in external forums, and coordinates with C-suite executives to enhance organizational performance. | $200,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
The RRT credential is widely recognized in the healthcare community and is often a requirement for respiratory therapy jobs in civilian settings. Holding this certification demonstrates a higher level of competency and knowledge in respiratory care, making candidates more competitive for advanced positions.
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
The CRT is often the entry-level certification required for respiratory therapists and demonstrates fundamental respiratory care skills. It can be essential for those transitioning into civilian roles to show a baseline of knowledge and ability in the field.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
BLS certification is important for all healthcare professionals and is often required for employment in hospitals and clinics. This certification ensures that therapists are equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies, enhancing their employability in emergency and critical care settings.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
ACLS certification signifies an advanced understanding of cardiac emergencies and is particularly beneficial for respiratory therapists working in intensive care and emergency settings. Holding this credential can increase job opportunities as employers often prefer candidates who can manage complex medical situations.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification
The NRP certification is a specialized credential for therapists working with newborns, focusing on resuscitation techniques for infants. This certification is highly regarded in pediatric and neonatal units and can greatly enhance employability in these specialized areas of healthcare.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certification
This certification validates expertise in designing and implementing pulmonary rehabilitation programs, demonstrating a commitment to enhance the quality of life for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. It can differentiate candidates for roles in outpatient settings focused on chronic care management.
Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS)
The CTTS credential reflects an ability to assist patients in cessation of tobacco use, an increasingly important aspect of respiratory therapy. This certification can be particularly advantageous for positions in public health and smoking cessation programs, where respiratory therapists play a key role.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal position as a GS-0651 Respiratory Therapist to a private sector job can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Here’s a comprehensive guide that outlines essential mindset shifts, resume improvements, interview techniques, and networking strategies tailored specifically for you.
Self-Awareness: Recognize the unique skills and experiences you've gained. Federal roles often require a high level of responsibility, patient care, and technical knowledge which are invaluable in the private sector.
Open-mindedness: Embrace the differences in work culture. The private sector may emphasize faster results, team collaboration, and adaptability to change. Being receptive to these changes will ease your transition.
Value Proposition: Understand the value you can bring to a private employer. You have experience with diverse patient populations, crisis management, and using evidence-based practices. Highlight these competencies as they often exceed what private healthcare organizations might expect.
Adaptability: The private sector often operates in a different pace and with less bureaucracy. Being able to adapt your thought processes and approaches to problem-solving will be key to your success.
Translate Government Language: Federal job titles and descriptions may not be familiar to private employers. Use clear, industry-standard terminology that aligns with private sector job descriptions. For example, change “patient assessment” to “patient evaluation.”
Quantify Achievements: Numbers resonate well in any field. Instead of stating, "Managed respiratory therapy for patients," use, "Provided respiratory therapy to over 100 patients monthly, contributing to a 30% improvement in patient recovery times."
Highlight Relevant Skills: Your resume should spotlight skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and crisis management. These are universally valuable, so be explicit about how your role involved each of them.
Use a Functional Format If Needed: If a chronological format doesn’t effectively highlight your skills, consider a functional format that emphasizes competencies and achievements over job titles.
Tailor Each Application: Customize your resume for each position. Use keywords from the job description to help your application pass through any automated applicant tracking systems.
Research the Company: Before an interview, understand the company's culture, mission, and values. Be prepared to discuss how your federal experience aligns with their goals.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Many employers use behavioral interview techniques. Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) that showcase your ability to manage challenges and collaborate effectively.
Dress Professionally: The private sector may have different expectations regarding attire. Ensure you fit in with the company’s culture while maintaining professionalism.
Practice Soft Skills: Communicate your soft skills effectively. Be ready to demonstrate adaptability, leadership, and teamwork through specific scenarios from your past roles.
Ask Insightful Questions: Engage your interviewers by asking thoughtful questions. This shows your interest and helps you assess if the company is a good fit for you.
Leverage LinkedIn: Create a robust LinkedIn profile that reflects your skills and experiences. Connect with former colleagues, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to enhance your visibility.
Attend Industry Events: Engage with associations or boards related to respiratory therapy or healthcare. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet professionals in the field.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals in roles you aspire to in the private sector. Learn about their experiences and seek advice on transitioning from federal service.
Tap Into Alumni Networks: If you have a college or professional community, leverage it. Alumni can often provide insider knowledge and connections that could lead to job opportunities.
Focus on Outcomes: Communicate the impact of your work in quantifiable terms. Discuss how your efforts have led to improvements in care, efficiency, or team performance.
Relate Responsibilities: Take time to analyze job postings in the private sector and adapt your descriptions to fit—align your responsibilities with the requirements outlined in these postings.
Prioritize Skills Over Titles: Avoid focusing on your GS level or federal titles. Instead, emphasize the skills you possess and how those can solve problems in the private sector.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Indicate your commitment to ongoing education and ability to stay current with industry trends—this is particularly valued in the ever-evolving healthcare field.
Build a Personal Brand: Understand your unique selling proposition. Create a personal brand statement that encapsulates who you are as a professional and what you bring to the table.
Transitioning from federal service may feel daunting, but your skills are widely recognized in the private sector. With the right mindset and preparation, you can confidently approach the job market and find a fulfilling career that utilizes your expertise as a respiratory therapist. Embrace this change, utilize the resources available to you, and remember that every step you take is a valuable contribution to your professional journey.