a good career choice?

myle in San Diego, California said: I was in the same position as you. I choose the path of respiratory therapy. I have one more year left. Sure, you do get paid A LOT more being a RDH. Most dentist employ hygienists part time. Therefore, you will not get health benefits. As a respiratory therapist you do (excluding per diem). I was a dental assistant for 5 years. I am happy with the choice I made.

Hope that helps.

It is so true . It's sad but I only work 2 days , I fax over 140 resumes and only 4 responded back. I'm BROKE AND CONSIDER GOING BACK TO SCHOOL FOR NURSING SOON.

lizabeth in Buffalo, New York said: i am also doing my prerequisites for the healthcare feilds. i am having a hard time choosing over respiratory therapist, and dental hygienist. i get a better vibe from the respiratory therapists end, but i hear that dental hygiene pays more. any suggestions, anyone who is a respiratory therapist or a dental hygienist, does dental/respiratory get free health insurance? i know thats a big factor to add in..help!

I went to school for Dental Hygiene, and decided I wanted to be a Respiratory Therapist instead. It was the best decision I could have made between the two. Depending on where you work, a RT will make more. You will also be doing a number of things being an RT vs. cleaning peoples mouths all day!

All of your opinions have been very helpful.Thank you very much. I was on the verge of attending the resp. therapy classes and was a bit undecided and found many people here i identified with. You have all managed to educate me and help me feel more confident about making such a life changing decision.... Thank you...

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

ed in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: I am a paramedic and looking into RT as a change of career. Paramedics only make on average about 30-38K A year and usually no room for advancement. Any advise?

I do national medical staffing and we just phased out our Respiratory department because it is so slow right now. The pay is also about $10.00 to 12.00 an hour lower than what we pay RN's. Speciality RN's are in great needs, ER, OR and ICU. It really makes no difference at all whether you do a 4 year (bachelors) or 2 year programs (associates). I would do an associates program, get some experience and then go back and get your bachelors. Hope this helps.

Leslie Willmann
1.800.523.3968
lwillmann@techgroupinc.com
www.techgroupinc.com

Where can I find a list of AMA-approved Respiratory Care programs? Are they they the same as NBRC accredited programs?

Janine in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: Thank you so-o-o much Rolinda for your reply... I always enjoy reading your responses to the questions in this forum. You're not only helpful to your patients but to all of us that are still "figuring things out!" Best wishes...

Hi Janine, Thank you for your comment. I appreciate the positive feedback. I wish you well. Good Journey.

Hi I have been recently inspired to become a RTT because I hear the annual salary is decent. When I looked into it, I was happy to know that I can see myself workind in this field and actually enjoy it as well. So when I spoke of this to a good friend, who has done mechanical and constructual jobs before, he said that he cant stand male nurses lol, but RRT is ok because he can see a man doing that and women as RN's. That completely sidetracked me.. I see the advice to "just do what makes you happy" and I think I should, but I have a couple questions that I think most of you can help with. I am 20 years old and study at a university. 1. will there be training/experience at the job site (hospital) to become a RN while working as a RTT and make about 80-90k a year? I was told that you can become an RN at some hospitals in about 3years while working. Or is the 80k the average for RTTs who work overtime? 2. Is the job feminine or masculine? 3. Is it really 3 days a week of 12 hr shifts? Thanks a lot for your feedback and experiences and I wish you all luck. David

Lindsay in Charleston, West Virginia said: I went to school for Dental Hygiene, and decided I wanted to be a Respiratory Therapist instead. It was the best decision I could have made between the two. Depending on where you work, a RT will make more. You will also be doing a number of things being an RT vs. cleaning peoples mouths all day!

Hi Lindsay,
I'm a dental hygienist and I want out out out ! NO JOBS AVAILABLE. I have a couple of questions to ask you and I hope you don't mind. I don't want to jump back to college just to find out there's no jobs out there. I didn't do enough research before I went into hygiene program. Here are my questions:

1. How is the RT program like?
2. Is there a certain amount of # of patients you need to see and certain amount of procedures you need to do in order for you to pass clinical portion?

Dental hygiene students had to bust butts to find patients and give certain amount of # of procedures and if patients don't show up then you are on "crap street", it was very stressful finding the "right patient" for the board exam too.

Elisa in New York, New York said: Respiratory Therapist are very much needed nation wide, and I believe that the demand for Respiratory Therapist will have a significant impact on annual salaries as it did for nurses in the late 90's.

Many people are being clinically diagnosed with obstructive pulmonary diseases; obesity; sleep depravation due to breathing disorders; cystic fibrosis; child and adult set asthma; emphyzema; lung cancer; lung abnormalities, etc.

Not to mention all of the known smoking cessation clinics and sleep laboratories; obesity clinics; hospital-respiratory care departments, and all reported acute care incidents.

Of course their will always be high demands for other ranks in the medical field, but if you have done your homework, you would see the high demands for RTT, are at a steady fast growing rate, which opens doors to competitive salary, as it did for nurses.

I am a freshman at my local community college, in New York City, but I do not plan to stop with just an associates degree.

I'm a strong believer of climbing to reach the top, not just climbing and getting stuck in the middle, waiting for someone else to pass you, to later on regret.

Hi,

Can you tell me a little about the school clinical portion for Res.Therapy program? Thank you for your time.

ciaociao in San Carlos, California said: i also forgot to say: dental hygiene is a great choice. and....... you can get benefits with a pt position. it can be done. they make a great salary and have a position that commands respect. you can always get your own health insurance (i do) and it isn't that expensive. i am a single 34 year old and spent less than $200 a month on kaiser. not considering dental hygiene as a pt option instead of ft rt is stupid. taking pt dental hygiene and getting bene's elsewhere is a mcuh "healthier" option. you do your homework!

I totally disagree with you . go to dental hygiene forum and you'll be depress. THERE ARE NO JOBS FOR DENTAL HYGIENIST THE MARKET IS FLOODED , PERIOD. I'M IN THE FIELD , I KNOW. I LIKE WHAT I DO, BUT THE JOBS ARE NOT OUT THERE.

There are few career options once you graduate R.T. school. You can Be a floor/ICU therapist,work in a sleep lab,cath lab, or a pulmonary function test lab. Not much else.

Nursing is a better choice. With nursing, if you are unhappy with your job, there are hundreds more. In Respiratory they are few and far between.

Do a search on monster .com if you don't believe me.

But.......if you are happy to be in a job that only requires 2 years of school that will launch you into middle class, well, RT is ok. It can be an exciting job at times. It can be rewarding at times as well. Just remember there are few career options.

Thomas in Roanoke, Virginia said: There are few career options once you graduate R.T. school. You can Be a floor/ICU therapist,work in a sleep lab,cath lab, or a pulmonary function test lab. Not much else.

Nursing is a better choice. With nursing, if you are unhappy with your job, there are hundreds more. In Respiratory they are few and far between.

Do a search on monster .com if you don't believe me.

But.......if you are happy to be in a job that only requires 2 years of school that will launch you into middle class, well, RT is ok. It can be an exciting job at times. It can be rewarding at times as well. Just remember there are few career options.

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.

Carolina in Arlington, Texas said: Where can I find a list of AMA-approved Respiratory Care programs? Are they they the same as NBRC accredited programs?

Hi Carolina, I advise researching schools and personally contacting the Respiratory Therapy programs you are interested in to confirm Accreditation by the AMA. But most legitimately Accredited Respiratory Therapy programs will list which organizations they are Accredited by on their website and in their program brochures. For example the Respiratory Therapy program I graduated from at Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, California lists they are Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and they are a member of American Association of Junior Colleges, Community College League of California and National Commission on Accreditation. And their Respiratory Therapy program is Accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care(CoArc)and the American Medical Association(AMA). I hope this helps. I wish you well. Good Journey.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Hi Carolina, I advise researching schools and personally contacting the Respiratory Therapy programs you are interested in to confirm Accreditation by the AMA. But most legitimately Accredited Respiratory Therapy programs will list which organizations they are Accredited by on their website and in their program brochures. For example the Respiratory Therapy program I graduated from at Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, California lists they are Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and they are a member of American Association of Junior Colleges, Community College League of California and National Commission on Accreditation. And their Respiratory Therapy program is Accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care(CoArc)and the American Medical Association(AMA). I hope this helps. I wish you well. Good Journey.

Rolinda, Thank you for your response!

Hi everyone,

The sky is the limit for RTs brave enough to start their own business. There are RTs in business who earn well over $500,000 - 1,000,000 per year. Your RT training can be more valuable than you think.

In fact you can start an RT business from your home in your spare time. This site will give you a launching point for anyone who is interested.

www.respiratoryentrepreneur.com

I am deciding RT or Nursing. Is RT less stressful? I'd like to work with babies, like nicu, could I specialize in that?

Brenda,Have you use the site?I really want to own my RT business.

Brenda in Glen Burnie, Maryland said: Hi everyone,

The sky is the limit for RTs brave enough to start their own business. There are RTs in business who earn well over $500,000 - 1,000,000 per year. Your RT training can be more valuable than you think.

In fact you can start an RT business from your home in your spare time. This site will give you a launching point for anyone who is interested.

www.respiratoryentrepreneur.com

Hi Jenna,

Honestly, I created the home workshop that this site is promoting. Even still,this is the best resource around for an RCP interested in starting a respiratory bznz because it gives insight into ten different respiratory companies.

Starting your own business is not going to be easy, but it is definitely possible and within your reach. The Respiratory field is wide open for business opportunities. Actually I have owned a PFT Lab, ABG Lab, a Respiratory Agency, Homecare diagnostic company and now I am moving into CEU's and publishing.

If your dream is to own your own business than go for it. I think it is a strong decision and I think that this is a good place to start. Feel free to send me a personal email for more info. I'd love to talk to you about it.

Brenda

www.respiratoryentrepreneur.com

Hi Brenda,
You can e-mail me at healthneed82@yahoo.com,so we can talk more on the business options in RT.

I use to work as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant until PPS came along and changed everything. High productivity requirements and lifting heavy people took it's toll on me. I just finished a Physicians Assistant program last May and so far I love it. Good money and respect which is something I never got as a COTA. Bye the way... COTA is also suppose to be one of the fastest growing fields per the Federal Government. However, there is a reason for that... major burnout and turnover!

Will do.

Lynne in San Diego, California said: Go for nursing! I also work in San Diego as an RRT making more then 60,000 a year. My boyfriend is a nurse and makes more then 75,000. With no overtime. Also, try to go for a bachelor program if money and time allow. Go through a community college program, not one of those "over priced" never heard of schools (they do not care about the quality of your education all they want is your money). The community college credits are transferable to a major university. Being a respiratory therapist is a good job, but don't get stuck in this field. Good luck.

hello lynne I waswondering is it a big demand for rrt in san diego, Im trying to debate if i should go to school for nursing or rrt. What school did you go to for your training as an rrt? would you recommend the school?

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Lizabeth, If you like variety and truly enjoy helping people then a career as a Respiratory Therapist is for you. I have enjoyed working as a Respiratory Therapist for nine years. I meet new, interesting people every day and each day is an adventure; always different and exciting. I work with excellent Nurses, Colleagues, Support Staff and highly knowledgable and skilled Physicians. I am continually learning from my coworkers and especially our patients. Respiratory Therapists work in many areas such as Inpatient Care in Hospitals, Floor work, Neonatal, Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Critical Care/ICU, Trauma/ER, Outpatient Care in Pulmonary Function Labs, Research, Home Care, Cardiopulmonary, Pulmonary Rehab, Sleep Labs, Flight Therapists, Travel Therapists...etc. With the nationwide shortage of qualified Respiratory Therapists our salaries are increasing along with demand. Medical Institutions are competitively recruiting qualified, experienced Respiratory Therapists from one another. A coworker with over 30 years experience was just offered $36.00/hr by a competitor and unfortunately will be leaving us. Health, Vision and Dental are offered by most Employers with small paycheck deductions along with Matching a Percentage(differs with each Employer)of their employees' Retirement Contributions, also deducted from paychecks. I work in an exciting field which offers many opportunites to learn new skills and grow personally as well as a Respiratory Therapist. I wish you well. Good luck.

Hello Rolinda, I would like to know how is the job market in San Diego for RRT, and what do you think of California career college of san diego in san diego?

Brenda,
Do you have any idea,how much is the rate for new RRT in Maryland or Washington DC area.Is it true that Baltimore area pay more? Thanks

lbowknee in San Diego, California said: Hello Rolinda, I would like to know how is the job market in San Diego for RRT, and what do you think of California career college of san diego in san diego?

Hi 1bowknee, There is a great need for RRTs in San Diego, especially for the abundant Night positions which remain open. A few Per Diem/Casual and Part Time positions are also available. Full Time Day positions are difficult to find since they fill quickly when they become available. It seems even with the $4.00/hr differential for working Nights the trend is RTs prefer to work Days. As far as California Career College, I am not familiar with their current school structure, program curriculum or organizations they are accredited by. Apparently California College revamped everything. According to a now ex coworker who attended their original RT program, they were changing their school structure, instructors, program curriculum toward the end of her program which was very chaotic. And they have raised their tuition. I advise carefully researching all schools and RT programs you are interested in here in San Diego. I wish you well. Good journey.

I'm not sure Jenna, but I'll check for you. I haven't worked in a hospital for over 15 years. I've owned my own business since 1992, but I still have friends that work in the area hospitals. So, I'll get back to you soon.

Brenda

Hello Rolinda,

I spoke to an RT counselor this past Friday. She was very nice and told me that I would make a good RT. I told her about the situation in dental hygiene and she showed me the lab,chest x-ray, breathing machine that cost $30000 dollars(i forgot the name,it begin with a letter S)she gave me a form so that i can shadow an RT , it's a prereq.that i have to do before I enter the program. So, next step for me is to talk to a counselor, and shadow an RT. I'll keep you posted. Take care.

Ibflossing1

ibflossing1 in hollywood, Florida said: Hello Rolinda,

I spoke to an RT counselor this past Friday. She was very nice and told me that I would make a good RT. I told her about the situation in dental hygiene and she showed me the lab,chest x-ray, breathing machine that cost $30000 dollars(i forgot the name,it begin with a letter S)she gave me a form so that i can shadow an RT , it's a prereq.that i have to do before I enter the program. So, next step for me is to talk to a counselor, and shadow an RT. I'll keep you posted. Take care.

Ibflossing1

Hi ibflossing1, Congratulations, sounds like you're starting out on the right track with a good school RT program. You will make a great RT. In the short time we have been in contact I feel you will be great at any career you choose. I agree with your counselor. And shadowing a Respiratory Therapist will help you decide if this career is right for you. Life is an adventure. Enjoy the ride. Keep me posted. Good journey.

Kari in Denver, CO said: I use to work as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant until PPS came along and changed everything. High productivity requirements and lifting heavy people took it's toll on me. I just finished a Physicians Assistant program last May and so far I love it. Good money and respect which is something I never got as a COTA. Bye the way... COTA is also suppose to be one of the fastest growing fields per the Federal Government. However, there is a reason for that... major burnout and turnover!

hi kari, do you know of any pa programs that are offered part-time? i can't find any. thanks!

Sissy in Johnson City, Tennessee said: I'm in school right now, at ETSU and their program is a 4year program as an rrt, this is probably the best way to go, more pay if is 4 years than 2 years but do yal know what the average pay for resp.therapist with a 4 year degree.

An RRT is an RRT no matter if they have a 2 year degree or a 4 year degree, I have never seen someone get a pay bump when they walk into the department with a 4 year degree as opposed to a 2 year. They make the same as everyone else with the RRT credential. The reason people go on for 4 year degrees is to go into management or to teach. I highly suggest staying away from 4 year RT programs. You can get as good an education in a 2 year program, save you lots of time and money, and get you out into the field much more quickly.

stacey in Dearborn, Michigan said: I just started school at a community college and am wanting to get into the respiratory therapy program but I heard theres a waiting list...

I don't know how long the list is but I wanted to know overall if I should wait to get put on it? is it worth it? my mom passed away because of a respiratory failure she had emphysema, bad asthma etc. so i became interested in it.

if someone could tell me if its worth the wait and everything I would feel better and have a better idea of what I should do...because right now I'm debating if I should find another field.

Do not walk but RUN to the admissions over at HFCC and get into Ms. Szymanski's RT program (or the wait list). Of all the colleges 2 and 4 year in the country, HFCC ranks in the top 5 in the entire country for 1st time pass success rates on the written registry and the clin sims (the components of an RRT credential).

You are so lucky to live where you do if respiratory is your choice. As a graduate of her program, you are fought over by hospitals all across the state. It is a very hard program but well worth it. You can expect to start out at $21 or so an hour right out of school if you stay in the Dearborn area.

I live in Apple Valley. I am looking for a RT school(s) beside Concord. Any?

Thanks,
Ron

I wanted to add. My wife is a LVN and makes $22 at her last job. RT make in our area $25 out of school. I know some have asked. Thought I would add this information.

PS. She is going back for her RN this summer :-)

I have a six year old son with asthma and i like to know what's going on with him in every aspect. i also always been interested in the allied health.Iam seriously considering a career in RT. Is this a good choice-with all the waiting list for most programs-will this be worth my time?

stacey in Dearborn, Michigan said: I just started school at a community college and am wanting to get into the respiratory therapy program but I heard theres a waiting list...

I don't know how long the list is but I wanted to know overall if I should wait to get put on it? is it worth it? my mom passed away because of a respiratory failure she had emphysema, bad asthma etc. so i became interested in it.

if someone could tell me if its worth the wait and everything I would feel better and have a better idea of what I should do...because right now I'm debating if I should find another field.

I work in respiratory for aprox 5 years, it is rewarding at times when you can help save a life, but the work conditions are not very good, expect to be on your feet for 8 to 12 hours straight and not eat lunch quite often. Most of the time if one patient is not breathing well, you can assure another one will be calling you at the same time. The stress and work envirenment is not worth the pay. I am now 36 and realizing I may not be able to work this hard in 10 years and trying to find another way to make a living. I already have children so going to college again may not be easy. I can just tell you I would not encourage my children to go into this field. There are other Better options with nursing, There are nursing to patient ratios with nursing. Respiratory therapist can have 12 vent patients, 4 really bad, all needing your attention, you have to neglect one to help another, High Stress, Not enough pay. Don't get stuck.
Christine RRT

In all honesty, if you are getting 12 vent patient loads, then you are working at a facility that doesn't seem to want to hire enough staff to share the burden. Find a hospital that has a policy in writting that they won't give more than "x" vents to any therapist. I found a many places to work that had such policies in place when I got out of school because I had heard the horror stories you are telling. The place I work will call the temp staffing agency and have someone there in an hour to split the loads should anyone get assigned more than 8 vent patients due to call ins/no shows. Just depends on what hospital you work.

lizabeth in Buffalo, New York said: i am also doing my prerequisites for the healthcare feilds. i am having a hard time choosing over respiratory therapist, and dental hygienist. i get a better vibe from the respiratory therapists end, but i hear that dental hygiene pays more. any suggestions, anyone who is a respiratory therapist or a dental hygienist, does dental/respiratory get free health insurance? i know thats a big factor to add in..help!

I have been an RRT eight years, though I do like my job, there are a lot of disadvantages and I do wish I had made another career path. My cousin was considering respiratory and I advised him to do dental hygiene which he did. YES, I said HE!! He got a job right away, started out at what took me 8 years to make and doesn't have to work nights, weekends or holidays (you ever go to get your teeth cleaned on christmas?). However, in my area, many dentists do not hire Full time and thus do not pay benefits. Therefore, he works two jobs to have full time hours; that takes care of the income, but not the benefits. Oh, and though I do have health insurance, I do have to pay about 200.00 per pay (biweekly)for them!

What is his and your hourly pay?

i'm a dental hygienist. I do have to comment on some of the thing you said about being a dental hygienist. There are no benefits, 90% of the dentist in the U.S doesn't hire full time because they can't fill the schedule with patients. Sure, I don't have to work nites, or holidays as a matter of fact I only work once or twice a week due to job shortage in this field. There is a reason why hygienist don't work full time, carpal tunnel symdrome and back and neck pain. It's very labor intensive and there's no growth. DON"T DO IT. I WANT TO INVITE ALL WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT GOING INTO HYGIENE TO CHECK OUT THIS SITE (INDEED) AND PUT IN DENTAL HYGIENE THEN TYPE LOOKING FOR A JOB. READ SOME OF THE COMMENTS AND BE YOUR OWN JUDGE.

lizabeth in Buffalo, New York said: i am also doing my prerequisites for the healthcare feilds. i am having a hard time choosing over respiratory therapist, and dental hygienist. i get a better vibe from the respiratory therapists end, but i hear that dental hygiene pays more. any suggestions, anyone who is a respiratory therapist or a dental hygienist, does dental/respiratory get free health insurance? i know thats a big factor to add in..help!

I see a great advantage in Respirtory instead of a dental hygienist. As a hygienist you are confined to the walls of the clinic. As a RT you get to travel throughout the hospital, transport patients by ground or air. Many different disciplines..Pulmonary function, vascular, hyperbarric, ICU, open heart units, Burn units, pediatrics, emergency room, traumas,...etc. I could go on. Always something new. I've been an RRT of 15 years. If you wish to continue education as an RT in a hospital, most institutions have tuition reembursment. I even went through nursing only to stay in RT(starting salary was less than my salary as an RT). I make about 55,000. My wife made 59,000 as a nurse. Very comparible. The more skills the more pay. Learn to intubate, place artlines, do bronchoscopies..etc. RT was a great experience and I don't ever regrett it. Through hospital tuition reembursment, I'm taking classes finish prerequsites for PA school.

DO NOT GO FOR RESPIRATORY, there are no jobs available.
The market has been flooded with therapists.

I recently graduated and cannot find job anywhere. The same goes for quite a few other therapists I know.
I have applied everywhere west of the Mississippi and it is impossible to get a job.
Search on Monster.com or check your local paper, there are no ads for RT jobs, but a ton of wanted ads for nursing.

A career in RT is a huge mistake!!!

Duane in Tucson, Arizona said: DO NOT GO FOR RESPIRATORY, there are no jobs available.
The market has been flooded with therapists.

I recently graduated and cannot find job anywhere. The same goes for quite a few other therapists I know.
I have applied everywhere west of the Mississippi and it is impossible to get a job.
Search on Monster.com or check your local paper, there are no ads for RT jobs, but a ton of wanted ads for nursing.

A career in RT is a huge mistake!!!

Are you kidding me????!!!!. When searching for available Respiratory Therapy positions online, here on indeed.com alone you can see how many jobs are available. I found a plethora of positions open. There is a shortage and Respiratory Therapists are in demand, especially those with experience. Available positions are not always advertised in the paper. Institutions may utilize other resources. Employee referral programs for example are an excellent way to find quality Respiratory Therapists. Headhunting is another method used. Many institutions actively recruit experienced Respiratory Therapists from their competitors by offering higher salaries. Respiratory Therapy is a relatively small field and we are part of this community. Most of us know each other, especially here in San Diego. I have had the pleasure of working with some great Respiratory therapists and met very knowledgeable students during their clinical rotations. Networking is an excellent way to obtain information and find out about available positions. Don't give up your search. Hope this helps. Good journey.

You should come to Illinois. We have a great shortage. As far as I know, all surrounding areas are in desperate need of RRT's. We have even contracted travelers because the work loads are so high. Don't know what part of the country your from...but don't speak for all of us. We could use the help. Sounds like you need to put out more than just one application.

Duane in Tucson, Arizona said: DO NOT GO FOR RESPIRATORY, there are no jobs available.
The market has been flooded with therapists.

I recently graduated and cannot find job anywhere. The same goes for quite a few other therapists I know.
I have applied everywhere west of the Mississippi and it is impossible to get a job.
Search on Monster.com or check your local paper, there are no ads for RT jobs, but a ton of wanted ads for nursing.

A career in RT is a huge mistake!!!

What ARE you talking about? There are 100's of job openings for RRT's. What are your credentials? I put my resume up on Monster.com the other day just for giggles and within a day I had job offers from all around the country.

What's the pay there?
"You should come to Illinois. We have a great shortage. As far as I know, all surrounding areas are in desperate need of RRT's. We have even contracted travelers because the work loads are so high. Don't know what part of the country your from...but don't speak for all of us. We could use the help. Sounds like you need to put out more than just one application."

There are jobs out there for respiratory thearapist. I know this for a fact because one of my friend is an RN and she said they need RRT very badly.

Try this website you are on now (www.indeed.com) , click jobs, type the state in which you want to work in and type this in the search box : respiratory thearapist and you'll see tons of jobs offer.

I'm a register dental hygienist and jobs opening are a joke. Try what I suggested and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Duane in Tucson, Arizona said: DO NOT GO FOR RESPIRATORY, there are no jobs available.
The market has been flooded with therapists.

I recently graduated and cannot find job anywhere. The same goes for quite a few other therapists I know.
I have applied everywhere west of the Mississippi and it is impossible to get a job.
Search on Monster.com or check your local paper, there are no ads for RT jobs, but a ton of wanted ads for nursing.

A career in RT is a huge mistake!!!

Hi Duane, Since available Respiratory Therapy positions in your area are scarce, I suggest, thinking outside the box. Be creative. Consider relocating to another city or state. The possibilities are endless. We are in demand. The doors are wide open, go for it!. Hope this helps. Good journey.

i am an engineer with a master's degree. I am changing my field to medical and RT is the one I want to be. I like the phase of work and helping people the most.
I feel that if we put our heart and mind , we can be successful in whatever we do.

hi,
i have a masters degree in electrical engineering. i am basically burnt out by the industry. i was always facinated by the medical field, now after seeing some of my loved ones die of heart disease,
i am very much prepared to make the jump(mentally)
thanks for the info!