a good career choice?

Glad your laughing, but not so funny for the rest of us. No jobs in Flint, and I am unable to commute to detroit.

I'm about to apply to concord college for respiratory therapist because community colleges are too packed nowadays, I want an associates degree, it is possible to get a job with just an associates degree?? Do RTs have to work night shifts, for example is there an specific work place such as facilities or hospitals where RTs won't have to work night shifts? I want to get a loan, but I have bad credit (I purchased some college books [$300] a couple of years ago with a credit card and due to an emergency I had to leave out of state for a year and was not able to pay it, BUT IM ALMOST DONE PAYING, TWO MORE PAYMENTS TO GO!! YAY) DO YOU know if there's a bank where they can loan students with bad credit? I will truly appreciate your response/information

First of all, I wouldn't even consider wasting my time going to school if you are not willing to work nights. RTs work all shifts. New RTs get stuck on night shift first. The only way you will get dayshift is after yrs of working night shift and the dayshift people retire. If you can get into home health, they mostly work dayshift, but they are on call nights and weekends. So I think you need to decide whether you are willing to work any shift at any hospital before you do anything else.

hi everyone.I just start Respiratory Therapy on Oakland CC.I am concerned about the waiting list.someone told mi it might be 3 years.Is that true?Can someone answer my question? Thanks a lot.

I've been in respiratory therapy for 20 years. I love it. I've worked both the acute care side and the skilled side (when medicare used to pay us for that). I've worked with long term vents, ones that were eventually going to be wean-able and the ones who were going to just die on there. I enjoy my job 90% of the time. HOWEVER, right now I am looking for alternative route to take. I want to find something out there where I can get out of the healthcare/hospital setting. It seems that as far as that goes I'm not finding much. I was really excited about a Industrial Hygienist position I'd heard about but it seems you need a degree in radiology for that. What a bummer....

I am 38 years old and desperately in need of a career change, and I am looking at RT. I obtained my EMT-B certification years ago, with the idea that it might be helpful in pursuing a career in firefighting. However, that career path never materialized and all I was able to find were EMS jobs on ambulance crews, and that is simply not what I wanted to do. So I returned to my old "career" as a cook, which is also not what I want to be doing, while I reassessed my interests and options. Then some years later my grandmother grew very ill and was placed in the hopsital, where she ultimately passed away. However, during the weeks I visited her in the hopsital, I became fascinated by the RT's who cared for her and decided that's what I should do. While salary is obviously an important factor in life, money is not my number one priority -- it's a commitment to helping people. Can anyone tell me if this would be a good choice? My other fields of interest include Surgical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Medical Assistant, but my greatest interest is RT.

being an RT sucks. find another option..

SKuenle in Springfield, Illinois said: I am 38 years old and desperately in need of a career change, and I am looking at RT. I obtained my EMT-B certification years ago, with the idea that it might be helpful in pursuing a career in firefighting. However, that career path never materialized and all I was able to find were EMS jobs on ambulance crews, and that is simply not what I wanted to do. So I returned to my old "career" as a cook, which is also not what I want to be doing, while I reassessed my interests and options. Then some years later my grandmother grew very ill and was placed in the hopsital, where she ultimately passed away. However, during the weeks I visited her in the hopsital, I became fascinated by the RT's who cared for her and decided that's what I should do. While salary is obviously an important factor in life, money is not my number one priority -- it's a commitment to helping people. Can anyone tell me if this would be a good choice? My other fields of interest include Surgical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Medical Assistant, but my greatest interest is RT.

While being an RT is gratifying, now is not a good time to be starting a training program to become an RT. The market is oversaturated, the student loans are costly--and are only deferred for a short time post-graduation, and full-time RT positions for a new grad are a rare find. The process is a financial hardship in this economy--which is rarely addressed in this forum. The only field you mention that is not oversaturated due to private allied health schools is Surgical Tech--which is a challenging/hard job (standing long hours, very hard on the back and bladder). Please explore ALL your options before making a decision. Good luck.

RRT_RPFT in Penasqitos, California said: While being an RT is gratifying, now is not a good time to be starting a training program to become an RT. The market is oversaturated, the student loans are costly--and are only deferred for a short time post-graduation, and full-time RT positions for a new grad are a rare find. The process is a financial hardship in this economy--which is rarely addressed in this forum. The only field you mention that is not oversaturated due to private allied health schools is Surgical Tech--which is a challenging/hard job (standing long hours, very hard on the back and bladder). Please explore ALL your options before making a decision. Good luck.

Thank you for the insight and opinion -- I really appreciate it. So then are you saying OTA would also not be a wise choice? My issue with the Surgical Tech path is that, while I am intelligent, I'm not sure I'm up to the challenge(s) that I imagine ST would pose. With Medical Assisting (the least of my listed interests) it seems the pay almost isn't worth the cost of the education, and I've read there is somewhat of an unfair gender discrimination involved that can make it quite difficult for a male to find work as a MA.

RRT_RPFT in Penasqitos, California said: While being an RT is gratifying, now is not a good time to be starting a training program to become an RT. The market is oversaturated, the student loans are costly--and are only deferred for a short time post-graduation, and full-time RT positions for a new grad are a rare find. The process is a financial hardship in this economy--which is rarely addressed in this forum. The only field you mention that is not oversaturated due to private allied health schools is Surgical Tech--which is a challenging/hard job (standing long hours, very hard on the back and bladder). Please explore ALL your options before making a decision. Good luck.

how ridiculous. check the ST forum, and you'll see a handful of people saying the same thing as you say about RT. 'ST is not the way to go, go for nursing/RT/radiology, etc. Please explore all options.' Every field for the medical industry want experience. I guess we're all screwed wherever we go, right?

SKuenle in Springfield, Illinois said: I am 38 years old and desperately in need of a career change, and I am looking at RT. I obtained my EMT-B certification years ago, with the idea that it might be helpful in pursuing a career in firefighting. However, that career path never materialized and all I was able to find were EMS jobs on ambulance crews, and that is simply not what I wanted to do. So I returned to my old "career" as a cook, which is also not what I want to be doing, while I reassessed my interests and options. Then some years later my grandmother grew very ill and was placed in the hopsital, where she ultimately passed away. However, during the weeks I visited her in the hopsital, I became fascinated by the RT's who cared for her and decided that's what I should do. While salary is obviously an important factor in life, money is not my number one priority -- it's a commitment to helping people. Can anyone tell me if this would be a good choice? My other fields of interest include Surgical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Medical Assistant, but my greatest interest is RT.

I really strongly suggest to look for nursing or other career because RT is overly saturated. 28 of us graduated aug of last year and none of us got a job. We all passed the CRT and half of us passed RRT. 38 new grads after us and none of them got a job,too. Even career services told us that economy is bad right now and hardly any jobs for newly grad RTs. Imagine this is only coming from 1 school....3 of my classmates including myself are working for free at a pulmonary clinic just to gain experience. If thats not something you're willing to do then look for another career.

RRT/RCP in Santa Ana, California said: I really strongly suggest to look for nursing or other career because RT is overly saturated. 28 of us graduated aug of last year and none of us got a job. We all passed the CRT and half of us passed RRT. 38 new grads after us and none of them got a job,too. Even career services told us that economy is bad right now and hardly any jobs for newly grad RTs. Imagine this is only coming from 1 school....3 of my classmates including myself are working for free at a pulmonary clinic just to gain experience. If thats not something you're willing to do then look for another career.

Maybe it's hard for you to find a job because of your location. There's plenty of RT jobs out there, you just have to be willing to relocate. The RT field is a great field to go into, but as you stated in "certain areas" jobs are limited especially for a graduate.

Arria Montgomery in Stone Mountain, Georgia said: Maybe it's hard for you to find a job because of your location. There's plenty of RT jobs out there, you just have to be willing to relocate. The RT field is a great field to go into, but as you stated in "certain areas" jobs are limited especially for a graduate.

I have license in 5 states. TX, CT, NY, CA, NJ. I even earned my SDS (from volunteering at a sleep lab and im still waiting for an opening)and PFT.
Some of my classmates have license in NV, TX and still cant find jobs.
There are jobs out there but they prefer experience RT's. Im only talking about newly grads.
Trust me I am willing to move anymore and drive hours and if i have to stay in a hotel everytime I work i would do that in a hearbeat.

RRT/RCP in Santa Ana, California said: I have license in 5 states. TX, CT, NY, CA, NJ. I even earned my SDS (from volunteering at a sleep lab and im still waiting for an opening)and PFT.
Some of my classmates have license in NV, TX and still cant find jobs.
There are jobs out there but they prefer experience RT's. Im only talking about newly grads.
Trust me I am willing to move anymore and drive hours and if i have to stay in a hotel everytime I work i would do that in a hearbeat.

I have licenses in 5 states. TX, CT, NY, CA, NJ. I even earned my SDS (from volunteering at a sleep lab and im still waiting for an opening)and PFT.
Some of my classmates have licenses in NV, TX and still cant find jobs.
There are jobs out there but they prefer experience RT's. Im only talking about newly grads.
Trust me I am willing to move anymore and drive hours and if i have to stay in a hotel everytime I work i would do that in a hearbeat.

Hello!! I too am debating whether or not to go into the RT field or Physical Therapist Assistant Field! I'm stuck I know I just want to help people I've always been that kind of a person and the health care field has always been something that interests me! Any information from current RT or PTAs that are located in the DFW Area I would love to hear from you, as well as the pay and benefits! Thanks! :)

All I have to say is that I have dumped a hell of a lot of money into becoming an RT, and have yet to get a job. Out of about 70-80 applications, with follow-up calls, I have only been asked to interview ONE TIME, for which I did not get the job. In school I was a model student and took a serious effort to comprehend and master all that entailed the field of respiratory therapy, which led to me receiving the title of valedictorian for my class. So it is not like I don't have good credentials in place of my lack of experience. What has been said previously in this forum is exactly right, it seems that for every position I have seen, they want you to have 1 to 2 years working experience in the field. My question is, how are you supposed to get the experience if you can't get hired as a new grad? If you are set on becoming an RT, I would definitely go the community college route rather than the trade school route. While you will probably be finishing the RT program faster through a trade school, you will be paying an exorbitant amount more. On top of that, none of the units/classes you take in a trade school are transferable. Also, if any RT's have any advice for my case, my ears are open; I'm stuck back in the same construction job I had before I tried to become an RT. I am still applying for open positions, but it just seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

John in Costa Mesa, California said: All I have to say is that I have dumped a hell of a lot of money into becoming an RT, and have yet to get a job. Out of about 70-80 applications, with follow-up calls, I have only been asked to interview ONE TIME, for which I did not get the job. In school I was a model student and took a serious effort to comprehend and master all that entailed the field of respiratory therapy, which led to me receiving the title of valedictorian for my class. So it is not like I don't have good credentials in place of my lack of experience. What has been said previously in this forum is exactly right, it seems that for every position I have seen, they want you to have 1 to 2 years working experience in the field. My question is, how are you supposed to get the experience if you can't get hired as a new grad? If you are set on becoming an RT, I would definitely go the community college route rather than the trade school route. While you will probably be finishing the RT program faster through a trade school, you will be paying an exorbitant amount more. On top of that, none of the units/classes you take in a trade school are transferable. Also, if any RT's have any advice for my case, my ears are open; I'm stuck back in the same construction job I had before I tried to become an RT. I am still applying for open positions, but it just seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

What school did u go to?? Im around Santa Ana /costa Mesa area

One word. English. Learn it.

One word. English. Learn it.

I went to Concorde in Garden Grove.

RRTRCP in Long Beach, California said: What school did u go to?? Im around Santa Ana /costa Mesa area

This is out there who on a daily basis questions whether respiratory is a good field to go into? NO NO NO. I have been in the field for over 12yrs and have seen a steady decline in needs along with budget cuts and slow periods.Point in case I just moved back to city where I went to school 12yrs ago, and after applying for a position,interviewing it is frozen now. My dreams of settling down after 4yrs of traveling of which that is dead now also, to have my dreams shattered of going back to school to escape this nightmare of absurd competition and over population of RT students or other RT's that are in same position I am in looking for work.
This has nothing to do with RRT or CRT its simple math no jobs to many RTs looking.
I have seen this from all sides and all the states I have been in, so for all out their looking or wondering if they should go to school for respiratory listen to all that posted and not to college advisors they are only there to make a buck off you.

It is now going back to if you are passionate about helping people. Being an RT should not be about making money or to get a job in the hospital, i believe thats what caused the oversaturation of people to the ealthcare field. Some say go to nursing, but they have the same issues with looking for jobs. I know of new grad rn's waiting 6 months to a year to land a job. I have seen new grad rt's get jobs and some who who have not. Let's face it, it's just hard to get a job anywhere. You are either in or you aren't, it's all about perseverance in an economy like this.

Well, this May it will have been 3 years since I graduated, and I have yet to make one dime from this career choice. I am still actively looking and applying for jobs; if this isn't perseverance, I don't know what is.

The main factor for me choosing RT as a career was in order to help people. I was previously a business major in college, and could not handle the greed, manipulation, and deception that was involved in most aspects of business. This led to me seeking a career in a field where I could help people by integrating knowledge and compassion. Unfortunately, in this world we all need money to survive, as this is the medium through which barter is executed. So, despite the importance of wanting to help people above making money, money is a factor in everything. I have payed about $10,000 and still owe $8,500 in principal plus interest on my student loan. I still have yet to make any money from working as an RT, yet my dream of landing a job and fulfilling the dream I sought after 5 years ago is still there and active. If this isn't perseverance, I don't know what is. I took my schooling very seriously so that when I would eventually be an RT I could help the patients I would be serving to the best of my ability. However, I cannot go on pursuing a dream if it just keeps on costing me money, and I am not able to actually work in that field and/or benefit monetarily from it. So...bottom line, money is a factor. I would like to see if anyone who says that it isn't take a 50% pay cut and remain at that job, I bet that 99% of the people put in that situation would instantly start looking for a job elsewhere. I believe that the majority of people get into healthcare to help people, but let's not pretend that is the sole reason.

I know an RT who graduated from Carrington College LV this past summer and landed a job with the facility he did his clinicals in. I say if it's for you it will happen. Relocating is also an option if the area you're in is not hiring.

Malia RRT in Norwalk, California said: It is now going back to if you are passionate about helping people. Being an RT should not be about making money or to get a job in the hospital, i believe thats what caused the oversaturation of people to the ealthcare field. Some say go to nursing, but they have the same issues with looking for jobs. I know of new grad rn's waiting 6 months to a year to land a job. I have seen new grad rt's get jobs and some who who have not. Let's face it, it's just hard to get a job anywhere. You are either in or you aren't, it's all about perseverance in an economy like this.

Ok u don't make any sense how are you going to help people if you can't get a job lol. So are we supposed to go to school and just love being an RT without a job. If we didn't like RT we wouldn't go for RT. If we didn't care about people we wouldn't take care of them. It's too many private schools for RTs and this private schools don't care about patients and definitely they just want money. It's not us RTs it's the schools and with the bad economy going on it's hurting us RTs.

Argghh people keep saying relocation I have 5 licenses in 5 different states and I applied almost every state in America and no job . I cannot have too many licenses I cannot afford to keep up I will get one if I get a possibility ..

rhoni702 in Las Vegas, Nevada said: I know an RT who graduated from Carrington College LV this past summer and landed a job with the facility he did his clinicals in. I say if it's for you it will happen. Relocating is also an option if the area you're in is not hiring.

I did extremely well in my clinical rotations, and even had two of my three clinical instructors tell me to contact them once I graduate for a job. I contacted both instructors and applied for open positions at the facilities at which they work, but have yet to be called in for an interview. At one facility I have applied for at least 20-30 postings, and followed up by calling to try and set up an interview. When I tried to speak with the respiratory supervisor over the phone to set up an interview, I was told by an RT that answered the phone that I was being "pushy" by following up with a call to set up an interview after I had applied.

RRTRCP in Santa Ana, California said: Ok u don't make any sense how are you going to help people if you can't get a job lol. So are we supposed to go to school and just love being an RT without a job. If we didn't like RT we wouldn't go for RT. If we didn't care about people we wouldn't take care of them. It's too many private schools for RTs and this private schools don't care about patients and definitely they just want money. It's not us RTs it's the schools and with the bad economy going on it's hurting us RTs.

My thoughts exactly. Where did you go to school? OCC, ACC, Concorde?

SKuenle in San Jose, Illinois said: Thank you for the insight and opinion -- I really appreciate it. So then are you saying OTA would also not be a wise choice? My issue with the Surgical Tech path is that, while I am intelligent, I'm not sure I'm up to the challenge(s) that I imagine ST would pose. With Medical Assisting (the least of my listed interests) it seems the pay almost isn't worth the cost of the education, and I've read there is somewhat of an unfair gender discrimination involved that can make it quite difficult for a male to find work as a MA.

You need to call the facilities in which you'd like to work, talk to their HR Dept, and ask about projected OTA positions. That's an awesome job--and if you can find a place that would be viable employment, then go for it! Starting a brand new career is challenging enough, but choosing to pay money to go into an oversaturated field is not wise. There are great male MA's, but MAs don't often make enough to survive on (research your area, it's saturation, and call some HR departments to get the true scoop). Please keep in mind that many schools have their salespeople post on this site, so the "encouragement" is not always a true state of the field's saturation. Dreams are important, but economic survival (and providing for those who depend upon you) is also critical. See what/where the jobs ARE, research them, and work towards THOSE if that is a path you wish to take.

John in Costa Mesa, California said: All I have to say is that I have dumped a hell of a lot of money into becoming an RT, and have yet to get a job. Out of about 70-80 applications, with follow-up calls, I have only been asked to interview ONE TIME, for which I did not get the job. In school I was a model student and took a serious effort to comprehend and master all that entailed the field of respiratory therapy, which led to me receiving the title of valedictorian for my class. So it is not like I don't have good credentials in place of my lack of experience. What has been said previously in this forum is exactly right, it seems that for every position I have seen, they want you to have 1 to 2 years working experience in the field. My question is, how are you supposed to get the experience if you can't get hired as a new grad? If you are set on becoming an RT, I would definitely go the community college route rather than the trade school route. While you will probably be finishing the RT program faster through a trade school, you will be paying an exorbitant amount more. On top of that, none of the units/classes you take in a trade school are transferable. Also, if any RT's have any advice for my case, my ears are open; I'm stuck back in the same construction job I had before I tried to become an RT. I am still applying for open positions, but it just seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

You are not alone!! So many people have learned the same gutwrenching lesson you have...after working hard and paying a LOT of money to achieve their dream of being an RT. ALL your points are valid! You are blessed to still have that construction job; many clinical students that came through my facility quit their jobs due to the demanding hours that were required, and while very qualified, none of them could be hired (no open positions, and still laying off RTs), and now they are struggling to find ANY work--even basic minimum wage.

Again HecTARD, learn some English before going off on how great nursing is. You are the poster child for "retarded speaky no Engrish nurse". Funny how I can run every machine you touch, but you can't even adjust a flow meter properly! That extra chromosome doesn't make you special, it makes you a Mongoloid. Congrats!

first off, i just wanted to thank everyone for talking the time to respond.

I'm seriously considering paying +$40k at a private college to become a RT. Yes, expensive, but for me doing a 18 month program vs. a community college 3+ year program makes the price justified. I know the job market is very bad, but I am willing to take the risk.

My question is for those who went the private school route, how much were your loans for (ball park after interests), how much were your payments per month, and did you qualify for financial aid (which i believe are government grants) through the school?

Also, for people who are licensed in other states, is it as simple as just passing the state boards?

Thank you in advance and any help would be greatly appreciated!

Would anyone kindly share some advice on pursuing a career as an R.T in South Florida/period. Im looking to get a degree towards that field but have little knowledge on what to expect. I need to know if this is a good, secure choice and what path I should follow so I may come out on top like you fellow commenters! Please and Thank you kindly!!

Eugene in Granada Hills, California said: first off, i just wanted to thank everyone for talking the time to respond.

I'm seriously considering paying +$40k at a private college to become a RT. Yes, expensive, but for me doing a 18 month program vs. a community college 3+ year program makes the price justified. I know the job market is very bad, but I am willing to take the risk.

My question is for those who went the private school route, how much were your loans for (ball park after interests), how much were your payments per month, and did you qualify for financial aid (which i believe are government grants) through the school?

Also, for people who are licensed in other states, is it as simple as just passing the state boards?

Thank you in advance and any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for asking that ?? I also would like to know that information!!

Eugene in Granada Hills, California said: first off, i just wanted to thank everyone for talking the time to respond.

I'm seriously considering paying +$40k at a private college to become a RT. Yes, expensive, but for me doing a 18 month program vs. a community college 3+ year program makes the price justified. I know the job market is very bad, but I am willing to take the risk.

My question is for those who went the private school route, how much were your loans for (ball park after interests), how much were your payments per month, and did you qualify for financial aid (which i believe are government grants) through the school?

Also, for people who are licensed in other states, is it as simple as just passing the state boards?

Thank you in advance and any help would be greatly appreciated!

The loan costs are highly individual--your interest rate depends upon your credit rating (for the private portion of the loans--student loans will NOT cover all of the 'private school' tuition). The public loan portion will NOT be able to be deferred post-graduation. The interest accrues during your deferment. I had outstanding credit, and the interest on all 4 loans (all made through the Financial Aid dept of my private school) is about $130 EACH per quarter, over a period of years. The remainder of monies owed to your school will be yet another in-house loan to them. When you graduate, you will be paying 3 separate loans at one time (NOT a consolidation loan), all while being unemployed or earning very little money. I you have searched this board and actually READ the posts from graduates of private schools (Pima, CCSD, Concord), and you STILL decide to attend, then I feel badly for you--but you made your own decision. Good luck--you'll need it.

Oversaturation of Rt's in Western New York, Students that graduated 2 years ago are now only being able to get into per diem positions. Colleges are pumping out 20-30 students per year (per college) when probably only 5-10 are retiring or relocating with hospitals not expanding but consolidating. Students are still told that their is a huge demand before they enter the program and now suddenly told to look to relocate to Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina for positions. In my opinion, healthcare in general is becoming a difficult field to find a good full time job. Employers are looking to hire part time (if your lucky) or per diem so they don't need to offer benefits. Just my 2 cents but i've been a RRT for 5 years now and as each year passes, the job oppertunities get more scarce than a Buffalo bills play off run..

Eugene in Granada Hills, California said: first off, i just wanted to thank everyone for talking the time to respond.

My question is for those who went the private school route, how much were your loans for (ball park after interests), how much were your payments per month, and did you qualify for financial aid (which i believe are government grants) through the school?

Also, for people who are licensed in other states, is it as simple as just passing the state boards?

Thank you in advance and any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi, I'm in a CC program, graduating in June. It's a two year program/degree after prereqs, which take a year. I am carrying a 4.0 but it's taken nearly every moment of my life to do so. I have absolutely no idea how any program can condense the amount of material you need to know into 18 months. I've taken 3 quarters of Anatomy and Physiology alone and it's taken all that time to understand the pharmacological effects on it.

Also, many of these private colleges are NOT accredited, so your "degree" will only apply to letting you take your boards. If you want to go on in your education, you've just thrown $40k away and have to start over. If that's the case, it will never justify the price.

Maxing out your federal student loans will pay for about half of it. You will need to get private loans for the rest. Frankly, if you have to do that for any program then the cost is too expensive for you to do. $20k payment at 4.5% is $210 plus what's accrued. The private loan interest will be much higher, 6-10% which is roughly another $250.

So in 18 months you could owe almost $500 a month for a shot at a job that pays less than $20hr starting (if you can find a job, since some hospitals aren't accepting degrees from these colleges)and you may have a degree/credits that won't transfer to any other school in the country.

Make sure this isn't the case

Based on my personal experience.. Half of my coworkers are CC grads, the other half are trade school graduates and a few have bachelor's. The bachelor's matters if you are looking to
Become a shift leader/supervisor/manager. The main thing they are looking for is that you have your RRT, confidence and willingness to be trained. I work at a university hospital and am a state employee which makes getting hired very competitive. They will also help their employees with trade school education to pursue bachelor degrees. I started as a tech setting up vents, bronch kits, assisting therapists and O2/gas set ups which was what really helped me get my career started. Nowadays, many RT students are volunteering or getting tech jobs to get their foot in the door. It definitely helps to be a "familiar" face to future employers and they will rather hire from within than hire an external candidate.

Foothill college has the respiratory therapy program in los altos. Kind of near de anza college in cupertino.

Amanda in Yuba City, California said: I've read most of the stuff on this page, and it's really helped. I've been thinking about going to school for a RT job, but i am kinda stuck. I've been at community college just waiting to find my true calling, so i already have my AA. Can anybody suggest a good RT college in Northern California?? I've looked a lot on the internet at schools, and the only ones i see are schools like Heald and San Juaquine Valley College. Not to say that they aren't good schools, but if i can get the school from a UC or SCU, i'd rather do that. If anybody knows any classes to take at community college or where to go to school, i'd appreciate the advice!!

I'm currently studying for my associates degree/graphic design but am also thinking of becoming an RT.

There's already too many Graphic Designers nowadays and the workplace is too stressful.(My friend was who works as a Graphic Designer for a toy company has even considered dropping his job to work at Lowes)

I'm planning on going to Concord to become an RT. I suffer with asthma and i find this job very interesting(I don't mind standing for long hours; i already do that at college with all the overcrowding).

But I hear jobs as an RT are scarce..i haven't made the decision yet ..I'm thinkin about not doing it.

Tam in Ceres, California said: Kaplan is what flooded the RT field in the valley!!! Not to mention the rediculous cost!!
If you go this route... don't expect to work in the valley... plan to commute to the bay area!

arggg i live in the valley.,... >:[

James in Sun Valley, California said: I'm currently studying for my associates degree/graphic design but am also thinking of becoming an RT.

There's already too many Graphic Designers nowadays and the workplace is too stressful.(My friend was who works as a Graphic Designer for a toy company has even considered dropping his job to work at Lowes)

I'm planning on going to Concord to become an RT. I suffer with asthma and i find this job very interesting(I don't mind standing for long hours; i already do that at college with all the overcrowding).

But I hear jobs as an RT are scarce..i haven't made the decision yet ..I'm thinkin about not doing it.

JObs really bad right now for RTs. I graduated top of my class about a year ago and I cant find work . I am licensed to practice in 3 states and willing to move and still cant find work. 30 of us graduated and only 3 got per diem jobs. The rest of us 27 have no jobs . 44 new grads after us and not even one got a job and this is just one school.. I met someone that graduated 2 years ago from different school and no job and he said more than 90% of his class got no jobs either.. Pls go for something else.. Go for nursing or PT or OT.. RT is overly saturated. You will struggle I promise you.

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?

Hi Ed. I'm almost finished with my first year as a student in a Respiratory program and I like it. I will not lie to you, it is a tough program, just as tough as a Nursing program. The pay is great. Even here in south Texas where the cost of living is less, RRTs have the potential to make $80k per year. Its all what you want to put into it and how much you are willing to work. Most RTs only have to work a few days a week and can work multiple places. Not only hospitals, but home health, sleep centers, and Asthma Education (they make $90 per HOUR!) are all the variety of places you can work. You can also decide whether you want to work pediatrics or adults. It is very exciting working my clinical rounds in the ICU or ER at our local trauma centers. You can also get into RT transport (think Halo flight, ambulance hospital transfer services) and they make about $52 an HOUR. I think the starting salary range here in my town is $18-22 per hour. You do have to pass national board exams (just like nurses) and your brain will hurt at the end of the day and you will dream of alveolar equations, but saving lives and helping people to breathe is a rush like nothing else, as I am sure you well know being a paramedic. Good luck in whatever you decide, and I hope this helps! :)

I still work Per Diem as an RT and have been an RT since graduating from Seattle Central Community College in 1999. I've done a lot of other things since then, and I continue to do so now. One of the largest influences in my life as of late has been the Camino de Santiago. It changed my life. Google it and check it out of it sounds interesting. I promise it is. I have a website: www.apropos-transitions.com where you can read about Travel with Meaning - I have a section about the Camino and some pictures too. Because of the Camino, I am writing a book. I've launched a campaign to help offset publication costs (which are extremely expensive when doing an Art Book). I'm using Kickstarter to help with costs.

Your job/life as an RT doesn't have to own you ~ only YOU own you. My Per Diem rate is NOT amazing, but it gives me hours when I need them to fill in the blanks to live.... I'll take having a life over having tons of money ANY DAY!

This is the link to my Kickstarter Campaign. You can pledge as little as $1. If you can't NO WORRIES! If you like what I'm doing, maybe help me spread the word on your Facebook or Tweet it?!?! Anything helps.

tinyurl.com/loveandcompassion

Love & Light ~ Matthew

i find Rt as an interesting one .can i get more benefits from it ? do professionals find it hard at first?
i really really want to take this up but i had some little doubts of its assurance for my future because of some negative feedbacks coming from other persons. is it a good course to look for a job ?
please help me . i have 1 month to go before enrollment , please help .. thanks

pearlyn in Mandaue, Philippines said: i find Rt as an interesting one .can i get more benefits from it ? do professionals find it hard at first?
i really really want to take this up but i had some little doubts of its assurance for my future because of some negative feedbacks coming from other persons. is it a good course to look for a job ?
please help me . i have 1 month to go before enrollment , please help .. thanks

Great field but no job.. i spoke to director at a hospital and he said that when he opened up a per diem position (on call position)he received 70 applicants everyday. After 3 days he closed the ad because because there were too many applicants going for 1 job. If you have strong connection and guarantee you a job go for it but if you dont want to struggle and be jobless then go for something else..

I don't know why everyone says there are no obs. i just left my job and didn't have another to go to. When i got home I got on line filled out applications for everywhere within 75 miles of my house and had four job offers the next day. There are jobs out there you just have to want to Work and maybe travel a little. I noe have a full time job (3-12 hr days a week). And a per-diem job (one day a week). So if you are a hard worker and persistent there are jobs out there. You just can't find them from the comfort of your couch. GET OFF YOU BUTT AND LOOK.

nytrukr63 in East Syracuse, New York said: I don't know why everyone says there are no obs. i just left my job and didn't have another to go to. When i got home I got on line filled out applications for everywhere within 75 miles of my house and had four job offers the next day. There are jobs out there you just have to want to Work and maybe travel a little. I noe have a full time job (3-12 hr days a week). And a per-diem job (one day a week). So if you are a hard worker and persistent there are jobs out there. You just can't find them from the comfort of your couch. GET OFF YOU BUTT AND LOOK.

That's fantastic! Congratulations! Now, everyone can move to where YOU live to find work--or, to Alaska. Your last two statements are inaccurate--as I'm sure you know. It's heartbreaking when our department turns down HUNDREDS of applicants EACH MONTH--many of whom are (or would be) great therapists. There are no openings, and we already have our list of candidates that we want to hire if an opening ever became available. Tech school recruiters for RT Programs come on this board and post statements just like yours to give their students hope--and to keep them paying the thousands of dollars that they charge. RT is a good field. I love what I do. But now is a bad time to be entry level--or laid off & in need of a new position.

So I love reading what you all have to say. I graduate in 7 days from a wonderful RT program and I am thrilled to be employed before graduation. My starting pay is going to about 50,000 a year not including benifits and I will be in a union. I know not everywhere has the best job opportunities but in Vermont everyone in my graduating class has a job. I love respiratory and I loved my program at Vermont tech. Affordable and thorough. We are the 30th graduating class and we are ready for anything. Go respiratory therapy :)

Imagine that every one got a job. Don't let that get around then the cry babies won't have anything to complain about. Good job everyone and CONGRATULATIONS.