Would you pay 22,500.00 for a Respiratory Therapy Program AAS and Advance Program 7,500.00

I'm having a hard time deciding wither to take out a loan for this amount it is the only school in my area that offer this program. I am ex-smoker and my two son was diagnose with seasonal asthma that why I so attached on become a Respiratory Therapist.

Are you a TN resident....because there are plenty of AAS degree programs in your area that would cost a LOT less than 22k....I think total cost for my program (in Jackson) is, maybe, 8,000 - and that includes books. Plus, I don't know if you need the "advance program" - because you are hireable, and able to work after your AAS degree...

B

Bryan in Jackson, Tennessee said: Are you a TN resident....because there are plenty of AAS degree programs in your area that would cost a LOT less than 22k....I think total cost for my program (in Jackson) is, maybe, 8,000 - and that includes books. Plus, I don't know if you need the "advance program" - because you are hireable, and able to work after your AAS degree...

B

Yes I am a resident of Tennessee but this is the only Respiratory Program in Memphis that would be convient for me far as distant and time beside Baptist and their price are about the same also Northwest Community College in Mississippi and they place Ms. resident first and it very a competive program. I don't know if you attend Jackson State they have the perfect program it about 1hour 15min from where I live and I can't drive that distant because I have the take and pick up kids from school. But I decided not to go because I don't think no program is worth that amount.

I actually am starting at Jackson State this Fall, but I only live like 5 min. from the campus.

Bryan in Jackson, Tennessee said: I actually am starting at Jackson State this Fall, but I only live like 5 min. from the campus.

Hi Brian I am in the same boat as you are concorde is very expensive 22,000.00 dollars and from what i was told Its hard to find a job and their passing rate is low, I live 1 hour and 30 min from jackson tn was it hard to get in there. Paula

Etta Green in Memphis, Tennessee said: I'm having a hard time deciding wither to take out a loan for this amount it is the only school in my area that offer this program. I am ex-smoker and my two son was diagnose with seasonal asthma that why I so attached on become a Respiratory Therapist.

Hi Etta this is Paula i feel your pain. I suppose to start their in Feb but i feel that they are too high, What decision did you make I need help or guidance

Hi Paula,

I decided not to go through the program because I could get a Master Degree for that amount of money or less. I enrolled in a nursing assistant program to see if I would like nursing, and will be finishing my prerequisite this January 08, and apply for the nursing program. I can get a Associate Degree in nursing and make more money than a Respiratory Therapist, my job are encourge it CNA's to attend a Nursing Program because they need them so badly.

Hi Paula,

I had to make a decision, on weather to attend or not and I chose not to. But don't let my decison affect your choice we have to do whatever is best for us. I don't like the idea of 30,000 in students loans, so it up to the individual if that truely what you want to do then do it, you have to do whatever best for you and what you have the heart to do.

Etta in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi Paula,

I had to make a decision, on weather to attend or not and I chose not to. But don't let my decison affect your choice we have to do whatever is best for us. I don't like the idea of 30,000 in students loans, so it up to the individual if that truely what you want to do then do it, you have to do whatever best for you and what you have the heart to do.

Hi Etta I am already a CNA I have 15 Years experience in that field I am currently enrolled in southwest comm coll and still waiting to get into their nursing program for 2plus years getting burned out wanted to try another avenue but im like you cc is too high. Well thanks anyway Good luck.

I'm a registered therapist, and originally from the Memphis area. I would not spend a dime with any Concorde programs. They have a program in the St. Louis area, which goes by another name which is also very expensive, and their grads were pretty much blacklisted by the better St Louis Hospitals, at least as of last year. Why? Because they don't learn what they need to know to be able to work in the field, as the low pass rates to the boards prove.

Now I'm not sure what the Memphis market is on openings for respiratory therapists, but the need nationwide is astounding. My guess is that most openings go unadvertised simply because there isn't enough educated, credentialed, and licensed therapists to begin to fill them. Why pay for the ad if there is nobody to take interest in that ad? I have no problems finding work anywhere and guess what.. the pay is excellent. Some hospitals are even currently offering sign on bonuses at the $20K range for RRT's.

I see you have chosen to try nursing. Excellent. Any healthcare field is in high demand, but I must say.. I'm so glad that I'm NOT a nurse. I love what I do. Good luck to you.

Susan D. in West Warwick, Rhode Island said: I'm a registered therapist, and originally from the Memphis area. I would not spend a dime with any Concorde programs. They have a program in the St. Louis area, which goes by another name which is also very expensive, and their grads were pretty much blacklisted by the better St Louis Hospitals, at least as of last year. Why? Because they don't learn what they need to know to be able to work in the field, as the low pass rates to the boards prove.

Now I'm not sure what the Memphis market is on openings for respiratory therapists, but the need nationwide is astounding. My guess is that most openings go unadvertised simply because there isn't enough educated, credentialed, and licensed therapists to begin to fill them. Why pay for the ad if there is nobody to take interest in that ad? I have no problems finding work anywhere and guess what.. the pay is excellent. Some hospitals are even currently offering sign on bonuses at the $20K range for RRT's.

I see you have chosen to try nursing. Excellent. Any healthcare field is in high demand, but I must say.. I'm so glad that I'm NOT a nurse. I love what I do. Good luck to you.

Hi Suzan, I am curious to know, where did you get your training as a Respiratory Therapist and how many years have you been a Therapist? Also how to you like Rhode Island?

Paula in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi Etta I am already a CNA I have 15 Years experience in that field I am currently enrolled in southwest comm coll and still waiting to get into their nursing program for 2plus years getting burned out wanted to try another avenue but im like you cc is too high. Well thanks anyway Good luck.

Hi Paula, I was curious about your decision as far as finding a program to attend? Did you get accepted into the Nursing Program at Southwest?

i apply for the respiratory theaphy program at concorde.I didn,t get in the program because of my test score was to points from the number needed to get in the class.from what i have been hearing about the school i don,t feel bad any more.

Bryan in Jackson, Tennessee said: I actually am starting at Jackson State this Fall, but I only live like 5 min. from the campus.

i live in memphis and jackson is a drive from memphis beside i have to pick children up from school

I am paying more! $30k For starting pay of $25hr around here. I think its worth it. I am older and I am going back to school :-) Never to late.

"I'm a registered therapist, and originally from the Memphis area. I would not spend a dime with any Concorde programs. They have a program in the St. Louis area, which goes by another name which is also very expensive, and their grads were pretty much blacklisted by the better St Louis Hospitals, at least as of last year. Why? Because they don't learn what they need to know to be able to work in the field, as the low pass rates to the boards prove.

Now I'm not sure what the Memphis market is on openings for respiratory therapists, but the need nationwide is astounding. My guess is that most openings go unadvertised simply because there isn't enough educated, credentialed, and licensed therapists to begin to fill them. Why pay for the ad if there is nobody to take interest in that ad? I have no problems finding work anywhere and guess what.. the pay is excellent. Some hospitals are even currently offering sign on bonuses at the $20K range for RRT's.

I see you have chosen to try nursing. Excellent. Any healthcare field is in high demand, but I must say.. I'm so glad that I'm NOT a nurse. I love what I do. Good luck to you."

In California thats not the case with Concorde. I speak from experience. My wife attended there and now I am. She has switched jobs twice and was hired on the spot (She is a LVN) with going to Concorde has got her the job every time! Just as Ford is for one parson and Chevy another. Concorde isn't for everyone ;-)

"i apply for the respiratory theaphy program at concorde.I didn,t get in the program because of my test score was to points from the number needed to get in the class.from what i have been hearing about the school i don,t feel bad any more."

The school is good. If they let anyone in, the employers wouldn't hire out of school as they do here. Understand? Did you fail the first test or second? First you needed 40 and I got 49. The second you neede 40 on both. I got 50 on one and 60 on the other. Those score would have got me in to the LVN or the RT program. I went with RT. I used the link here to study and passed. Hadn't been in school in over 20 years!
www.testprepreview.com/hobet_practice.htm

I am currenty a respiratory therapy student at Concorde. For some people 22,0000 dollars is a lot. OK for most people 22,0000 dollars is a lot of money! Its not costing me that much because of the grants that I am receiving that I do not have to pay back. There are tons of people in my classes that have job offers already and they are not even done with school!!! I have a couple of terms left so I too will be receiving those same offers. As far as the 7500 dollar advanced traing program, you can change the state board to take the class after 2 years of rt exp. and not have to pay 7500 dollars!

I am sorry i misspelled a word in that very last sentence. I meant to say that you can challenge the state board rt exam to become registered after 2 years of crt experience.

Carol Franklin in Memphis, Tennessee said: I am currenty a respiratory therapy student at Concorde. For some people 22,0000 dollars is a lot. OK for most people 22,0000 dollars is a lot of money! Its not costing me that much because of the grants that I am receiving that I do not have to pay back. There are tons of people in my classes that have job offers already and they are not even done with school!!! I have a couple of terms left so I too will be receiving those same offers. As far as the 7500 dollar advanced traing program, you can change the state board to take the class after 2 years of rt exp. and not have to pay 7500 dollars!

Carol,

Did you find a job before of after leaving Concorde? Do you feel you learn a lot while going through the program.

I am looking to attend the RT program at Concorde, what type of grants did you receive to not have to pay back all of the 22,000? I went to Concorde almost 6 years ago for Medical Office and that program was about 9,000 and I still had to pay back 5,000, which isn't much, just curious?? Also how much do RT's start out making, if you don't mind me asking. Thanks,Jennifer

Carol Franklin in Memphis, Tennessee said: I am currenty a respiratory therapy student at Concorde. For some people 22,0000 dollars is a lot. OK for most people 22,0000 dollars is a lot of money! Its not costing me that much because of the grants that I am receiving that I do not have to pay back. There are tons of people in my classes that have job offers already and they are not even done with school!!! I have a couple of terms left so I too will be receiving those same offers. As far as the 7500 dollar advanced traing program, you can change the state board to take the class after 2 years of rt exp. and not have to pay 7500 dollars!

Ron in Apple Valley, California said: "i apply for the respiratory theaphy program at concorde.I didn,t get in the program because of my test score was to points from the number needed to get in the class.from what i have been hearing about the school i don,t feel bad any more."

The school is good. If they let anyone in, the employers wouldn't hire out of school as they do here. Understand? Did you fail the first test or second? First you needed 40 and I got 49. The second you neede 40 on both. I got 50 on one and 60 on the other. Those score would have got me in to the LVN or the RT program. I went with RT. I used the link here to study and passed. Hadn't been in school in over 20 years!
www.testprepreview.com/hobet_practice.htm

Do you to taken a placement test to get in this course?

Concorde is a fast track program. Thats why it cost so much

i am about to move to memphis i just took my crt and plan to finish the rest of my testing by 7/18/2009. i am currently working licensed pending in chicago. . I know it takes 6 weeks to get licensed anyone know in tennesse where i could probaly find a osition license pending. i am unable to wait in chicago for my tn license because i am moving with children (understand). if anyone can help me please serious responses only please.

Oh my goodness, I am attennding concord here in memphis. After reading this comment I am questioning myself if this is the right path for me. I was excited until now, I am two different stores about rt, some good some bad, some say it worth it some say it's not. What really going on

Please, someone help!?? I am about to start college and am very confused with I should go to Respiratory Therapy or Radiography. I have been in the Health care for ten years as a Patient Tech and is time to move on .
Please, anyone can give good advices! NO nursing for me...I have been CNA for long time and truly nursing out of my league. I got accepted in both programs and now I do not know the way to go. I have been study hard did all the pre-reqs.
Thank you for any nice advice!!!

Yes I pay that amout for my rt program but that is a little expensiv try finding other college that offer the program and compare the prices

Etta I live in memphis and attent concord in tha clark tower. the program is 22,000 but with financial aid I pay about 14000 in student loans. it is a hard program I am just in the rt 101 class and want to scream. I am trying so hard to pass to the next level. Good luck because you will need it in rt concord program

I am thinking about attending Concorde in Memphis, RT program. Is anyone a current student? I would love to have some insight. I know that it is a bit pricey but most "fast-track" programs are. Besides, the only other place that offer RT is at Baptist,and it is a 4 year course. I have already taken the first test and that was simple. Now I am supposed to take the HOBET, how did everyone do on that one? What are the classes like?

Yes i would pay that much...actually i just graduated from that school this year (2011). Very, very hard program but if i can do it anyone can. Only thing i didn't like about the program wasn't the money i have to pay back it's the money that will be added on if you don't past your final exam. Ok here is the scoope, if you don't pass the final exam in RT 101, RT 201, RT 301 or 401, they don't care if you an A, B, or C, student if you don't pass the final exam with the required passing grade point you don't go to the next level. Just amagine on test day how stressful it was waiting around until they grade the test wondering if you past or not and worried if you are going to have enough points. they go by a point system if you don't have the correct sum of points you don't move up to the next level. If you decide to repeat the class over it is more money added on to your student loan. They don't tell you this when you sign up for the classes, alot of student found out this the hard way including me. it is an ok school not the best but an ok school. Nevertheless, after taking General Ed classes if you go into Rt 101 on that first day and sign the roll sheet and decide this is not what you want to do you will still have to pay back the full student loan. Good luck! Please study really hard, take as many not as you can, and please read as much as you can.It will all come back to you at the very end trust me.

reaching4thestars in memphis, Tennessee said: Yes i would pay that much...actually i just graduated from that school this year (2011). Very, very hard program but if i can do it anyone can. Only thing i didn't like about the program wasn't the money i have to pay back it's the money that will be added on if you don't past your final exam. Ok here is the scoope, if you don't pass the final exam in RT 101, RT 201, RT 301 or 401, they don't care if you an A, B, or C, student if you don't pass the final exam with the required passing grade point you don't go to the next level. Just amagine on test day how stressful it was waiting around until they grade the test wondering if you past or not and worried if you are going to have enough points. they go by a point system if you don't have the correct sum of points you don't move up to the next level. If you decide to repeat the class over it is more money added on to your student loan. They don't tell you this when you sign up for the classes, alot of student found out this the hard way including me. it is an ok school not the best but an ok school. Nevertheless, after taking General Ed classes if you go into Rt 101 on that first day and sign the roll sheet and decide this is not what you want to do you will still have to pay back the full student loan. Good luck! Please study really hard, take as many not as you can, and please read as much as you can.It will all come back to you at the very end trust me.

DO NOT, i repeat, DO NOT sign up at concorde if you haven't already. They are flooding our market with RT's who have no idea what they are doing when they get out into the field. From what I hear, you aren't even eligible to sit for the RRT when you graduate from that school, so why the heck would anyone want to pay that much for a secondary education. If you graduated from concorde and can't find a job, that's why. They have a very bad reputation in this are

I would be VERY leery of any program that made you pay extra for the Advanced Program. Sounds like a money grab.
I must be wrong, but it was my understanding that one year programs that did not prepare you for eligibility to sit for the RRT (prepared you only for CRT) had been done away with.
If they haven't been - they need to be.

I would pay if I knew I'll graduate before December 31, 2012 because a lot of changes will take place after this date with entry level programs. The California RCB will transition from CRT to only RRT and then progress to bachelor's degree entry level.

ok concord has change there program, when you sign up you will be taken the program for RRT. There's no longer a program at concord for CRT, my class was the last class for the program. don't listen to people who never attended the school. Everything in life has its good points and bad points. At first concord offered the CRT program but the laws have changed and now they aren't allow no schools are allowed to sign anyone up for CRT anymore. It is a 2 year program that yes is very difficult for most people but I must say if I can do it anyone can. If I decide to attend concord again the i would have to take the advance class and YES i would be able to set and take the RRT exam like many students who have graduated before me who now not only have there CRT license but also the RRT license who attend concord for both program. This student have nice jobs some who even graduated with me in May have jobs now making 19 dollars hourly. What ever you so choice in life to do MekkaLekka success depends on you.

reaching4thestars in memphis, Tennessee said: ok concord has change there program, when you sign up you will be taken the program for RRT. There's no longer a program at concord for CRT, my class was the last class for the program. don't listen to people who never attended the school. Everything in life has its good points and bad points. At first concord offered the CRT program but the laws have changed and now they aren't allow no schools are allowed to sign anyone up for CRT anymore. It is a 2 year program that yes is very difficult for most people but I must say if I can do it anyone can. If I decide to attend concord again the i would have to take the advance class and YES i would be able to set and take the RRT exam like many students who have graduated before me who now not only have there CRT license but also the RRT license who attend concord for both program. This student have nice jobs some who even graduated with me in May have jobs now making 19 dollars hourly. What ever you so choice in life to do MekkaLekka success depends on you.

Thanks "reaching4thestars"! I took the HOBET yesterday and passed, so now all that's left is the Financial Aid part. Also, I plan on moving to California in 4 years... How is the RT job market out there? How would do you get licensed in another state?

MekkaLekka in Memphis, Tennessee said: Thanks "reaching4thestars"! I took the HOBET yesterday and passed, so now all that's left is the Financial Aid part. Also, I plan on moving to California in 4 years... How is the RT job market out there?

How do you get licensed in another state?

<---- is what I meant.

MekkaLekka in Memphis, Tennessee said: I am thinking about attending Concorde in Memphis, RT program. Is anyone a current student? I would love to have some insight. I know that it is a bit pricey but most "fast-track" programs are. Besides, the only other place that offer RT is at Baptist,and it is a 4 year course. I have already taken the first test and that was simple. Now I am supposed to take the HOBET, how did everyone do on that one? What are the classes like?

Hi I just tooked the Hobet and passed My start date is 8/30 i was wondering how are the classes so far.

My best advise to you MekkaLekka is to talk with some of the RT teachers there or the director Mr. Grandville and ask them about what they expect. Only thing I hated the most was the test because if you didn't past the test you had to stay for remediation and they give you a second chance to take it. Also the final in every class level you enter if you don't pass the final you don't go to the next level they don't care if you have an A, B, or C, average you will repeat or drop out. Once you enter RT 101 and sign the roll sheet thats it you will pay back all the student loan weather you finish the RT program or not. The don't tell you a lot in orientation about whats really going on but if i where you I would as a lot of question.

reaching4thestars in memphis, Tennessee said: My best advise to you MekkaLekka is to talk with some of the RT teachers there or the director Mr. Grandville and ask them about what they expect. Only thing I hated the most was the test because if you didn't past the test you had to stay for remediation and they give you a second chance to take it. Also the final in every class level you enter if you don't pass the final you don't go to the next level they don't care if you have an A, B, or C, average you will repeat or drop out. Once you enter RT 101 and sign the roll sheet thats it you will pay back all the student loan weather you finish the RT program or not. The don't tell you a lot in orientation about whats really going on but if i where you I would as a lot of question.

You find employment, yet?

Be very, very aware that RT jobs are hard to find especially a new grad with no experience.... your clinical rotations DO NOT count as experience I have been out of school for 10 months with a BS in Respiratory Therapy. I have my RRT, my BLS, ACLS, NRP and PALS certs I can not find a job and I have 65,000 in student loans.I am also looking in other states now and I still can not find openings for new grads.... all I can say is... make sure there is a job market. San Diego has 6 RT schools feeding the system so when I apply for a job so are 200 other new RT's.

Ron in Apple Valley, California said: "I'm a registered therapist, and originally from the Memphis area. I would not spend a dime with any Concorde programs. They have a program in the St. Louis area, which goes by another name which is also very expensive, and their grads were pretty much blacklisted by the better St Louis Hospitals, at least as of last year. Why? Because they don't learn what they need to know to be able to work in the field, as the low pass rates to the boards prove.

Now I'm not sure what the Memphis market is on openings for respiratory therapists, but the need nationwide is astounding. My guess is that most openings go unadvertised simply because there isn't enough educated, credentialed, and licensed therapists to begin to fill them. Why pay for the ad if there is nobody to take interest in that ad? I have no problems finding work anywhere and guess what.. the pay is excellent. Some hospitals are even currently offering sign on bonuses at the $20K range for RRT's.

I see you have chosen to try nursing. Excellent. Any healthcare field is in high demand, but I must say.. I'm so glad that I'm NOT a nurse. I love what I do. Good luck to you."

In California thats not the case with Concorde. I speak from experience. My wife attended there and now I am. She has switched jobs twice and was hired on the spot (She is a LVN) with going to Concorde has got her the job every time! Just as Ford is for one parson and Chevy another. Concorde isn't for everyone ;-)

Really Ron? Do tell of these magical jobs that abound, I am willing to relocate to any state that does not have tons of snow in the winter. AZ, New Mex, Texas, California would be even better as I live here and have my license here etc..
Are these jobs for New Grads??????

Josie in Oceanside, California said: Be very, very aware that RT jobs are hard to find especially a new grad with no experience.... your clinical rotations DO NOT count as experience I have been out of school for 10 months with a BS in Respiratory Therapy. I have my RRT, my BLS, ACLS, NRP and PALS certs I can not find a job and I have 65,000 in student loans.I am also looking in other states now and I still can not find openings for new grads.... all I can say is... make sure there is a job market. San Diego has 6 RT schools feeding the system so when I apply for a job so are 200 other new RT's.

I know. I too live in So Cal and have been looking for 2 years and i have over 4 years experience. One of the hospitals i interviewed at was offering $19 an hour. This is horrible. I love Respiratory but being a mother and with medical not reimbursing im afraid im going to have to go back to school to do something that has nothing to do with health care. Good luck. :-)

Holy COW! Seriously? $19 are they insane? You have 4 years experience? Man! that is very discouraging to hear. I notice that Occupational Therapy is needed badly here. I think the only school is Loma Linda, there are schools in SD but they are only for "OT assistants" I really do not want to go back to school after I was just in school for so long... Sallie Mae, might never see her money repaid at this pace.... hahahahhahaa
Best of Luck,

Josie in Oceanside, California said: Be very, very aware that RT jobs are hard to find especially a new grad with no experience.... your clinical rotations DO NOT count as experience I have been out of school for 10 months with a BS in Respiratory Therapy. I have my RRT, my BLS, ACLS, NRP and PALS certs I can not find a job and I have 65,000 in student loans.I am also looking in other states now and I still can not find openings for new grads.... all I can say is... make sure there is a job market. San Diego has 6 RT schools feeding the system so when I apply for a job so are 200 other new RT's.

Hi Josie, same here. I've only been out of school for 3 months and still I have not found anything.

I'm thinking that I will just be patient. But I kid you not, I've applied at over 35 places in Mid and SoCal. I've already received 7 rejection letters.

I worked so hard to pass all my CRT and RRT tests. I'm a poor person and that costs a lot of money. Not just for me. For everyone.

God help us all. My nursing friends are all finding jobs.