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Career Transition Idea - ZonedOut

Posted: Jan 21, 2011

I came across this idea when looking for ideas to branch out from doing MT. A local technical school in my area offers a certification degree for a respiratory therapist. In doing some research, this doesn't sound that bad. You basically work with patient's who have trouble breathing, asthma, COPD, etc. Learn how to use all the oxygen breathing equipment and such, learn how to respond to a patient who might be coding and give proper airway support. It sounded a lot harder than it looks (I'm not saying it looks easy). The course, at least at this school, appears to only take 1 or 2 years to complete (I haven't talked to anyone yet, just initial research) and then it qualifies you to sit for the exam to become a certified respiratory therapist.

There is a big local teaching hospital near me who has openings for respiratory theapists quite often and the only qualification is to have a certification, no expierence needed, and I know for a fact, at least at this hospital, pay starts out in the $20-22/hour range (which in my area is very decent pay).

Again, haven't done a huge amount of research on this yet and not training or anything, but I hear a lot of MTs out there looking for another option besides being an MT, as this field can be very frustrating, but many think the only option that makes sense is becoming a nurse or PA.

At least to me, this seems like a fun, interesting option that would be just as rewarding to me as any of those and maybe not as much schooling commitment. Just thought I would let everyone else know about this that might be looking for something else, just to keep your options open. I know I got excited when I read about this!

Respiratory Therapist -nm - AA degree is required

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Incorrect - ZonedOut

[ In Reply To ..]
I just double checked my info to make sure I wasn't giving out false information, but (maybe it differs from state to state) at least in my state all you need to have completed is the proper "diploma program", be registered in CPR, have a credential from the national respiratory care board, and be a current registered respiratory therapist.

Like I said maybe it differs from state to state, but there is a school near me, that I know is cheaper than going to a full fledged college, this is specifically a school for working adults and to me (again haven't talked to anyone) a "dipolma program" sounds like it would take less time to complete than an associates degree.

So no, at least in my situation you do not need to have an associates degree to be a respiratory therapist. I double checked the school's site and the local hospital's site that has about 10 openings for them right now. No where in their list of qualifications does it list needing an AA, just what I stated above. This seems like something everyone is going to need to do their own research on to assess if it differs whereever they live, but for me, it seems like something I could do very easily in the near future.

Good luck with this. It's certainly work worth - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
doing. Fun isn't the first word that leaps to mind, but important is certainly among them, nobody more so to patients gasping for breath.

RT - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
You are correct. It is about a 15-month program. I went to technical school for it. Be prepared to work with very sick and dying people, a lot of suctioning, nasotracheal and through endotracheal tubes. They work, hard. Working with ventilators can be very scary, but they will teach you that in school. I also had to work all kinds of crazy shifts and almost every holiday. Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

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