10 Jobs With Great Return on Investment

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I am a registered RT who graduated with high honors in June 2012. My grades were all As and I had high praise from all my clinical instructors. I still cannot find an RT job in my state (not even per diem)! If you live in Massachusetts, stay FAR AWAY from RT school and go for an RN instead. There are just no new RT jobs here unless you "know" the right people.

Lisa of MA 3:13PM April 01, 2013

RRT, RCP all the way. I love my job and would not change a thing. There are plenty of opportunities for RRTs. But I do agree that we are not given the respect and acknowledgement we deserve. We are very underestimated. People think Doctors and Nurses do everything, so not true. "Call Respiratory" is used very often. I have a friend that is a Physician's Assistant, and she told me (of course, word of mouth), from other "higher education" healthcare fields, that the CRT and RRT boards are very difficulty, and much harder than the higher level education exams. I can believe it. It is because we were taught that NBRC wants us to practice as if we the only individual working in the facility. We are supposed to play the role of RRT, MD, RNs, etc. I know that if I need help, I want respiratory! Pay is decent, but I honestly believe a slight upgarde would be extremely deserved based on our skills.

Jessica of GA 8:35PM March 12, 2012

Most 2008 and 2009 Respiratory graduates still haven't found work. The problem is schools churn out more and more RT's each year flooding the market. Schools are in the business of selling diplomas, books, fees so they are invested in perpetuating the health care worker shortage myth. Hospitals also profit from the glut in the market this way they can reduce benefits, wages and staffing levels can be reduced to bare bones sub standard levels because workers can easily be replaced if they raise concerns. The Government as well profits from lower health care wages for workers. Both the AARC and COARC do nothing to represent the industry. They make money by keeping the numbers of RT's inflated. More members = more dues = more money. Two separate examinations The CRT with written and simulation and RRT written and simulation cost both $200 each. For years this has been an issue because of its redundancy. Don't make the mistake I did and go into this profession.

craig of AZ 7:19PM December 29, 2010

Hello!
I am currently going to a well respected school and will soon graduate and take the test for RRT. Given that I am confident that I will pass the test, I am curious as to what type of environments make the most money (hospitals, care centers, sleep centers, etc). I understand many will tell me don't be in it for just the money, but money does make the world go round. I also understand that I'm not "entitled" to anything just starting off, but that was not my question. I am asking this for when I do gain experience, etc. Please do not reply with negative feedback because you may not be happy with the decisions you've made or the hard path you have taken in your career...but positive replies on what you have observed or heard throughout your years working. I would really appreciate the feedback coming from experienced RRT's.
Thank you! :)

Ang of CA 5:24PM December 12, 2010

I raised a family of 7 working as an RT. I have been in the field since 1985 and love caring for people. Those of you that say " I can't find a job," haven't been looking very hard. Like any other profession you may not get the job down the street, you may have to look outside the box and be willing to move to find that great position elsewhere! When I started we made a whopping $8.88/hr and I have made well over 90K/yr as an RT.

Doc maher RT of WY 5:33PM October 07, 2010

I graduated with honors with an associate degree in respiratory care in May 2010 and I can't find employment. I live in a large city in the eastern United States and there are no respiratory therapy jobs available! I know of several experienced respiratory therapists who can only find PRN and part-time positions and are looking for full-time positions. So far there is no job growth for respiratory therapy in the city where I live, especially for new graduates. And the starting salary or RT's in the area I live is $18/hr, far less than $52,200, even when you work full-time which is 36 hours per week. I have to start paying my student loans at the end of the year. Not much of a return on investment so far.

Jamie of KY 8:03PM August 15, 2010

Wow! After reading these posted comments, I now realize I'm an "RT SNOB"(Vanessa of NY). Fact is: LTAC cannot be compared with Level One Trauma, extremely critical, acute care settings! I have done it all across 3 states in my 7 years as an RT; 100 bed community hospital, 800+ bed Level 1 Trauma/NICU/PICU, flight team, home care, and traveling. I can honestly say I'm comfortable in ANY setting. Sincerely, RT SNOB
Good luck!

Renee of AZ 8:52PM June 26, 2010

I have been an RRT for three years and can honestly say that I love what I do. I've worked in the Pacific West Coast and am currently in the North East. I have received wonderful feedback about my technical and personal skills not only from my department manager but from previous patients as well. What I don't like are nurses who treat you like a complete idiot when all you want to do is wean and extubate your patients. I have demonstrated my understanding of the necessary technical skills required with being an RT and feel justified in demanding an equal amount of respect and professional courtesy from any and all health care professionals we "Work With" and not for. We should have a "Bring your skills to work and leave your giant attitude at home" day.

Maxximo Cameron, RRT of VT 6:34PM June 05, 2010

I have done it all - mid level 350 bed Trauma level II, NICU Level II (I didn't work in), and regular floors. Home oxygen therapist 1 year, and a big city RT for one year.
I am currently working in a CAH (25 bed Critical Access Hospital/Skilled Nursing Facility/Level IV Trauma Center with a home oxygen department) and in Aug this year will be my 3rd year. I love my job, I don't usually have to work to hard, and we see everything from 3 babbies born since I started here up to major M.I.'s flown out to den via Flight For Life.
My boss is the DON and she has backed our dept up almost every step of the way. The only problem is staffing. We have 2 RTs. 3 days on and 3 days on-call (can't go beyond 20 miles from the hospital during this time).

Martinson of CO 4:00PM May 26, 2010

I moved from Ca to Ny about three months ago without my RRT :/ BIG MISTAKE. RRT is the standard in most states now. I am now RRT and have the proper license and am actively looking for work. It's a little rough but you have to stay positive! Registry work, home health,Full time, part time, per diem, travel, nursing homes I care don't. Nothing is below me, we went to school to be health care professionals and just because I'm not in a giant "greys anatomy" hospital, it makes me no less of a health care provider. I call those people RT SNOBS, and this comes from the schools pumping out fat head new grads thinking they are going to make 90,000 a year and they are all going straight to NICU and nursing homes are a waste of your education! HA!!!!! my first job was at an LTAC and i was the first hired from my class before we even graduated! I learned so much from my time spent at an LTAC and nursing homes including compassion and trach care :) I am persistent with my job hunts, practically stocking HR department and it has always paid off for me, in fact have an interview tomorrow. RT are not given the proper respect they deserves but once S**T hits the fan with do you always hear.... " call the RT"!" they know they need us but hate to admit it. Be patient and positive the jobs will come :)

Vanessa of NY 9:07PM May 06, 2010