a good career choice?

How much does RT's get paid in 2009

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Hi Thomas, I disagree. We are in an exciting field which continues to grow, expanding into Sleep Labs, Travel Therapist, Flight Therapist, ICU, NICU, Labor and Delivery, Pediatrics, ER/ED, Home Health Care, Hyperbaric Chamber, Cardiopulmonary, Pulmonary Function Labs, Cath Labs, Stress Labs....etc. Due to the nation wide shortage of Healthcare professionals Respiratory Therapists are in high demand and our salaries continue to increase with demand. Never limit yourself. Keep your options open. Always continue learning new skills. I wish you well. Good Journey.

HA HA HA!!!excellent suggestion.

Hi Rolinda: I just got accepted into the RT program. I start in the Fall, I know it will be a very demanding difficult program. It will be 20 months long. My first semester courses are intro to respiratory care (incl labs)and cardiopulmonary structure and function. They director picks what you take, for each semester. Is there anything I can start reading to get some familiarity with the field?besides my req'd textbooks which I can't afford to get until finaid kicks in? I have two friends already in the program since last year and they always tell me how difficult the program is but they're still hanging in there ( they've said they were going to quit so many times I stopped counting) makes me nervous, but won't let that dissuade me. I'm 54 yrs young and can't wait to get started. Sometimes ignorance is bliss??

Hi Dreamy. I am about your age and have been in an RT program since November. If you want something to read over the summer, just get any anatomy and physiology text (high school or college level) from the library. Focus especially on the cardio and pulmonary systems as that is what we focus on in RT.

I hope you enjoy studying RT as much as I do!

--My_AZ

Brenda in Glen Burnie, Maryland said: RCPs have you ever considered starting your own Respiratory Business? There are lots of opportunities available for honest, hard working, professional Respiratory Entrepreneurs. I've met RCPs who've made over a million dollars a year managing their own company. Before you jump ship, spend more money on education or flat out give up consider one of the many business opportunities in Respiratory Care.

I am a witness that there is a whole lot of money to be made by an RCP outside of the daily hospital grind. If anyone is interested in really getting paid for their education and expertise visit www.respiratoryentrepreneur.com . It may change your perspective on the value of your Respiratory experience and education.

Good Luck,
Brenda

is it hard to start a respiratory business by yourself?

Help!! I am a RRT with almost 2 yrs of experience. I am trying to relocate to Atlanta but I havent found a job yet. I went on 2 interviews and didnt get the jobs. Most of the hospitals won't even call back in Atlanta. I'm wondering if my address is hindering me from hospitals calling or is the job market for respiratory in atl is just that bad.

Please obtain training at the APPROPRIATE schools. Those accredited and endorsed are at www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/. This means that all your hard work will be counted if you pursue an advanced degree. That might be very important in your future.

I met with Concorde and was VERY disappointed. Not only did they make me wait significantly beyond my appointed time, but they charge an enormous amount of money. They seemed kind of seedy. They did not seem to have MY consideration in mind. IT IS NOT WORTH IT. I think they are a paper mill.

Also, you will never be able to advance beyond any Concorde-related degree, as they are not accredited by the industry organizations. Please don't make this mistake !!! They are preying on people who are desperate to make a move, and find a stable well-paying job. I think you will make a BIG mistake if you choose to attend Concorde.

Sandra in Munster, Indiana said: It's funny how people are all saying go to nursing! From many nurses that I've talked to, they say they wish they went into Respiratory Therapy because being a Nurse is too stressful and the RT's always look like they are taking it easy compared to the nurses. Nurses have a chance to advance, but look how incredibaly high the burn out rate is. Just do what you think you would like more.

i agree with you.no matter how much they earn i always consider myself first.why should i earn more with lots of stress and burn outs you hardly have time to enjoy what you earned

Rosemary in Phoenix, Arizona said: Do you think that Pima Medical Inst. Would be cheaper them Apollo or Kaplan. I am wanting to do RT but financially I am in a bind and could not afford 30K. I am also thinking about going to Gateway but it will take me longer to finish. Any suggestions?

Rosemary in Phoenix, Arizona-Go to GWCC it's the best program in the stste of Arizona. I'm a GWCC grad and believe me you are well prepared to pass your RRT exam. CRT entry level exam is first then two RRT exams a (written exam) & (clinical smuliation exam)-Apollo & Kaplan students pass rate for RRT is very low. Apollo costs is MONEY WASTED!! I don't know Kaplan costs-GWCC cost is $9,000 those dollars you save could be use for you exams cost. GWCC program is about 6-8 months longer, but the most inportant thing is passing your RRT boards. Go to National Board of Respiratory Care www.nbrc.org web site and lookup acredited schools in AZ GWCC is the only one with a Advanced Respiratory Level Acreditation. I'm very proud to say I'm a GWCC grad the beautiful thing is that you don't have to say a word it speaks for itself when your at the bedside caring for critical ill patients. Speak to Mr. Ed Hoskins & Dr. Toni Rodriquez @ GWCC their the best. If you don't decided on GWCC go to PIMA their not far behind GWCC, but stay away from Apollo & Kaplan. Also Apollo & Kaplan go though many instuctors for several reasons the main reason (Apollo) the Directors focus is seeing "Their Big Fat Money Pockets Grow" trust me. A Director of one Respiatory Department in the valley said it best...I don't believe it... "Apollo & Kaplan Students ready to graduate don't have basic patient assessment skills" The RT staff were I work is tried of both schools. We hope are Director cancels their contacts ASAP. It's not the students fault it's the Directors & Instructors of these school "POOR STUDENTS ARE HEARTS GO OUT TO THEM" Good Luck I wish you ONLY the best.

I agree. You must go to the NBRC site to find out which schools are appropriate. The ones mentioned, as well as Concorde, do not provide transferrable credit either, if you later decide to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. That could be important. Some of these schools charge as much as 40K, looking for students who receive grant money. My community college here costs about $7,500 for the entire program. The only difference is that you must follow their timeline, and it is more difficult to enter the program. I've researched all of these, and the private colleges are no bargain in the long run. Don't be lured in my them.

rtnothired in Los Angeles, California said: Respiratory Therapy is not a good field. Stay away from it. You will not find a job and there are too many damn schools producing new RTs. I am not sure why NBRC forces people to take so many damn exams when a idiot can easily figure out how to perform this job. Go with nursing, only one exam to take (cheaper), and an RN can easily find a job outside of the hospital. RT can only work in hospital, nursing home or sleep lab. RT's are nothing but glorified CNA's, but they force their selves to think, I'm good, I'm doing people a service. So, whats the difference between an RT and a EMT? You can easily find a job as an EMT than you could as an RT. Also, at least with an EMT you have the option of joining the fire department after becoming a paramedic. Good luck on your choice!

WOW...I'm not an RT, but that sounds quite harsh to call an RT "....nothing but a glorified CNA". You sound quite bitter, maybe you had a bad experience in the field. I know several people in the RT field, and they definitely work their butts off and are very knowledgeable in their line of work.

ciaociao in San Carlos, California said: working as a respiratory therapist in three different states with a considerable amount of experience has led me to the same conclusion: respiratory is a terrible choice! i absolutely would not do this over again, not even for twice the money and much improved work conditions. what a miserable existance. it is NOT a career. don't let anyone tell you that you can have a career in rt. rt's don't have "careers," they have jobs. rn's can have carers because they can advance. the only way to "advance" as an rt is to become an rt manager - not a fun job. imagine managing a bunch of tired burnt out rt's that wish they would have chosen something else.....nursing is a MUCH better choice. you do the numbers. talk to rt's - talk to nurses - and whatever you do: do not go into rt because nursing had a waiting list. i hear this soooo often via rt students that rotate through our hospital. if you're really on the fence, go into nursing and thank yourself later.

The quality of your response suggests that your inability to find a career path as a respiratory therapist may have more to do with your negativity about your profession rather than the profession itself. I have been a career focused RT for over 17 years. My pleight has been rewarding too. I've traveled the world as a RT, and I know that my carrer focused RT colleagues and myself are making a difference. RT is a good choice for a career path, but you'll have to work hard and not expect to be spoon fed as some have.

hello. I have am looking towards a career change. I recently graduated with a business degree and for some reason barely used it or seems like the growth in the industry and the security of job is not good. My cousin is a radiology tech and makes decent money. I wanna get into one of these quick programs which makes decent money for a decent living today in LA. my choices were RT/X-RAY TECH/nurse.with that said i have a time constraint so i wanna go with a program which is fast and gets done quick any suggestions.

i am a new RT grad. i did my crt exam and missed it by 4 points. any advise on what to do next time?

(Laugh)! So u think passing a simple CRT exam makes u smart or something? That shows how foolish and small minded u are. U r really an "idiot". Don't worry, u will definitely be inform when I pass all three exams. By the way, nobody ask u if u have passed ur CRT or not, may the Lord remove that spirit of proudness out of u. Not passing the CRT does not make me an idiot but a very smart one, if I can go thru the program and only missed it by 4 points, shows that I know something but u acting like an "idiot" that u are shows how low u are. U don't know me to be calling me an "idiot". All I ask was a suggestion on what I should do to improve myself the next time I will sit for the exam, is that not what this forum is about? U should have keep ur opinion of my spelling to urself if u don't have something tangible to say, u started calling someone u don't know an 'idiot' when actually u are the idiot. U need to grow up.

It is very difficult to get a job for new RT.

why so? If I may ask.

Meg in Howard Beach, New York said: why so? If I may ask.

Too many new RT entering this limited job market!

Angel in Los Angeles, California said: Too many new RT entering this limited job market!

I thot they said it's a high demand job? So, what do new grads like us should do for an opportunity to get hire?

just asking for some suggestions for someone who is getting into a new career. thats all

i graduated from school in December of 2007 and was employed with a very good hospital at a very high pay rate by March. I was also offered several jobs in Florida and North Carolina but I took the better one. If you do not belong to ADVANCE for Respiratory Therapists then I suggest you join it is a free magazine. And over half of the magazine are jobs available to RRT's. It is not hard to find a job unless you are unwilling to relocate.

do only private schools provide these programs or even community colleges provide them?.. trying to find school in 92880 area who offer programs.

keltgypsy in Oak Ridge, New Jersey said: Congratulations Dreamy

I entered RT school at 47 after being a paramedic for 15 years. It was definitely the right choice for me. My paramedic skills gave me a great advantage, and I have had no trouble getting a job because of that background.

Hi Keltgypsy, I am either considering a career change to either EMT then Paramedic, or RT. As you have done both, are you glad you changed? Why did you leave EMS?

Can anybody give any advice, or have any knowledge of California College of Health and Sciences online school for RT? I am considering going there and even have clinicals lined up, but am leary about about a few things. One, the school itself how the program is set up and are they just out to take your money. And two, I am also not too sure if RT is for me, I am worried about finding a job here in Philly and relocation is not an option. I also am considering EMT/Paramedic. For this decision is a career change at 37. Any advice on these topics would be greatly appreciated!!!! :)

mumbles in Oaklyn, New Jersey said: Can anybody give any advice, or have any knowledge of California College of Health and Sciences online school for RT? I am considering going there and even have clinicals lined up, but am leary about about a few things. One, the school itself how the program is set up and are they just out to take your money. And two, I am also not too sure if RT is for me, I am worried about finding a job here in Philly and relocation is not an option. I also am considering EMT/Paramedic. For this decision is a career change at 37. Any advice on these topics would be greatly appreciated!!!! :)

Mumbles, I am enrolled in IU's California College of Health RT program. I am in a similar situation, making a career change at 35. If you think its for you, go for it. Who really knows what is for them until the take the plunge? It's a real program, you can take your RRT and CRT exams once you complete the program. They aren't only out to take your money and they are accredited. Look at their website and research it, but it's for real and it's legit. Don't listen to the nay-sayers, go with your own gut feeling. There is always one smart a** on here trying to get you down, making you question yourself, they enjoy screwing with people, don't entertain them! If you think you can handle this field of work, go for it. Good luck.

I am excited to hear that you left the presummed security of a well established career as a Paramedic to follow your passion for another career, particularly RT. I'd be interested to hear about the school you chose and whether they accepted either academic transfer credits or work experience to "place out" of any coursework. I have definitely decided to pursue RT as a career, but am still undecided about which college to attend. Given the numerous options and pathways available for prospective RTs, each with their own set of pros and cons, chosing the route that best suits my particular circumstances is proving difficult. To put it bluntly, I want to learn about which particular schools or programs best prepare someone to excell in this field, not simply allow someone to be eligible to sit for the licencing exam. As I weed through tech schools, colleges degree programs and the many other options that I have researched, each has it's own agenda, and I am on a search for truth. I would appreciate any accurate information. Thank you for your time. Good Luck w/ your career!

Well said Matt. Some people just dont like their lives so they have to try to put others down to make themselves feel better. Obviously they have nothing better or consrtuctive to do like the rest of us.....Appreciate the advice too, I am not sure of my decision yet, although I did secure a clincal site. Have you done that as well?

Hudini in Detroit, Michigan said: Did you know most employers hire traditional students over non-traditional? Did you know it will be almost impossible to find a job by attending a nontraditional school? 38K for a respiratory degree? LMFAO!!!! Mumble jumble

Huidini, I wouldn't pay 38k for a respiratory degree. The cost for my degree isn't anywhere near that, isn't even one third of 38k. I know plenty of people at a major trauma hospital in houston who were educated through IU. Thanks for your concern about the cost of our education though.

Your Friend, Matt

Yes, I have secured a clinical site at a major trauma center in Houston. Let me know what you decide. Good Luck, keep your chin up no matter what you do.

Hudini in Detroit, Michigan said: Funny...because 3 weeks ago...you were asking for any RRTS' in Houston area that graduated from IU! You are a liar!!! Just click on Matt's name to find his prior posts...LMFAO!!!!

Before you start throwing stones, make sure your information is correct dumbass! I didn't know these people three weeks ago. I have since met several, people who have graduated from IU and work in Houston as RRT's. I never said they had been lifelong friends. I know of them. IU has a contract with this hospital that I am talking about. Would you like the phone number so you can call them and verify if I am lying or not? I am not a LIAR! I, unlike you, don't have time to sit on here all day and make crap up. Go ahead and click on Matt's name, EVERYONE, and look at my prior posts. I welcome it. Huidini, why don't you disappear already? I can't believe how psycho you are. You must be very lonely and attention starved. The only way you can get attention is by trying to drag other innocent people down. Not workin' buddy! Oh, and go ahead and click that "yes" after your message is posted so that everyone will think people are saying your comment was helpful. To me, that is lying. By the way, what is your profession? You don't seem to ever be doing anything other than insulting people on here. I don't know how you do it Huidini, I guess you sit there all day and night and worry about what "poor ole Matt in Texas" is posting and hoping to make sure I don't get caught in any lies or go to the wrong school. I thought we had made a breakthrough today buddy. Thanks for all your concern Huidini!! Now do a magic trick and disappear!

play nice children! lol

Hudini in Redford, Michigan said: Matt...Do you really believe that I think you met several IU grads working at Houston hospitals?

Huidini,
I really don't care what you believe and you and your opinion doesn't really matter to me. Why don't you do this. Go to the edge of a cliff, look over and pretend to accidentally fall off. On the way down, try to disappear. Don't you have anything constructive to do? This place is for people who really need advice or who want to help others, not to insult people. Don't you get that?

Hudini in Southfield, Michigan said: Matt....Please give me the names of all hospitals in the Houston area with IU graduates. I will contact the respiratory manager to verify your claims.

Are you kidding me? You must be bored. You know what. I almost started typing the phone # and name of the clinical site but then decided that you can do the same as the rest of us IU students. Pick up the phone and call them yourself. I don't need you to verify my claims. I have two parents and you aren't one of them! You need to get back on your meds dude!

Lyndon B Johnson medical center! There ya GO!

matt in Texas in Baytown, Texas said: Lyndon B Johnson medical center! There ya GO!

But, that isn't all of them. Like I said. Get the phone book out and look it up.

Huidini, I just wanted to tell you so that you wouldn't get your feelings hurt in the future. I WILL NOT BE STOOPING TO YOUR LEVEL any longer by replying to your requests for information about where I will be doing my clinicals and whether or not I know other IU graduates or have met an IU graduate working in Houston. I have told you several times that you aren't worth it and I don't know why I keep replying to your rediculous comments. However, in the future, I won't be. Good knowing you. I do however, welcome advice from others on here. I believe most people are good people and sometimes we have people like Huidini. There's one in every group.

Not lowering myself to your level, IN TEXAS,

Matt!

Good Gosh. You guys need to chill out. This forum is about Respiratory Therapy advice; it's not a battle field. Aren't we all supposed to be on the same team?

I'm a 1st year student at a school here in Atlanta. I am doing my first semester of clinicals (finally!!), and I haven't heard of anyone graduating/passing boards from IU. I even asked the supervisor the other day if she would consider hiring someone that attended an online course for RT, and well, her response rhymed with 'puck go'. But then again, that's one RT supervisor out of thousands.

My opinion is that if you are a fast and independent learner, then you should be allowed to take the courses online. I, personally, just can't fathom learning everything on my own. I really enjoy the closeness that me and my classmates have.

If I recall correctly nobody asked you for your opinion H. Why are you even on here? Obviously not to help or inform people, you aint gonna get a rise outta me G. If I recall right, isnt all it takes is a punch to the gut to put you 6 ft under. Thats pretty lame. Why dont you try the disgruntled nurses forum, there are plenty of pesimistic people on there, you might even get a number.

Good for you Matt! You dont need to stoop to his level. Calmness is the most annoying thing to people like him. Like you said there is one in every bunch, and as my friend would say "At least one" you can count on it. F him, let him stay in Michigan, hes a loser just like the Lions, and Im sure hes one of the unemployed there, G*D Bless Michigan, they need it, but an A hole like that should come here to Philly, we dont tolerate people like that for too long. He wouldnt make it five minutes here.

matt in Texas in Baytown, Texas said: Huidini, I just wanted to tell you so that you wouldn't get your feelings hurt in the future. I WILL NOT BE STOOPING TO YOUR LEVEL any longer by replying to your requests for information about where I will be doing my clinicals and whether or not I know other IU graduates or have met an IU graduate working in Houston. I have told you several times that you aren't worth it and I don't know why I keep replying to your rediculous comments. However, in the future, I won't be. Good knowing you. I do however, welcome advice from others on here. I believe most people are good people and sometimes we have people like Huidini. There's one in every group.

Not lowering myself to your level, IN TEXAS,

Matt!

Good for you Matt! You dont need to stoop to his level. Calmness is the most annoying thing to people like him. Like you said there is one in every bunch, and as my friend would say "At least one" you can count on it. F him, let him stay in Michigan, hes a loser just like the Lions, and Im sure hes one of the unemployed there, G*D Bless Michigan, they need it, but an A hole like that should come here to Philly, we dont tolerate people like that for too long. He wouldnt make it five minutes here.

Hudini in Southfield, Michigan said: Mumbles...You're 37 and looking for a second career...You presently are unsucessful,remember that..ok?

Dude, I dont need to explain myself to you, but I am not unsuccessful for changeing "careeres" I have had a successful career prior to this change of direction. I have a Grammy Award on my shelf, and have been nominated 13 other times, as well as I have been awarded 11 platinum and gold albums for my work engineering todays and yesterdays brightest stars. Not to mention traveled the world over. I have seen people like you all the time and it doesnt mean anything to me. I cant be more happy for what I have accomplished in the music biz. That biz has taken its hit more from technology than from economy, and it is one of the hardest biz there is, everybody knows this. I found success there, and I am going to another chapter in my life, and found this site insiteful, but its A holes like you that make all the problems in the world. Relocation shouldnt be a neccessity for a career change, I line in philly where there are a ton of hospitals here and in the S. Jersey area. Online may not be the best option, but you dont have to be such a dick in telling people that.

Thanks Mumbles. He wouldn't make it 5 min. here either. I'm not taking an easy way out. I'm not going anywhere. I'm sure you understand why I won't be stooping to the dh's level by replying to (I am assuming it's a he) his comments. It's not worth it and in the end, I would just be taking away from the good that others could receive from this forum. I won't be that person. Thanks for your advice. Let me know how things work out for you. Being calm in TEXAS! HAHA LM**O! LOL

Lovelyface, do you know any IU graduates. I have information from IU and I have spoken to some graduates of IU, one of them on here, that thes IU has a ~ 90-95% pass rate on the credentialing exams. You're right, that's one RT supervisor out of thousands. Like I said earlier, there are people who discriminate against all types of people and there are those who discriminate because they don't like the college you attended. Its all relative. That's why they call them opinions. Everyone has one, what's right for one may not be right for another. Good luck with your education. Hopefully you will do well with your clinicals and be able to give us all a look into the world of a clinical student.

mumbles in Collingswood, New Jersey said: Dude, I dont need to explain myself to you, but I am not unsuccessful for changeing "careeres" I have had a successful career prior to this change of direction. I have a Grammy Award on my shelf, and have been nominated 13 other times, as well as I have been awarded 11 platinum and gold albums for my work engineering todays and yesterdays brightest stars. Not to mention traveled the world over. I have seen people like you all the time and it doesnt mean anything to me. I cant be more happy for what I have accomplished in the music biz. That biz has taken its hit more from technology than from economy, and it is one of the hardest biz there is, everybody knows this. I found success there, and I am going to another chapter in my life, and found this site insiteful, but its A holes like you that make all the problems in the world. Relocation shouldnt be a neccessity for a career change, I line in philly where there are a ton of hospitals here and in the S. Jersey area. Online may not be the best option, but you dont have to be such a dick in telling people that.

YOU GO BOY/GIRL! Couldn't have thought of better words.

Its a boy!! Cigar please. Thanks man...what a dh

Your belief in my accomplishments wont change the fact of them hanging on my walls, and with my name in millions of albums in peoples houses throught the country. Records get made and go gold and platinum everyday, who do you think works on them dick, people do, like me. And yeah are my accomplishments that Unbelievable, maybe to a naysayer, pesimistic person like you....they are. God bless you man, you need it

Thanks for accolaids! It was a tuff journey the music bizz, lots of A holes, all over its unbelievable. A lotta backstabber, but ya know you stand tall and keep your beliefs and you see where they wind up, people get what they deserve in the end. And yes hopefully we will get the rewards/awards in RT. And yes Amen to him. He does need another punch in the gut, thats what got him in the first place

All feelings aside...Are you a practing RT in Michigan, or are you in school? How do you know so much negative things about IU or online schooling? Through hearsay or firsthand? Dead serious....if you can handle a normal convo

i see nothing wrong with it if you kick butt in your clinical rotations and take what you can out of them .. if you pass your board exams both CRT and RRT, i don't see why you couldn't find a job or be qualified. At the end of the day it's all about passing your board exams and kicking butt on your rotations because that's where you get your hands-on experience. Good luck to you.

Thank you...I believe that to be true. Good luck to you as well!

I believe if the online school is accredited then I don't see what the problem is. I know a number of people that went to California college and they are all working beside me. I went to a traditional college myself. I guess it's up to the individual. I know the online schools are much more expensive, but given the situtation some are in with work and family, then it may be a feasible option to follow. As for the the post about the individual that failed his CRT exam by six points; my advice is that if you don't shore up your weaknesses then you will continue to fail the exam. Look at the exam and see what you were lacking in and study up. Take the Kettering seminar, or better yet buy the online modules and practise the assignments. They worked wonders for me as I took my RRT exam some eight years after I graduated. I passed on the first try. But don't feel discouraged if you fail the exam. Many clinically competent coworkers have had to take the exam more than once to pass. Just don't be discouraged, but analyze and learn from your mistakes. It also may sometimes depend on the exam itself. Some are are more difficult than others and so they allow you to miss more than the easier exams. Alot of the questions are experimental questions and don't count towards your over all score. I know one of the case studies on the clinical exams doesn't even count towards your score, so keep that all in mind. Good luck