Travel Therapist ???

I have to decide this weekend what classes I'm going to take because registration is this Monday. Now there is a big decision I have to make regarding what route I'm going to take. The situation is that I only have 3 classes to complete to possibly be accepted into the respiratory therapy program. If I do it this way, the program starts in August 2009, at which time, not only will I be taking the respiratory therapy program, but I will be taking all my general ed classes at the same time. The only way I can go this route is if I take algebra and 2 chemistry classes before fall session begins. And, unfortunately, the spring II session (which is the one that starts next week) and the summer sessions are only 8 weeks long as opposed to a normal 16 week session. I've never taken chemistry, not even in high school, but I have a feeling it is not an easy subject, and I must pass with at least a C to be accepted into the program. So, if I go this route, the schedule will be, starting next week: Alegebra 8:00-10:00, Mon-Fri., then Chemistry 12:00-2:00, Mon-Fri. Then the summer session will be another chemistry class, but again for only 8 weeks. Is it reasonable for me to take an algebra and a chemistry class at the same time over an 8 week period?
Option 2: Take from March 2009-July 2010 to finish all my prereq's and general education courses like a normal person, averaging about 2 classes per semester until the program starts in August 2010. However, with this route, I will be finishing the program in 3 years instead of 2. I've never taken chemistry, even in high school. Has anyone had this experience or able to guide me in the right direction by Monday morning?

Many colleges and universities require that Algebra be taken and passed before taking chemistry. Check your course catalog to make sure Algebra isn't a prereq for your chemistry. Hopefully that won't be the case for you, because you probably wont be able to take both chemistry classes at the same time. Also, your chemistry class should have a lab and you aren't listing lab time with your class hours. Hopefully you will be able to do all the necessary calculations/formulas in chemistry without having yet had algebra. I took physics in a short session, but I had lots of chemistry and physics in high school. I had some scheduling glitches like that too. Don't let it get you down if your schedule creates a little havoc and delays you-- it happens to the best of us.

Good Luck!

Sherry in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I have to decide this weekend what classes I'm going to take because registration is this Monday. Now there is a big decision I have to make regarding what route I'm going to take. The situation is that I only have 3 classes to complete to possibly be

Dear Sherry,
It looks like your in quite the dilemma. I actually need a little more information to give you the best possible answer, however, I will just improvise. First off, I don't know your age. If your older like high 20's and over (NOTE: I'm not calling you old if your in this age group) then time is of the essence and I recommend option 1. On the other hand, if your say below 27 , then there is no rush and go with option 2 and just take the load your most comfortable with and utilize free tutors at the math and science labs offered through your College. Susan is correct in saying most colleges require College Algebra before Chem 1, but there are a lot of Colleges that will allow you to take Chem 1 granted you take College Algebra at the same semester. Also, you didn't state if you are planning on working and going to school at the same time? It would be very difficult to work more than 15-20 hrs a week while taking Chem 1 and College Algebra at same time and expect to earn a good grade. Also, as we all know from experience, some College prof.s are easier than others. My advice, if your desperate go to ratemyprofessor.com and look up your school and review the best rated College Algebra prof and Chem 1 Prof and enroll immediately- as the best classes fill up fast. Also, try and maintain a very good GPA - especially in Science and Math courses- as that will help you to get into the RRT program. Remeber: your grades are a reflection of who you are, strive for A's at all cost and never be in the mind set of just aiming for a C. Trust me, it feels unbelievable to see your final grades at the end of semester and see A's. Best of luck to you Sherry...

Thanks Jason for your response. You wanted a little more info. I am in my mid 30's, and right now living with relatives. I have a home in another state, but circumstances have landed me back here in the meantime. I haven't been able to find a job in over a year since I've been back here, so I feel now is a great time to get my degree since my expenses are lower by living with relatives, and to prepare me for a job in a stable field with good financial opportunity. The college I will be attending does allow students to take Math 70 and Chemistry 81 at the same time, which is what I have to take. (Chemistry 135 was not offered this coming session.) As a matter of fact, during the 16 week semesters, the professors of those classes actually team up to teach those classes together. I was just wondering if anyone felt it would be too much to try to do it in only an 8 week semester. If I do work, it would only be part-time like waiting tables, or something like that, until the actual program starts in the fall. At that time, I understand I cannot work during the program. Unfortunately, I just found out last night that I have been denied pell grants, even though I didn't even make $30,000 when I filed my taxes for 2007, which is what they used to determine my eligbility. They said my estimated family contribution was too high, even though because of my age, I was asked ABSOUTELY NO QUESTIONS about my family. If am completely responisible for the costs of my education. I will plow forward, because I have faith that whatever battles I'm fighting will be worth it in the end, when I have my degree in hand.

Sherry,
I'm assuming your going to a Community College for this program? If so, the relative expenses should be reasonable and getting student loans and being able to pay off those student loans should be fairly easy once you graduate and get your RRT credential. You didn't mention if you have any kids or not? If you don't have kids (and in most cases, even if you do) you can become a traveling therapist once you have a little experience in the field and can make very good money too. It's not unheard of for a traveling RT (with experience in nicu and picu, ect..) to make 90,000 to even 100,000 a year. This would of course involve some overtime, but is manageable. Most student loans for a Community College don't exceed 10,000 to 15,000 dollars,thus paying off the loan while making between 70,000-100,000 a year (being a traveling RRT) wouldn't pose any difficulties for you. If you don't want to travel then getting a job at a local hospital can range between 18.00 to 23.00 an hour for new graduates. If your able to live at your relatives after you graduate, that will allow you to payoff those student loans fairly easily too. Though I don't know much about your financial situation, I strongly encourage you to pay off the student loans as quickly as possible after you graduate, it will save you money in the long run. I would suggest taking the courses over the summer. I took my College Algebra course over the summer too and got an A, so it is possible. Just work the least amount of hours that your financially able to so you can focus more on your studies. Is the School you are attending small? One professor teaching science and math? I won't lie to you Sherry, this won't be easy,but if you remain committed and driven, I feel this is very do-able. Heck, I went to class one semester during my lunch break at work cause It was the only way I could that semester. Stay motivated and disciplined and you will achieve all your goals-I promise. Best of luck to you..

This is for Sherry, and not clear why Jason is telling you, that you can travel, or maybe not. No travel recruiter would or any hospital consider you, after just graduating school.And with market, being the way it is, even seasoned therapist are having a hard time.Mdrecruiter can attest to that.Your best bet is to find local work, get your feet wet. Also with no ICU,CVICU experience, or NICU/PICU,travel will be hard.

Sorry Sherry, I agree with Mark. Things are tough right now for traveling therapists. All the companies are fighting for what few contracts that are out there. I would find a good hospital with a sign on bonus and get some experience behind you especially in NICU/PICU, then look again at the market. I would recommend having 3 months worth of income saved up to pay bills to cover the amount of time you are off from assignments. I have been traveling for 4 years now and may take a permanent position if things remain slow. Good luck to you.

I'm ok with staying put as long as I have a position in a place where I enjoy working. I think I saw elsewhere on this forum that someone was able to work as a respiratory technician while they were in school, after they had completed the 1st year of the respiratory program. Is that something that really happens?

Mark RCP in Texas said: This is for Sherry, and not clear why Jason is telling you, that you can travel, or maybe not. No travel recruiter would or any hospital consider you, after just graduating school.And with market, being the way it is, even seasoned therapist are having a hard time.Mdrecruiter can attest to that.Your best bet is to find local work, get your feet wet. Also with no ICU,CVICU experience, or NICU/PICU,travel will be hard.

Mark,
Thanks for the input, but I wasn't referring her to working right now. Its' not possible because she hasn't even gotten into the program yet!?...I guess I should had been a little more specific, but assumed most people would realize it on their own. In addition, yes the market for Travel Therapy is basically almost non-existent as a result of Hospitals freezing all or most agency work due to the hard economic times we are all facing. The time frame I was thinking of is 2 or 3 years from now- if Sherry gets into the program and passes, gets her RRT credential and gets a little experience under her belt. According to most economists, the economy should (hopefully) begin to turnaround within a year or so. Though no one can really be sure of it, I'd like to believe that Hospitals will begin to do better around that time and as a result begin to hire Agency work again. I was just trying to give a little hope to Sherry and motivation. Also, reassure her that being able to pay off her student loans for the program shouldn't stress her out or prevent her from pursuing her dreams...Also referring to your statement of not being able to travel as a new therapist. There are several companies that will hire new graduates they just prefer ones with experience. PPR Healthcare is one such that will hire new Therapists.TTYL

Sherry in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I'm ok with staying put as long as I have a position in a place where I enjoy working. I think I saw elsewhere on this forum that someone was able to work as a respiratory technician while they were in school, after they had completed the 1st year of the respiratory program. Is that something that really happens?

Hello Sherry,
Yes you can work as a RT student while in the program. After your 1st year in the program you can apply for your provisional license and practice under someone else's license, typically the manager of Respiratory Care at the Hospital you'll be working at. Pay can range from 13.00 - 16.00 an hour depending on which Hospital you work at. Your right about being called a Respiratory Technician. You won't be considered a Therapist, but a Technician 1, I believe. It's seems you've been doing your homework, very good. Hope this helps...Good luck.

LaDonna S in Sturgis, South Dakota said: Sorry Sherry, I agree with Mark. Things are tough right now for traveling therapists. All the companies are fighting for what few contracts that are out there. I would find a good hospital with a sign on bonus and get some experience behind you especially in NICU/PICU, then look again at the market. I would recommend having 3 months worth of income saved up to pay bills to cover the amount of time you are off from assignments. I have been traveling for 4 years now and may take a permanent position if things remain slow. Good luck to you.

Ladonna,
Thanks for the good info. Please read my corresponding message referring to the current discussion. I called American Traveler and they had 1 JOB- just 1 for RT's!? Things have sure changed over past months. They said just 6-months ago they averaged 80-100 jobs on a reg. basis. She did say hopefully within a year or so things will begin to get better though. I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties finding Travel work. I hope things get better out there and remain optimistic that this economy will turnaround. After all, were Americans and we've overcame adversity before- and will do it again. Best of luck to you Ladonna, I hope things get better for you and Mark. Talk to you later...:)

I work for a national per diem and travel health staffing firm. Things are tight in every capacity of healthcare staffing right now. no matter who tells you they have work and contracts, they are lying. There is not ONE agency out there with a boatload of available contracts. if you need to work and pay your bills, get yourself an on staff perm job somewhere 0r even contract yourself out--until the economy and the market swings back again, which it will eventually.

MDRecruiter said: I work for a national per diem and travel health staffing firm. Things are tight in every capacity of healthcare staffing right now. no matter who tells you they have work and contracts, they are lying. There is not ONE agency out there with a boatload of available contracts. if you need to work and pay your bills, get yourself an on staff perm job somewhere 0r even contract yourself out--until the economy and the market swings back again, which it will eventually.

MDrecruiter,
Thanks for the advice and info. I was in shock when the AT recruiter told me that Nurses are not really getting much Agency work too. I had to ask her to repeat that statement cause if nurses can't find much work (even with the severe shortage of Nurses) then you things truly are bad out there. Hopefully things will get better sooner rather then later...ttyl.

I hear you on the non-existance of travel contracts.. Yes, I am the one who said I couldn't ever imagine going back to a perm job, but now I find that I have had to do this. The agency that I had worked for continuously (Aureus) for the past several years, told me back in early February that they had 35 RT contracts ending that month and no prospective jobs for any of us. This wasn't even considering contracts which ended in Dec. & Jan. that they were unable to place. I was told by two other agencies that they could definitely get me a contract LOL! The very few contracts they got, they were submitting up to 50 resumes for each of those! Eventually, I was offered another contract, but had accepted a full time position a few days prior.. and I feel really lucky to have landed that. A friend of mine had ended her contract in Seattle in December and didn't get another contract until just a couple weeks ago. We are both seasoned RT's with many years of critical care experience and great references. I got a sign-on bonus, but it was half of what the same company was offering just 1 year ago. Yes, this will all pass eventually, and many travelers are bailing out as fast as we can, so for those who can stick it out, you might have a better chance at finding another contract, but as with anything- there are no guarantees. Whats so bad is there is not a shortage of work, but like everyone else has said, hospitals are undergoing hiring freezes and attempting to eliminate agency and travel workers (nurses too).

If anyone is looking for a perm job and interested in the Louisville area, I know of 2 hospitals who are actively hiring respiratory therapists. KY license is inexpensive and quick to get.

Jason in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma said: Ladonna,
Thanks for the good info. Please read my corresponding message referring to the current discussion. I called American Traveler and they had 1 JOB- just 1 for RT's!? Things have sure changed over past months. They said just 6-months ago they averaged 80-100 jobs on a reg. basis. She did say hopefully within a year or so things will begin to get better though. I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties finding Travel work. I hope things get better out there and remain optimistic that this economy will turnaround. After all, were Americans and we've overcame adversity before- and will do it again. Best of luck to you Ladonna, I hope things get better for you and Mark. Talk to you later...:)

Thank you, I was lucky to get another travel assignment through a hospital that I had done 2 other assignments with and they wanted me back. Will be interesting to see what things look like in the spring. I may have to take Susan up on her info and move to Kentucky-thanks Susan for the info, do the hospitals in Kentucky pay well?

Of course they don't pay as much as the CA hospitals do ($30+/hr.) but the cost of living here is much lower so yes, its a decent living. Incidentally, the KY Board for Resp Care accepts online verification of credentials to speed up the licensing. If you send your app along with notarized copies of your NBRC credentials, a money order (so they don't have to wait for your personal check to clear), and copies of online verifications, you can actually have your license the day they receive your app package, which is what I did last year.

Susan in Louisville, Kentucky said: Of course they don't pay as much as the CA hospitals do ($30+/hr.) but the cost of living here is much lower so yes, its a decent living. Incidentally, the KY Board for Resp Care accepts online verification of credentials to speed up the licensing. If you send your app along with notarized copies of your NBRC credentials, a money order (so they don't have to wait for your personal check to clear), and copies of online verifications, you can actually have your license the day they receive your app package, which is what I did last year.

Thank you for the info, will keep in mind once my assignment is complete.

I read all the new posts, with the concern of the new therapist or ones considering the RT program. I like all are having a hard time. But for me I do have perm recruiters calling me.But the locations are not for me. Post your resume on monster, career builder, and healthjobs usa, also go onto the government website for positions. The army has so many postings for RTs in there hospitals.But for me, Vet-pro, would be difficult, due to moving so much.But look on career builder, look at the postings, follow them and watch the trend. But the time is now to get that perm position,forget travel, its gone for now.Get your foot in the door,even if its PRN, take 2 prn if you have to.For those who can relocate, do it.And there have been times, I wanted to leave the field, but remember, nurses,hate doing our job..smokers still smoke,and no one , I mean NO one can run a vent except US...RT's.No nurse is certified to make changes, and they hate suctioning. So times may be tough, but WE need to stick together..we are specialized and do our job ,is so many ways, exp in NICU/PICU. My Fiance' she grateful for RT,and many nurse's tell me the same.

Hi Susan,
I'm going to be moving to the Louiville area and I'm very interested in getting licensed as a respiratory therapist. I currently have a bachelor's degree. Do you have any suggestions on a school there and how long it may take me? Thanks for your help!

I don't know a whole lot about the RT schools here as I'm not from the area, but just 'landed' here after a travel contract here ended and I needed a perm job. The hospital I was under contract to had students from Bellarmine College, which is a private Catholic college located here in Louisville, and from Ivy Tech and I'm not even sure where that school actually is(whether it's in KY or IN. Students from both schools were quite knowledgeable and did well on their board exams.

As far as how long it might take you? I'm not sure as that would depend on what credits were transferrable, but I'm guessing it would take you 2 more years, like everyone else, because as with most programs around the country all your general subjects are required before you are ever accepted into an RT program, (2 years of intense RT specific courses and lots of clinical time). Most RT programs require that you have all your english, algebra, general bio, psych, microbiology, chem, physics, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology before they will accept you. Bellarmine, because they offer a bachelors might be a bit different.

Sorry that I couldn't be more help to you but without knowing anything about your past college and courses or any real specifics about the programs here I would have to guess that you haven't had any RT courses at all and may not have had all the necessary pre-reqs for an RT program.

Susan in Louisville, Kentucky said: I don't know a whole lot about the RT schools here as I'm not from the area, but just 'landed' here after a travel contract here ended and I needed a perm job. The hospital I was under contract to had students from Bellarmine College, which is a private Catholic college located here in Louisville, and from Ivy Tech and I'm not even sure where that school actually is(whether it's in KY or IN. Students from both schools were quite knowledgeable and did well on their board exams.

As far as how long it might take you? I'm not sure as that would depend on what credits were transferrable, but I'm guessing it would take you 2 more years, like everyone else, because as with most programs around the country all your general subjects are required before you are ever accepted into an RT program, (2 years of intense RT specific courses and lots of clinical time). Most RT programs require that you have all your english, algebra, general bio, psych, microbiology, chem, physics, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology before they will accept you. Bellarmine, because they offer a bachelors might be a bit different.

Sorry that I couldn't be more help to you but without knowing anything about your past college and courses or any real specifics about the programs here I would have to guess that you haven't had any RT courses at all and may not have had all the necessary pre-reqs for an RT program.

Susan,

I've had a question. There are hundreds of job postings on this site alone for California, as well as for other states. A lot of these jobs though, want experienced RT's. Now when you go to a traditional college or University you get at least 1 straight year of experince working at a hospital; it's part of the training before you graduate. Would employers consider this 1 year of experience when they consider you for a job? Also, do schools like Concorde or ACC provide this type of Hospital training before you grad

As far as experience, yes some clinical time counts. But your still considered a new grad.I know that, most hospitals wont take a new grad, its wrong,I know,but just what they want.I had to get past that stigma, but , the more you apply, the better the chance.Its like that for new nurse's.Look for the postings that say new grad's welcome. California, may be different, since they mostly need bodies, to fill the needs.

If hospitals won't hire new grads, where are you supposed to get a job, other than for the few places I'm presuming that will welmcome new grads?

Dear KW,

The NRBC as well as the accrediting body which sets standards for respiratory care programs and requires them to provide a minimum number of clinical hours in order to be accredited and for a graduate to be qualified to take the NBRC board exams, SO, if a schools RT program is accredited (not the same as merely the school being accredited) then they offer the minimum number of clinical hours needed to take your boards.

Now (for the unpopular part of my soapbox speech) would I recommend schools like Concorde, etc? No. The reason is, as some on this forum have sadly learned, many, (not all) are merely diploma mills-- very expensive diploma mills, which might not adequately prepare you for your board exams or subsequent employment in the RT field. The RT field is quite close knit. Department managers KNOW which schools are substandard in their areas and they typically will not hire students from them, even if they have passed their boards. This might be one reason why some new grads appear to have a hard time finding any job at all for months after they graduate. I'm really not sure if its their lack of interviewing skill, technical skill, or what. Do yourself a favor and don't fall for their sales pitch. Instead, attend a public or private college or university which offers the standard plethora of degrees and such and has been around for a long time. One that is known for academic excellence.

Lastly, about your question about prospective employers taking your clinical hours in to account? Mine did. I also made sure to befriend therapists, nurses, and doctors at those hospitals where I did rotations and later used them as professional references when hunting for those first jobs. In those days there were a glut of RT's but I did manage to get a part time position in one of the hospitals where I did my clinicals and got another prn job from a former clinical instructor who had taken a job with a new company.

Sherry in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: If hospitals won't hire new grads, where are you supposed to get a job, other than for the few places I'm presuming that will welmcome new grads?

Sherry,

Many hospitals WILL hire new grads. Everyone is new at some point. Some hospitals, for a variety of reasons like high patient acuity etc. really can not offer much for the new grad, but most hospitals will.

My question to these new grads who can't seem to find any job for 6 months or more after graduation and passing their NBRC exams (not even a prn position) is a) What college did you graduate from?; b) What does your resume or Cv look like?; c) Do you have good references from staff at your clinical sites?; d) Do you interview well?

I would love for these new grads who say they can't find work to actually tell us WHERE they went to school. I am betting that we will see a pattern of particular schools whose students have more difficulty finding work, as compared to students who attended other colleges, in a particular area.

Thank you much, Mark and Susan, for your reasuring words

KW

I would like to see a list of agencies to choose from. Which ones re reliable? I am thinking about traveling in NC, and possibly other states, although I have only been working in NC so far. Does anyone have sites that I may go to for futher info? Thanks

rainbowgirl in Albemarle, North Carolina said: I would like to see a list of agencies to choose from. Which ones re reliable? I am thinking about traveling in NC, and possibly other states, although I have only been working in NC so far. Does anyone have sites that I may go to for futher info? Thanks

Well not sure you have been keeping up with traveling Rt needs, but its almost non existent. Exp for NC. The only needs that my recruiters have is in CA.And a few other states. You may look into per-diem needs or actaully perm.Aureus,Titan(maybe),Comphealth(I know pay is low, but they have more openings sometimes),nit sure about the others,that some have posted. I only know the ones , that I have wked for. Stay away from Rapid Temps,RT temps,RTG,V Platinum Consulting(they hide or take pay from you)and also the recriuter (Julie Grimmit) Real *****. But like we all have posted travel is down right now. I cant find anything, and if they do, its in small towns, like Ship Rock ,NM. Just be careful,ask questions, is housing covered, benefits, pay and per-diem rates.And go with more than one, they know and we all do it.

Thanks to Mark in Tx for your reply to my comments and questions...I need to know about this low employment rate right now...I dont want to stop working my fulltime job if I am not going to find work in the field of traveling...you are a great help...God bless the ones that are looking for work right now...

Does anyone know of any fulltime needs for the Washington state, on the eastern side. Tri-cities,Spokane area?

I was amazed at the decrease in traveling rt opportunities since I had last looked about a year ago. I am an RRT and have worked for 7years with ICU experience. I was beginning to think about actually following through this time and maybe taking on an assignment. But, after reading these posts I think I may wait until the economy gets better. Anyone else on the same page???

Anyone know of any travel needs ?

Erin in Canton, Ohio said: I was amazed at the decrease in traveling rt opportunities since I had last looked about a year ago. I am an RRT and have worked for 7years with ICU experience. I was beginning to think about actually following through this time and maybe taking on an assignment. But, after reading these posts I think I may wait until the economy gets better. Anyone else on the same page???

Yes...I too was considering the challenge of travel as well. I am very discouraged after seeing what is out there right now. In fact, I am looking for better opportunites in NC...If anyone knows of job opportunites please share....thanks and God bless.

Any recruiters out there,have any travel needs? WA,OR,TX,WV,CO.

hello everyone.. im a New grad and was wondering if I could get a travel therapist position without any experience..

and it says that.. Average salary for a respiratory therapist in Clifton NJ is 68000/year.. is this really tru? I just graduated recently. .so what do u guys think i would start off with?

tirvinal in Clifton, New Jersey said: hello everyone.. im a New grad and was wondering if I could get a travel therapist position without any experience..

From experience with dealing with Travel recruiters, sadly No.Most want a yr of experience.Simply due to having to be on your own from day one,and having delt with some or having ICU,ER and Med-surg.This is from the facilty's stand point, they want to know that you can handle yourself.
It was hard for me, when I first graduated, 10yrs ago,and for several yrs had to prove myself. But after 6 yrs of being run down by other RT's, I decided to travel,and now can say I am experienced traveler. Its a lot of up's and downs, but it can be very exciting, to meet new people, new places, no drama from the perm places. Even to in this market,travel is hard to come by,and only for experienced. Hope this helps...

Mark RCP in Texas said: From experience with dealing with Travel recruiters, sadly No.Most want a yr of experience.Simply due to having to be on your own from day one,and having delt with some or having ICU,ER and Med-surg.This is from the facilty's stand point, they want to know that you can handle yourself.
It was hard for me, when I first graduated, 10yrs ago,and for several yrs had to prove myself. But after 6 yrs of being run down by other RT's, I decided to travel,and now can say I am experienced traveler. Its a lot of up's and downs, but it can be very exciting, to meet new people, new places, no drama from the perm places. Even to in this market,travel is hard to come by,and only for experienced. Hope this helps...

Mark,
Are you finding travel work right now?? Who do you work for?
Thanks..

rainbowgirl in Albemarle, North Carolina said: Mark,
Are you finding travel work right now?? Who do you work for?
Thanks..

I assume like alot of RT's, as far as travel..I'm not, its been hard,there are hardly any travel positions out there, and the ones that come up,are ones I dont have a license for it that state. So Im praying and hoping for anything.
And the area ,where I live is very rural,and no needs.
I have worked for Comphealth,Aureaus,Rapid Temps,V Platinum.Comphealth and Aureaus are one of the best.There are several others, but havent had a chance to work for them.
Any other questions, just ask.

Mark.. thank u 4 replying.. But if i ever wanted to travel.. Would i need to get a license for tat particular state??

@Tirvinal Yes, each state has their own licensure. The group you apply to work with should be able to help you acquire one for whatever particular state you'll be working in.

Sarah G in Cleveland, Ohio said: @Tirvinal Yes, each state has their own licensure. The group you apply to work with should be able to help you acquire one for whatever particular state you'll be working in.

Actually not all travel agencies will help you. Comphealth and I believe a few others will get it for you. But you have to fill out the application.But others will and maybe compensate you for yours,when you get the assignment. The hard part for RT's is that each state has some ridiculous rules for license's.Some even want you to have ceu's when you apply.I find it frustrating but stupid, when reading each states requirements.But its all a money maker, not like nurses who have a compact w/13 states.But remember to have all your documents ready, to submit.Also each state checks the other states you have license in.So be ready to wait for wks at a time.

As an RT you should be keeping up on your CEUs anyway, but for a new grad I suppose it's a little harder. There are plenty of free opportunities online to get CEUs (each state is different and some only accept a certain amount credits obtained online). If you're an AARC member you can get your credit in ethics free (I think this is an OH only requirement) and taking your registry exams count towards CEUs. A California license is the hardest to get and also one of the most exspensive. While I don't know how recently updated the following site address is it's a quick guide to see what each state is requiring. www.healthcampus.com/respiratory/state-requirements.cfm

Be your own advocate. If you're required to get a license for an assignment ask your recruiter for help, but follow through and call that states board anyway to see when paperwork will be processed (it may only be once a month)/ask them questions about requirements.

Just like with any business venture, get things in writing and ask a lot of questions. Read back through this discussion panel there are plenty of good questions listed that you should be asking before you start traveling. Happy hunting :)

Sarah G in Rocky River, Ohio said: As an RT you should be keeping up on your CEUs anyway, but for a new grad I suppose it's a little harder. There are plenty of free opportunities online to get CEUs (each state is different and some only accept a certain amount credits obtained online). If you're an AARC member you can get your credit in ethics free (I think this is an OH only requirement) and taking your registry exams count towards CEUs. A California license is the hardest to get and also one of the most exspensive. While I don't know how recently updated the following site address is it's a quick guide to see what each state is requiring. www.healthcampus.com/respiratory/state-requirements.cfm

Be your own advocate. If you're required to get a license for an assignment ask your recruiter for help, but follow through and call that states board anyway to see when paperwork will be processed (it may only be once a month)/ask them questions about requirements.

Just like with any business venture, get things in writing and ask a lot of questions. Read back through this discussion panel there are plenty of good questions listed that you should be asking before you start traveling. Happy hunting :)

As in regards to calling the board for each state, many states do not like phone calls, even posting it on there site, the amount of time for processing,and not to even contact the board.Some boards only meet several times a year. I have read every boards requirements,and yes california is the worst, the most expensive, but others are getting there in price and time .So yes,if you plan on traveling, check with as many agencies as you can, you can talk to as many as you want. But make sure, you get feed back,as all have said.You dont want to waste your time on getting a license, assignment,till a definite yes.But in today's market, only ones with that state, get presented.Its best to get to know your recruiter, ask their advice, on the states you need.

Travel work is very hard right now, hundreds of people apply for the few assignments available. You need to have license in hand, or the hospital will not even interview you. Some of my licenses have taken 3 months to get due to the wait on the background check. Have lots of money saved before traveling, the wait for an assignment can be months. Good luck

vreyes in Mount Sinai, New York said: Anyone here a travel therapist or worked as one? I'm currently looking into agencies but not sure which one is better. Looking for good pay, benefits, bonuses would be good, etc.

I've looked into Aureus, American Traveler, Cross Country, Club Staffing , MedTravelers, CompHealth [only ones I know of].

any advice?

Cross Country Trav Corp..Talk to Heide Remler!!! the best. Comp health's pay sucks!!!!

Erin in Canton, Ohio said: I was amazed at the decrease in traveling rt opportunities since I had last looked about a year ago. I am an RRT and have worked for 7years with ICU experience. I was beginning to think about actually following through this time and maybe taking on an assignment. But, after reading these posts I think I may wait until the economy gets better. Anyone else on the same page???

yes... i have a full time job and want to travel but kinda scared ..

Hello! I am interested in travelling as a RRT. I have been a CRT for 3 years and recently passed my RRT a month ago. I spoke with a travel agency and they said that I would have to travel as a CRT instead of an RRT because I just passed my test. The problem is they also mentioned that if I travelled as a CRT NONE of the experience would apply as RRT experience...any suggestions? other than working in my perm job for another year (which I was hoping to avoid) I'm not sure what I can do. Thanks!

Casey in West Plains, Missouri said: Hello! I am interested in travelling as a RRT. I have been a CRT for 3 years and recently passed my RRT a month ago. I spoke with a travel agency and they said that I would have to travel as a CRT instead of an RRT because I just passed my test. The problem is they also mentioned that if I travelled as a CRT NONE of the experience would apply as RRT experience...any suggestions? other than working in my perm job for another year (which I was hoping to avoid) I'm not sure what I can do. Thanks!

Sorry to hear this, but whatever the name of this agency and the recruiter, Is a complete lie..To all out there,alot of the recruiter,have no experience in the medical field.Most are, brand new and have NO clue.Its been a learning experience with some for me.No one hospital cares if your a CRT or RRT,its all in your experience as an RT not a RRT or CRT.If I took the RRT, I would still have 10yrs as an RT.The only hold back is your new to travel.Most just think, you can only talk to one company, not true.You can talk to all of them,and they know you will,I tell my recruiters, whom I am talking to,they dont care.As long as you dont share $ amounts etc. I have never had any recruiter tell, me about or mention, that having an RRT would do this to you. So search for more, there endless amounts of companies. Aureus, Comphealth, RSI are one I like.Some dont like Comphealth, due to low pay, but in today's market, money is money,and they treat you right.You have to be open with them,and will get in return. The other problem you will face, is license, in every state you want to go. Any other help you may need, there are several on here, with yrs of experience,also in travel.

I would love to travel! The only problem is,I'm a new graduate, May 2009, and I have never worked as an RT. I have my CRT, Arizona state license, NRP, BLS, PALS, PEARS, ACLS. I have an impressive resume. I have patient care experience, 12 years as a Patient Care Technician. Is there any agency that would even take me?? I am not picky on the location, I just really need to work..There aren't any jobs in Tucson! I'm really excited to work in the field and use my skills as an RT! Tammy