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Traveling Respiratory Therapist: A List of Pros and Cons

As a respiratory therapist, there are many ways to advance your career. One way is to take your career on the road as a traveling respiratory therapist, filling staffing vacancies at hospitals around the country. But how do you know if this career path is right for you? Like all big decisions, it helps to look at a list of the benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of a career as a traveling respiratory therapist.

Pros of Being a Traveling Respiratory Therapist

A great fit for travel enthusiasts.

The main reason many professionals consider taking their career on the road is because they have a passion for traveling. The ability to combine your job with the opportunity to explore new places can be a powerful draw for travel enthusiasts. As a traveling respiratory therapist, you’ll typically work on 13-week contracts that can take you anywhere around the country.

More Job Opportunities in More Places

Respiratory therapists have ample opportunities to find work in a steadily growing field. In fact, between 2014 and 2024, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 12%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

By working as a traveling respiratory therapist, you’ll have access to even more opportunities than ever before. Instead of searching for jobs on your own, you’ll have the experts at a staffing agency finding you great jobs at hospitals all across the country.

Earn a Higher Salary

Those who make the switch to a career as a traveling respiratory therapist also enjoy the opportunity to earn more money than before. Due to the high-demand nature of traveling healthcare positions, these jobs often offer a higher base salary than permanent positions. Just keep in mind that pay varies by location and assignment, so your salary ultimately depends on each specific contract. Also, many staffing agencies provide completion bonuses, referral bonuses, and other ways to maximize earning potential.

Free Housing

Since assignments typically last 13 weeks, staffing agencies lend a generous helping hand for their employees as they embark on new adventures. Most agencies offer travelers a choice of either free housing or a housing stipend. The stipend is designed to cover the full cost for housing based on per diem rates in that area. This great benefit can help offset the high cost of living in major cities, plus it allows you to keep more of your paycheck.

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Cons of Being a Travel Respiratory Therapist

Adjusting to new work environments.

While moving to new cities may be exciting, changing work environments frequently may not be a great fit for everyone. If you’re someone who thrives on having a set routine, healthcare traveling may not be for you. Adjusting to a new hospital and new coworkers every 13 weeks could be a stressful ordeal. As a traveler, you’ll need to adapt to new surroundings and be able to work well with others.

Different State Licensing Requirements

A license is required to work as a respiratory therapist in every state, except Alaska, according to the BLS . However, each state may have different licensing requirements. Meaning there’s a high possibility you’ll have to apply for new licenses for each new state you work in. Staffing agencies like LRS Healthcare provide assistance for their travelers when it comes to applying for new state licenses.

Inconsistent Pay Rates

Many full-time workers are used to receiving the same hourly rate throughout the entire year. That is not the case with healthcare traveling, so it can be difficult for some to adjust to new wages for each assignment. Also, when you factor in any potential breaks between 13-week assignments, it can require some thoughtful financial planning. Fortunately for traveling respiratory therapists, they won’t have to worry about one of the biggest monthly bills since they’ll be receiving free housing.

It Can Be lonely

For those who like to surround themselves with family and friends, a life on the road could get a bit lonely over time. This is why many traveling respiratory therapists take their family, or at least a pet, along with them on their assignments. Also, if you work for LRS Healthcare, you’ll have a direct line to your recruiter at all times. So you’re never truly alone.

If you’ve decided that a career as a traveling respiratory therapist is a good fit for you, apply with LRS Healthcare today! As an industry leader, we’re able to connect you with some of the best respiratory therapist jobs around the country.

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Travel respiratory therapist career guide

What is a travel respiratory therapist.

A travel respiratory therapist is an allied health clinician specializing in helping patients with respiratory disorders. They can treat patients across the lifespan and with various conditions ranging from asthma to acute respiratory distress. They may care for premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed as well as older patients with chronic lung disease. Travel respiratory therapists have the skills and training to manage a wide range of devices, interpret lab results, and administer medications and other prescribed therapies for a variety of respiratory conditions.

The job outlook is bright for travel respiratory therapists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the respiratory therapist profession is expected to grow by 13% by 2023. This increasing demand for skilled respiratory therapists will likely generate more opportunities for travelers to step in and fill staffing shortages nationwide. At Nomad, we’re dedicated to providing the best resources for travel respiratory therapists as they strive to achieve their personal and professional goals.

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Looking for travel respiratory therapist jobs?

Travel respiratory therapist job responsibilities.

The travel respiratory therapist discipline is the most similar to nursing in that RTs typically work 12-hour shifts and are staffed for both days and nights. They may give bedside reports, round with interdisciplinary teams, respond to medical emergencies, and provide care plans for each patient seen throughout the shift.

Within a single shift, a travel respiratory therapist may have the following responsibilities:

  • Assist with diagnosing and treating lung or breathing disorders
  • Evaluate patients and perform tests and studies (like pulmonary function tests)
  • Determine appropriate therapy and treatment options with physicians
  • Obtain and analyze blood and sputum samples
  • Manage equipment and devices needed to help people who are unable to breathe normally on their own
  • Educate patients and families about lung diseases and breathing disorders (i.e. asthma education encompassing triggers, proper use of nebulizers and MDIs, as well as warning signs and escalations)
  • Participate in advanced life support measures for infants and children, adults, and geriatric patients

Types of travel respiratory therapist jobs

Travel respiratory therapists can enjoy working in a variety of clinical settings and specialties. According to the BLS , respiratory therapists are most often found working in hospitals. Within the hospital setting, travel RTs are staffed in emergency rooms, intensive care units, step-down units, and med-surg floors. They can also be found working in home health, clinics, doctor’s offices, sleep labs, and as critical members of transport teams.

There are many different specialty areas for travel respiratory therapists; some of these areas may require extra certification or experience.

  • Neonatal or pediatric
  • Pulmonary rehab
  • Polysomnography
  • Critical care
  • Pulmonary diagnostics
  • Cardiac cath lab
  • Operating room
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
  • Critical care transport

At Nomad, we currently offer travel jobs in the following travel respiratory therapist specialties:

Adult emergency room (ER) travel respiratory therapist

Adult emergency room travel respiratory therapists work primarily with adult patients in the emergency room setting. They may encounter diseases such as COPD, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure with fluid overload, asthma, acute respiratory distress, or acute respiratory failure. Adult ER travel respiratory therapists may be expected to perform arterial blood gas draws, assist in rapid intubation, set up and manage ventilators, and administer nebulizers, amongst other responsibilities.

Adult intensive care unit (ICU) travel respiratory therapist

Similar to the ER, adult ICU travel respsiratory therapists may work with critically ill adult patients in the ICU setting. Patients may have conditions such as multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), pulmonary embolism, sepsis, acute respiratory distress, or acute respiratory failure. Travel respiratory therapists in adult ICUs may routinely perform arterial blood gas draws, manage complex ventilator settings, perform pulmonary hygiene and oral care, administer medications, participate in emergencies, and help extubate patients.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) travel respiratory therapist

According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) , NICU travel respiratory therapists treat and monitor vulnerable newborn patients. A NICU travel RT may monitor the breathing of premature babies, respond to emergencies, manage oxygen and ventilation devices, interpret blood and sputum samples, and administer medications for pulmonary conditions.

Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) travel respiratory therapist

PICU travel respiratory therapists work primarily with critically ill toddlers and older children. These children may be on life-support devices such as ventilators and ECMO. Some duties that PICU travel RTs may be responsible for are monitoring the oxygenation and ventilation of these patients, obtaining and interpreting arterial blood gases, administering medications, and performing pulmonary hygiene and oral care.

Pediatric emergency room (ER) travel therapist

Peds ER travel respiratory therapists help treat toddlers and older children in the emergency room setting. These children may require fast action for respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, anaphylaxis, bronchitis, and respiratory distress. Peds ER travel respiratory therapists may be responsible for responding to respiratory emergencies, managing ventilators and other similar medical devices, administering medications, and obtaining and interpreting blood samples, amongst other responsibilities.

Travel respiratory therapist - general adult

General adult travel RT's work primarily with adult patients in the acute hospital setting. They may be assigned to care for a wide variety of patients on multiple hospital floors, including step-down, med-surg, and telemetry. Although not as critically ill as those in the adult ICU or ER, patients may have respiratory conditions such as COPD, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, respiratory distress, or acute respiratory failure.

Travel respiratory therapist - general pediatric

General pediatric travel respiratory therapists treat toddlers and older children on multiple hospital floors such as pediatric med-surg, step-down, and telemetry. Although these patients may not be as critically ill as PICU, NICU, or peds ER patients, they still require the same level of careful monitoring, treatment, and intervention for their various respiratory conditions.

Travel respiratory therapist pay

The total compensation of travel respiratory therapists depends on many different factors including location, experience, facility demand, education, and certifications. Travel respiratory therapists at Nomad Health earn approximately $2,124 of total average weekly compensation, including a travel stipend.*

Aside from pay, Nomad provides extra support to its travel respiratory therapists by offering benefits such as reimbursements for scrubs, certifications, and licenses, in addition to up to $1,000 reimbursement for one-way travel to their assignment. Nomad also offers medical insurance and malpractice insurance , along with the option to contribute to a 401(k) with matching after a set time.

*Data based on Nomad compensation data for travel respiratory therapists as of October 17th, 2023.

what is a travel respiratory therapist

Highest-paying travel respiratory therapist jobs

Some travel respiratory therapist jobs pay more than others. This may be dependent on factors such as seasonality, location, specialty, and demand. With Nomad, the highest-paying travel respiratory therapy jobs offer a total average weekly compensation of $3000, including a travel stipend. The highest-paying assignments currently offer $77 an hour, in addition to a travel stipend.*

Pros and cons of being a travel respiratory therapist

There are many benefits to traveling as a respiratory therapist, but it’s important to consider the challenges that can come with this rewarding career path.

Some of the pros of being a travel respiratory therapist include having the opportunity to achieve better pay faster by choosing high-paying assignments, being exposed to new hospital systems, expanding your skillset, and exploring new cities while providing life-saving care to patients around the nation.

Some cons of being a travel respiratory therapist include stress from moving often, frequently finding new housing, adapting to unfamiliar environments, having less consistent relationships with your coworkers, and potentially seeing less of your friends and family back home.

How to become a travel respiratory therapist

The journey to becoming a travel respiratory therapist can take anywhere from three to five years after high school graduation. Ultimately, everyone’s timeline differs and can vary based on how long it takes to graduate from an accredited program, pass the national board exam, and obtain adequate experience.

Step 1: graduate from an accredited respiratory therapist program

Respiratory therapists are required to obtain an associate’s degree at a minimum; some employers may prefer those with a bachelor's degree. It’s key to matriculate at a respiratory therapy program or vocational school accredited by an organization such as the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) . Schooling may take anywhere from two to four years.

Step 2: pass the national exam for respiratory therapists

Upon graduation from a program, you can sit for the primary credentialing exam for respiratory therapists. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which is considered the main certifying body, administers this exam. The exam itself is called the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination.

The NBRC offers two levels of certification—the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The TMC Examination offers two cut scores that determine whether or not you will receive credentials as a CRT or an RRT. If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT credential; if you achieve the high cut score, you earn the CRT credential and become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) in order to earn the RRT credential.

It’s important to note that some employers may require the RRT certification before being hired or within a specified time on the job.

Step 3: apply for licensure

Once you pass the TMC and obtain either the CRT or the RRT, you can apply for licensure within the state where you intend to work. The CRT and RRT are used as the basis for licensure in all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care. Make sure to check with each state’s respiratory therapy board for the most updated information on how to become licensed.

Step 4: obtain experience

Many facilities may require respiratory therapists to have at least one year of experience to qualify for a travel position. It’s recommended to find a staff respiratory therapist job in your desired specialty, obtain pertinent certifications if possible, and work full-time for at least twelve months to cultivate excellent clinical skills.

Travel respiratory therapist skills

Hard skills.

Some hard skills you may need to be a travel respiratory therapist include, but are not limited to:

  • Deep understanding of the cardiopulmonary system along with pathophysiology
  • Knowledge of commonly administered medications and how to administer them
  • Manual evaluation of the cardiopulmonary system through auscultation, palpation, and other exams
  • The ability to safely draw arterial blood gas samples, process them, and interpret results
  • Knowledge of how to deliver oxygen through the appropriate methods, and alter them if necessary
  • Setting up and managing commonly used equipment such as ventilators
  • Understanding the learning styles of different patients and using the best methods to educate them on pulmonary hygiene
  • Assisting with intubations, including rapid sequence intubation (RSI)

Soft skills

According to the AARC , some important soft skills for travel respiratory therapists are:

  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management skills
  • Cultural competence
  • Being a team player
  • Growth mindset
  • Being open to feedback
  • Resiliency and self-care
  • Excellent bedside manner

Travel respiratory therapist certifications

Travel respiratory therapists can obtain specialty certifications from the NBRC. These certifications can help advance your specialty knowledge and show a commitment to clinical excellence and safety. Some facilities may even prefer travel RTs with specialty certifications. Examples of certifications held by travel RTs include but are not limited to:

  • Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS)
  • Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS)
  • Asthma Education Certification (AE-C)
  • Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty (NPS)

Other certifications

Aside from specialty certifications, travel physical therapists may be required to obtain a combination of the following certifications based on each travel job’s unique requirements.

  • Advanced life support (ACLS)
  • Basic life support (BLS)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)

Frequently asked questions about travel respiratory therapists

Is being a travel respiratory therapist worth it, what are the requirements to become a travel respiratory therapist, what are the benefits of being a travel respiratory therapist, where can i find travel respiratory therapist jobs, travel rt healthcare resources.

  • National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.nbrc.org/
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Respiratory Therapists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
  • American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). (n.d.). Must-Have Skills for New RTs. Retrieved from https://www.aarc.org/careers/career-advice/job-search/cn19-must-have-skills-for-new-rts/
  • Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://coarc.com/

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what is a travel respiratory therapist

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Why You Should Start Traveling as a Respiratory Therapist

August 23, 2022

Megan Bebout

GettyImages-1193316369-min

Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.

Deep  breathing exercises are crucial to our health because they trigger our brains to tell us to calm down and relax by reducing our blood pressure and slowing our heart rate, but you already know that—and more—as a Respiratory Therapist ( RT ).

While there’s no doubt that you know all the ins and outs of cardiopulmonary health, how familiar are you with medical travel and travel respiratory therapist jobs?

Start Traveling as a Respiratory Therapist

Hold up.  Medical travel ?! Like, for money?

You got it! We've outlined everything you need to know to pack your bags for a travel respiratory therapist assignment. Buckle in, friend!

What’s all the hype with travel respiratory therapy?

Okay, so, let's first start with the hype about travel respiratory therapy jobs—I mean, what's the big deal? Here's the thing, registered respiratory therapists play a significant role in a person's overall health because these medical professionals are experts when it comes to the heart and lungs. After a  year of experience , these RTs travel across the U.S. to offer a helping hand to a diverse collection of medical facilities   in need and treat a wide variety of patients.

So, if you or someone you know suffers from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, or another acute or chronic cardiopulmonary condition, most likely an RT is one of the MVPs of their pulmonary care team who performs comprehensive respiratory assessment.

“A travel respiratory therapist is a unique creature,” said   travel RT, Robynn. “One of my bosses refers to us as the ‘firemen’ of respiratory therapy. Most experienced travel RTs are licensed in more than one state, and they have worked in a variety of hospitals, and with every patient population imaginable.”

Not only does a certified respiratory therapist work with patients suffering from a heart or lung condition, but travel RTs are also trained on how to save patients in a life-or-death situation when they may be experiencing breathing problems, such as during heart attacks, shock, or drowning. That's right, traveling therapists literally save people's lives. Like Meredith Grey, but better.

“My RT career has been, by far, the most personally challenging and gratifying career of my life,” Robynn   shared . “I’ve been privileged to help a dying patient pass with dignity, and equally privileged to tenderly hand a newborn baby to a mom’s eager arms. Not every day is amazing, but most of them are.”

IRL benefits of taking travel respiratory therapist jobs

Sure, you're already this super cool certified respiratory therapist, kicking ass and checking pulses. You know the perks of life as an RT—but do you know about the real-life rewards that come with traveling? We thought we knew it all until Fusion med traveler and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Alex, schooled us in a game of cardiopulmonary travel trivia.

“Being a travel RT can provide some extremely rewarding experiences,” said Fusion traveler, Alex. “You’re able to help hospitals and their patients at their greatest time of need, see different parts of the country, make great money, and avoid all the politics of the hospital that we all know and love.”

Alex knows what’s up. And he agreed with our added two cents (score!). Without further ado, these are some, but far from all, of the benefits of being a travel respiratory therapist:

No. 1: A sense of purpose

Travel respiratory therapy jobs allow you the opportunity to work to ensure people can live their lives to the fullest and give them a chance to participate in activities they may not have been able to otherwise. Being an RT creates a sense of purpose and confirmation that you are a significant player in the healthcare community.

“I am thankful to be an RT because it has provided me with a meaningful career in which I have been able to help struggling patients and their families through life-threatening challenges,”   said   travel RT, Jamie. “As an educator, it has allowed me to work with students who choose to have a career that can help change their lives, hopefully for the better.”

No. 2: A unique chance for continuous learning

You know that Bruce Lee quote, “Learning is a constant process of discovery—a process without an end”? Well, as it turns out, he was onto something. As a traveling respiratory therapist, there is a 100% chance that you will learn something new every day, or at least every other day, and get the opportunity to incorporate your new skills  into future travel jobs and experience professional development. Rob, traveling RRT, agreed and  said : “Some of the advantages are you get to see different parts of the U.S. You also get to see different ways that respiratory care is practiced in different regions and different hospitals. I like being able to learn new ways to practice respiratory care and to bring different ideas to the areas that I travel to.”

No. 3: Hella job security

You might be wondering, “Is respiratory therapy a good job?” Or “Is a respiratory therapy career a good idea?” The answer: Yes.

If one thing is for sure, it's that you don't have to worry about whether you'll have a job in the foreseeable future—because spoiler alert—you will! Travel respiratory therapist jobs are especially in demand since the Baby Boomer generation   is rapidly aging and more medical professionals are needed to help those struggling with heart and lung conditions. Plus, the  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  (BLS) estimates a 23% increase in new jobs for respiratory therapist jobs by 2030, so good job, you, for diving into this career path!

No. 4: A bump in pay

Because travel respiratory therapists have added expenses like  housing , continuing education unit ( CEU ) costs,  state licensing fees , and more, the travel respiratory therapist's salary is generally higher than staff RTs. This perk is pretty straightforward—if you enjoy high pay, making money, and saving lives, a career as a travel respiratory therapist could be the perfect job for you!

Experience the sweet life of a travel RT and take pride in the ways you change and improve lives. However, like everything, there will always be tasks that we don't love. Needless to say, the pros outweigh the cons, but we should look at both, and let you decide.

Like what you’re reading? You may also like: The Winter Demand for Cardiopulmonary Med Travelers

Occasional obstacles for traveling respiratory therapists

The thing about travel respiratory therapy challenges is they’re very similar to general med traveler drawbacks and some will differ depending on your  personality . Potential downsides to an RT travel assignment include:

  • Feeling homesick while on an assignment
  • Higher job expectations
  • You’re on your feet the majority of the day
  • You are more likely to be exposed to illnesses

Some would say that the likelihood of being subjected to infectious diseases is the biggest obstacle for travel RTs. Certain medical procedures, like intubating, can release contagious aerosols and put respiratory therapists at risk, plus endanger the health and recovery of patients.

Since we know that endotracheal intubation procedures are  more hazardous  than being around a sick patient's cough, sneeze, or normal breathing, a registered respiratory therapist utilizes personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed when providing these types of respiratory care services. Their PPE includes protective clothing, N95 face masks, goggles, and other garments to enhance safety. With these sleek outfits, it's only a matter of time before RTs walk the fashion runway, and you wouldn't want to miss that, would you?

Captain your own traveling respiratory therapist career 

Here you are, well-versed in all things med travel, so it's time to let you in on a little secret—this life could be yours with just a bit of help from  Fusion Medical Staffing career specialists ready to help you every step of the way.

Fusion isn't your average medical staffing company. We're not going to tell you what to do or where to go because this is your journey. You already have the tools, passion, knowledge, and drive to earn a star on the Medical Traveler Walk of Fame, we're simply here for added support and the occasional “dad joke.”

No matter where you choose to captain your  cardiopulmonary career , Fusion will  have your back each step of the way. With excellent benefits like compensation transparency, a weekly, tax-free per diem, 401k matching, certification, and travel reimbursement, and a plethora of insurance coverages, let us take care of you while you take care of your patients.

Plus, Fusion offers tons of options for travel respiratory jobs to help you increase the amount of money you feed your piggy bank. In addition to living your dream as a travel RT, you could also become a  social media influencer  or earn  referral bonuses   when you  bring friends  to the travel side.

Make the leap and explore new cities, take adventures, meet new pals, care for different patient populations, and create memories that will last a lifetime. One day, you'll look back and tell stories to the younger generation about how you kicked ass and saved lives—a real hero.

You are truly one-of-a-kind, traveler. As a respiratory therapist, you already treat and work with all patient types in multiple care settings like critical care, acute care, long-term care,  home care , and diagnostic, sometimes all in one shift. Take your cardiopulmonary career a step further and add “professional traveler” to your resume.

Explore travel healthcare jobs with Fusion Medical Staffing!

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what is a travel respiratory therapist

Unveiling the Rewards of Respiratory Therapy Travel Jobs

what is a travel respiratory therapist

Table of Contents

Discover a niche in the healthcare profession that uniquely combines the passion for saving lives and the thrill of embarking on new adventures — respiratory therapy travel jobs . At Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, we empower allied health professionals to take control of their careers, providing them with the flexibility to choose where they want to work while experiencing continual growth and learning opportunities. This guide will delve into the nuances of respiratory therapist travel jobs, from understanding the role and required qualifications to discovering unique benefits and how they compare to other healthcare occupations.

What are Respiratory Therapy Travel Jobs

Respiratory therapy travel jobs symbolize an exciting and unique career path in the realm of healthcare. As a travel respiratory therapist, professionals immerse themselves in temporary assignments across various healthcare facilities within the country. These assignments typically vary in duration—often lasting about 13 weeks, though they can sometimes extend to longer periods depending on the healthcare needs of the hosting facility.

In this dynamic role, therapists are entrusted with the responsibility of treating patients with a wide array of respiratory ailments, which can range from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or emphysema to emergency care conditions like cardiopulmonary trauma or recovery.

Understanding the Role of a Travel Respiratory Therapist

Travel respiratory therapists play a pivotal role in diagnosing, resolving, and managing patients' respiratory conditions. Many of the core responsibilities of a travel respiratory therapist mirror those of a standard respiratory therapist—the significant difference lies in the changing work environment.

Respiratory therapists work closely with physicians to develop patient care plans, administer treatments, and operate medical equipment. In addition, they are responsible for teaching patients and their families about treatment protocols and aiding them in implementing these strategies into their daily lives.

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Where Can a Travel Respiratory Therapist Work?

Regarding work locales, travel respiratory therapist jobs offer unparalleled scope for variety and flexibility. Be ready to work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, emergency rooms, and rehabilitation facilities to home care scenarios. Given the prevalence and widespread necessity of respiratory care, competent therapists find their skills in demand across a broad spectrum of healthcare establishments.

How a Travel Respiratory Job Differs From a Regular Respiratory Job

While the core responsibilities are similar, a travel respiratory therapist gains a unique edge by working in many different healthcare environments. Compared to a regular respiratory job, respiratory therapy travel jobs offer an exceptional amalgamation of professional growth, adventure, and flexibility.

A travel respiratory job's distinct advantage lies in its mobility and exposure to a wide range of clinical practices and experiences. Therapists who opt for travel jobs acquire an enriched skill set, often finding countless opportunities to upskill and broaden their professional horizons.

Why Consider Respiratory Therapy Travel Jobs for Your Healthcare Career

Adopting a career in respiratory therapy travel jobs involves much more than picking an employment option - it is about choosing a rewarding and fulfilling professional lifespan. Let's delve into some reasons why you should consider a travel respiratory therapist job for your healthcare career:

Unique Benefits of Being a Travel Respiratory Therapist

  • Expansive Career Opportunities - Travel jobs in respiratory therapy provide unlimited scope for advancement and learning.
  • Competitive Compensation - Travel respiratory therapists generally receive attractive remuneration packages, including housing stipends and travel allowances.
  • Vital Impact - Travel respiratory therapists often work in areas with pressing healthcare needs, making a tangible impact on communities.

How Traveling Enhances Your Respiratory Therapy Skills

In contrast to a standard healthcare setting, travel respiratory therapy jobs provide an enriched platform for learning. Every new assignment brings a unique set of challenges and experiences that test your adaptability and enrich your professional prowess.

Moreover, travel jobs provide an unparalleled opportunity for networking. Working alongside various healthcare professionals, adopting best practices, and learning from collective experience helps you evolve and grow professionally.

Why a Respiratory Therapy Travel Job is Ideal for Adventure-Loving Allied Health Professionals

For those who enjoy exploration and adventure, the traveling aspect of these jobs is truly unparalleled. Respiratory therapy travel jobs present an avenue for allied health professionals to explore diverse regions, assimilate into different cultures, and indulge in local experiences—all while serving vital healthcare needs.

How to Get Started with Respiratory Therapy Travel Jobs

Travel respiratory therapy jobs present exciting opportunities for allied health professionals seeking adventure, skill enhancement, and exposure to diverse work environments. To embark on this journey, you must fulfill certain qualifications and understand the recruitment process, along with the significance of talent management in this field.

Qualifications Required for Travel Respiratory Therapist Jobs

Just as with any healthcare job, prerequisites for becoming a travel respiratory therapist involve education , certification, and experience.

  • Degree: Candidates must hold at least an associate degree from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. Some facilities prefer candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy.
  • Certification: All candidates need to be certified as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).
  • Experience: Typically, healthcare facilities require therapists to have a minimum of one to two years of professional experience in the field.
  • Licenses: Therapists should hold a current state license in Respiratory Therapy. Since the license requirements may vary from state to state, candidates should check the specific requirements for the state they are planning to work in.

Additional voluntary certifications could enhance your marketability, such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or Neonatal Resuscitation Program ( NRP ) for therapists interested in specializing.

Achieve Your Dream Travel Respiratory Therapist Job With Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health

Finding and landing travel respiratory therapist jobs doesn't need to be intimidating. Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health has professional recruiters who can help match you with various job postings that will help propel your career in the right direction.

As a traveler-nominated top 10 allied health staffing agency, we have extensive experience helping allied health professionals secure travel assignments that will boost their careers. The benefits of working with us are:

  • A Full Circle of Support
  • Personalized job posts based on your education, experience, and aspirations
  • Licensing and credentialing assistance
  • Comprehensive health and wellness plans

Are you ready to land a new travel respiratory job? Check out On Demand , our powerful web app, where you can search and apply for travel respiratory therapy jobs nationwide.

Is being a travel respiratory therapist worth it?

Yes, being a travel respiratory therapist can be worth it for many professionals in the field. It offers unique opportunities for higher pay, diverse work environments, and the chance to explore different parts of the country or even the world.

What is a travel RRT?

A travel RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) is a healthcare professional specializing in respiratory care who takes on temporary assignments in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes, typically in different locations or states.

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Respiratory Therapist (RT)

What is a respiratory therapist (rt) .

A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a specialized medical professional who monitors and treats respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. RTs work under the supervision of a doctor to assist with examining, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating anyone with lung issues. Typically, RTs are trained in critical care for acute emergent situations. RTs work with everyone from neonatal babies with underdeveloped lungs, to geriatric patients with chronic lung diseases.

What does a Respiratory Therapist (RT) Do?

Keep the patient breathing : this is the ultimate goal of an RT. Although this is a basic explanation, it’s actually much more complex than that. The focus is on keeping airways open, oxygen flowing, and gas exchange successful.

An RT is responsible for monitoring and treating patients with acute or chronic respiratory conditions. They work closely with doctors and nurses as part of a collaborative care team to accomplish this goal.

Most RTs work in a hospital setting and their typical duties include acute patients who are having trouble breathing or have stopped breathing. Alternatively, in less acute settings such as nursing homes and home health, RTs will more commonly manage chronic lung conditions and perform ongoing evaluations and treatments. In general, RTs have the following responsibilities:

  • Perform examinations to evaluate the patient’s breathing capabilities
  • Communicate with doctors and care teams to develop treatment plans
  • Perform diverse breathing treatments, while independently monitoring results
  • Perform diagnostic tests to determine blood gas levels
  • Educate patients and families on breathing techniques, equipment, and medications
  • Connect and monitor patients using a ventilator
  • Document detailed reports of patient status

What skills does a Respiratory Therapist (RT) need?

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Apart from the technical skills of assessing, monitoring, diagnosing, and treating respiratory problems taught in RT school, RTs are expected to have the following additional skills to become a successful member of the care team.

  • Compassion for others. Being a healthcare provider, RTs need to genuinely want to help others.
  • Excellent communication skills. RTs will need to discuss exams and treatment goals with doctors, nurses, patients, and their families. They will also need to document clearly and concisely.
  • Understand anatomy and physiology. RTs are experts on the respiratory system. They need to proficiently comprehend how and why the respiratory system works.
  • Swift problem solver. In acute situations, the RT needs to be able to stay calm and perform all actions precisely and with expertise as conditions may change rapidly.
  • Team-oriented. An RT rarely works alone. They will need to be comfortable collaborating alongside many other disciplines focusing on the same goals.

Learn More About Respiratory Therapist (RT) s

Work settings for respiratory therapist (rt) s.

According to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science , 75% of Respiratory Therapists are employed in hospitals. However, with the expanding aging population, RTs are being hired at an increasing rate in nursing homes, cardiopulmonary labs and rehab centers, and home health agencies.

Even though most RTs work in a traditional hospital setting, there's also growth for RTs in more obscure enterprises. RTs can work for a professional sports team, enhancing the players’ use of oxygen, or even at a swanky “oxygen bar,” offering supplemental oxygen to customers.

Common Cases Respiratory Therapist (RT) s Encounter

RTs may encounter a diverse range of respiratory symptoms even in one work shift. Depending on the location or department the RT may work, they may encounter acute problems, chronic diseases, or a combination of both. If it involves breathing and airways, an RT most likely will be involved. In general, RTs may encounter the following:  

  • Acute breathing problems such as cardiac arrest, drowning, asthma, blockages, anaphylaxis reaction, drug, and alcohol overdose.
  • Chronic respiratory issues such as COPD, emphysema, chronic asthma, obstructive disorders, lung infections, and cancers.

How to Become A Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Depending on the number of prerequisite classes required for a particular program, you can become an RT in about 2 to 4 years. An associate's degree program will be 2 years, but there are also bachelor's degree programs that would take 4 years to complete.

So you've decided you want to become an RT…now what? Here is a list of the steps to starting out in this highly coveted career:

  • Find an accredited program and apply
  • Complete all prerequisite classes with acceptable grades
  • Complete and successfully pass the RT program (If you live in Alaska, you can now interview for jobs and start working as an RT. For all other states, you will need to complete step 4.)
  • Pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam and become licenced in the state in which you'd like to work! (Hint:  Check out our state-by-state Licensure Guide !)
  • Optional: Pass the Clinical Simulation Exam ‍
  • Start applying for jobs!

How to Advance Your Career As A Respiratory Therapist (RT)

At the entry-level, a certified RT (CRT) has lots of room for career growth, beginning with passing the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) to become a Registered RT (RRT). An alternative route is to become a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) . This requires another technical exam and based on your score, you either receive a certification or if you achieve a higher score, you earn the title of Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), a highly experienced certification.

In addition, there are two certifications you can obtain based on your experience and interests. One is a Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist who focuses on babies and young children. Another option is a Sleep Disorder Specialist, focusing on sleep apneas and sleep-related respiratory disorders.

Education Requirements & Helpful Certification

Becoming an RT first requires completing an accredited associate’s or bachelor's degree program that is heavy on science and math, including all the prerequisite classes. If you live in Alaska, you can now go find work. However, if you live in one of the other 49 states, you need to complete and pass a multiple-choice exam to become licensed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). This is the entry-level certification required by all 49 states except Alaska.

To further your certification, you will need to pass a challenging clinical simulation exam to be titled a Registered Respiratory Therapist, which is hailed as the clinical standard of excellence.

In addition to becoming nationally licensed as a certified or registered RT, you will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits every 5 years to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

Average Salary For Respiratory Therapist (RT) s

The national median salary for a respiratory therapist is $61,830 per year, which breaks down to $29.73 per hour. RTs are paid more in states with higher costs of living. California and New York are the highest-paying states for RTs, offering an average yearly salary of $85,620 and $80,400, respectively. The lowest-paying states are Kentucky and Alabama, both around $50,000 per year. The Bureau of labor statistics estimates about 10,000 RT jobs will need to be filled yearly.

It's important to note that a respiratory therapist has much room for career growth by earning more certifications. These typically reflect a higher wage rate.  

Be sure to check out our RT Salary Guide for for more in-depth salary information! 

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what is a travel respiratory therapist

What is Travel Nurse?

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what is a travel respiratory therapist

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Travel nurses and allied health professionals are eligible for benefits, like health insurance, that are typically provided through their agency. The nature and extent of these benefits can vary and it's important to understand your options to optimize your choices.

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Travel Nurse + Allied Health Professional Contracts Guide

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How to Get a Travel Healthcare Job

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what is a travel respiratory therapist

Why Become a Travel Respiratory Therapist?

Travel respiratory therapists are in high demand all over the country, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers help fill critical staffing gaps in facilities such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other medical facilities. If adventure is calling you, take the leap and become a traveling RT today.

There are many available respiratory therapist travel jobs for professionals in all specialties , including:

  • Certified pulmonary function technologists
  • Certified sleep disorder specialist
  • Registered pulmonary function technologists
  • Adult critical care specialists
  • Neonatal/pediatric specialist
  • Registered sleep disorder specialist

Travel respiratory therapists can take advantage of the many benefits of being a traveling allied health professional, including top compensation packages, the ability to travel across the U.S., and gaining valuable experience along the way. Whether you’re just starting your career or are looking for more freedom and flexibility in your career, traveling has many perks .

Because facilities need travel respiratory therapists to fill critical staffing gaps, they pay top dollar for professionals to travel to their area and take temporary contracts. Most travelers make significantly more than respiratory therapists working in permanent positions because of this. If you’re looking for a high salary as a respiratory therapist, traveling may be the perfect solution for you.

respiratory therapist travel jobs

In addition to competitive hourly pay, you also receive full benefits like insurance and 401K matching when you work with our team to find respiratory therapist travel jobs. When you take assignments, we provide you with free housing or a generous housing stipend.

Another great reason to become a travel respiratory therapist is that you gain valuable new experiences both professionally and personally. You get to work in a wide range of facilities all over the nation and also the amazing opportunity to travel to all 50 states if you wish. If you have destinations you’ve always wanted to see, we are here to help you cross them off by finding exceptional job opportunities wherever you want to go.

Start Your Travel Respiratory Therapy Career with AHS MedStat – Specializing in Allied Health Staffing

Start traveling and earning competitive salaries by working with our team at AHS MedStat. We are an allied health staffing agency that truly cares about you. We work with travel respiratory therapists every day and understand your needs.

What makes us different is we are an agency that truly cares. Our team is available 24/7 to provide you with the support you need, whether you’re looking for your next respiratory therapist job or need guidance during your assignment. We are here to help you achieve your goals, which is why our expert recruiters get to know you so we can perfectly match you with job opportunities.

We offer decades of experience connecting healthcare professionals with facilities that need their help. If you’re considering becoming a traveling respiratory therapist, we offer jobs all over the country and work hard to provide our professionals with some of the highest salaries available. For a team that truly cares and is committed to making a difference, get in touch today.

Browse our job board to see available positions in your specialty or reach out to talk to a recruiter today about jumpstarting your career as a travel respiratory therapist.

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Respiratory Therapy

Types, Uses, and When to See a Respiratory Therapist

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Frequently Asked Questions

Respiratory therapy (RT) helps people with respiratory disorders and breathing difficulties. A respiratory therapist is a medical professional who provides this type of therapy. 

This article looks at the various types of respiratory therapy, the typical duties of a respiratory therapist, and how to tell whether you need respiratory therapy. 

Verywell / Michela Buttignol

Types of Respiratory Therapy

A respiratory therapist’s specific role and duties may differ depending on where they work. 

Emergency Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists who work in an emergency or urgent care department may assist in:

  • Ventilation: This includes using mechanical ventilation for patients unable to breathe on their own.
  • Airway management: This includes assessing and finding appropriate solutions for any blockages of the airways.
  • Monitoring patients for their respiratory symptoms
  • Intubation : This is inserting a flexible airway tube into the nose or mouth to move air into and out of the lungs.

Work in the emergency department varies considerably, and things can change at a moment’s notice. Respiratory therapists who work in this setting need to be able to think on their feet and respond quickly to situations.

Pediatric Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists who work in pediatrics may work with newborns or children with breathing disorders or difficulties.

The needs of infants and children can be different to those of adults. Their treatment and care differ due to their smaller size and the nature of their respiratory diseases. Often, respiratory therapists who work with children spend more time with them than they would with adults.

Adult Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists may also work with adults with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sleep apnea. This may involve educating patients, teaching them to use medical equipment, and giving them exercises to perform, such as breathing exercises . 

Geriatric Respiratory Therapy

Many chronic conditions that cause breathing issues and low oxygen levels disproportionately affect older adults.  Emphysema (a progressive lung disease) and lung cancer, for example, are more common in people older than 65. 

Respiratory therapists who work with older adults need to consider existing medical conditions and medications a person may be taking.

Respiratory Therapist Qualifications

A respiratory therapist isn’t a doctor, but they are a qualified medical professional with a certification that allows them to do their job. Most hospitals and other care settings require a respiratory therapist to have at least a bachelor’s degree. 

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Respiratory therapists have training that allows them to evaluate, treat, and monitor people with respiratory conditions and breathing problems. 

What to Expect from a Respiratory Therapy Session

You can receive respiratory therapy in a hospital (inpatient) or at-home, or in a clinic (outpatient). 

Respiratory therapist duties may involve:

  • Assessing you for lung or breathing disorders
  • Performing chest exams, analyzing breath sounds , checking vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature), and drawing your blood
  • Working with other healthcare professionals to determine the best course of treatment
  • Ventilator and artificial airway management 
  • Assisting with bronchoscopies (a tube with a camera is inserted through the nose or mouth to view the airways)
  • Monitoring patients who have low oxygen levels or trouble breathing
  • Teaching patients exercises to improve breathing 
  • Teaching patients to use supplemental oxygen therapy equipment

Inpatient RT

In a hospital or other inpatient setting, you may need respiratory therapy to help you breathe if you can’t do so on your own. If you’re in intensive care after a severe asthma attack, for example, respiratory therapy may involve putting you on supplemental oxygen.

Another example of when someone might need respiratory therapy in an inpatient setting is if they visit the emergency room with an acute respiratory disease. For example, someone with severe COVID-19 symptoms may need to go on a ventilator.

Outpatient RT

You may also receive respiratory therapy at home as part of a recovery program called pulmonary rehabilitation. If you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing because of a chronic condition, pulmonary rehab can help you manage your symptoms.

This type of program will often start outside the home and involve supervised exercise and being assessed by a respiratory therapist to determine whether you might require supplemental oxygen. People with chronic conditions may benefit from using supplemental oxygen at home.

If you’re doing respiratory therapy at home, a respiratory therapist may teach you how to use your prescribed medical device, such as an oxygen concentrator . If you’re able, you can then continue to use the device independently. Most oxygen delivery devices have tubing connected to nasal prongs or a face mask.

How to Know if You Need Respiratory Therapy

A healthcare provider can determine whether you may benefit from respiratory therapy. If you’re concerned about breathing issues, it’s essential to talk to a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.

You should never use supplemental oxygen without a prescription from a healthcare provider. Too little oxygen is bad for you, but so is too much.​​

Conditions That Might Need Respiratory Therapy

You might benefit from respiratory therapy if you:

  • Have low oxygen levels
  • Need a tracheostomy procedure, which places a breathing tube in the neck to get air into your lungs
  • Require a ventilator
  • Have a chronic condition that causes breathing issues

Conditions that may cause you to need respiratory therapy include:

  • Heart disease (conditions that affect the heart)
  • Heart failure (the heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the body adequately)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (irreversible inflammatory lung disease)
  • COVID-19 (a viral respiratory infection)
  • Sleep apnea (breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep)
  • Pneumonia (lung inflammation caused by infection)
  • Cystic fibrosis  (an inherited condition that damages the lungs and digestive tract)
  • Severe asthma (a chronic lung disease with inflamed and constricted airways)

What to Know When Looking for a Respiratory Therapist

If you’ll be receiving long-term respiratory therapy for a chronic condition, it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable working with. It can be daunting to look for someone on your own, so don’t hesitate to ask your primary healthcare provider for recommendations. 

Respiratory therapy may be necessary for people struggling to breathe and in critical care. You may also benefit from respiratory therapy if you have a chronic heart or lung condition that makes breathing hard or causes shortness of breath. 

A respiratory therapist can provide you with the education and tools to better manage your symptoms. They can also monitor your progress and condition. 

You might work with a respiratory therapist if you’re in a hospital, nursing home, or another medical facility. You can also do exercises and receive supplemental oxygen therapy at home in some cases. 

A Word From Verywell

If you’re having trouble breathing or experiencing shortness of breath, you may benefit from respiratory therapy. You should consult a doctor to find out why you’re having symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. They may recommend a respiratory therapist. 

The respiratory therapist can work with you to help you manage your chronic breathing issues or low oxygen levels by giving you tools and exercises. If your healthcare provider prescribes supplemental oxygen, a respiratory therapist can teach you how to use a device if you plan to use it at home. 

Education after high school for respiratory therapy takes two to four years. The process involves getting a minimum of an associate’s degree before becoming licensed or acquiring additional certifications. 

On the contrary, the field is expected to grow in the coming years. However, more and more employers require higher levels of education and expertise from incoming hires.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a respiratory therapist in 2020 was $61,810 per year or $30.20 per hour.

American Association for Respiratory Care. What it's like to be an emergency department RT .

American Association for Respiratory Care. Exploring your options: neonatal pediatric respiratory care .

Brigham and Women's Hospital. Pulmonary geriatrics .

NIH Clinical Center. Critical care medicine department .

American Association for Respiratory Care. What RTs do .

American Lung Association. The basics of pulmonary rehabilitation .

Food & Drug Administration. Pulse oximeters and oxygen concentrators: what to know about at-home oxygen therapy .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Respiratory therapist .

American Lung Association. Oxygen therapy .

American Association for Respiratory Care. Job outlook is good for respiratory therapists .

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Respiratory therapists .

By Steph Coelho Steph Coelho is a freelance health and wellness writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience working on content related to health, wellness, mental health, chronic illness, fitness, sexual wellness, and health-related tech.She's written extensively about chronic conditions, telehealth, aging, CBD, and mental health. Her work has appeared in Insider, Healthline, WebMD, Greatist, Medical News Today, and more.

Travel Respiratory Therapy Jobs

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Take Your Respiratory Therapy Career to the Next Level

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Travel Respiratory Therapy Technician Salary & Perks

Travel respiratory jobs pay well. In general, the pay is higher than staff jobs and include additional perks (beyond the high pay) too. Travelers choose where they want to go and set their own priorities which could include finding the highest paying assignments, building their resumes at top-notch facilities, expanding their skill set by working with different patient populations or simply enjoying the experience of living in amazing cities across the USA .

If pay is your priority, it’s easiest to let a recruiter help focus your search. Apply now and we’ll assign you an expert who makes your goals their goals. Let them know if you’re looking for high pay, resume-building hospitals or specific locations. They’ll help you find a respiratory travel job you’ll love.

Why Do Hospitals Open Travel Respiratory Jobs?

Hospitals across the country experience gaps in care, so travel respiratory therapy jobs are plentiful. Always wanted to surf a Waikiki wave or try a slice of authentic Chicago deep dish? This could be your chance!

If a staff technician takes leave or a hospital experiences census fluctuations, travel therapists jump in to help. Feel free to check in frequently to see what’s new. We update our list of open respiratory therapy jobs every day.

What Benefits Does Aya Offer?

Personalized team.

Aya travelers have an entire support team including an expert recruiter, credentialing specialist, payroll representative, compliance liaison and travel experience specialist.

We help with housing. Depending on the assignment, we’ll provide a stipend or you can take the easy route and let us put you up.

You'll get premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Everything starts day one of your assignment!

We offer a 401(k) with a generous match, stipends and, on certain contracts, reimbursement for things like tuition, travel, licensing and more!

We send holiday treats and pizza on your birthday (because coworkers become friends when you share pizza)! You'll love that warm feeling you get when your company cares about you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average length for a travel assignment is 13 weeks, but that varies. Some are longer and others are as short as 4 weeks.

As previously mentioned, travel jobs usually pay better than staff jobs. New jobs open all the time, so ask your recruiter for a current list of high-paying jobs. If you don’t have a recruiter yet, apply today and we’ll put you in touch with someone who’s happy to help!

Travel jobs are available for all specialties. We’re currently hiring CRTs, EEGs, pulmonary specialists, RRTs (including NICU) and sleep techs.

All 50 states have open travel respiratory therapy jobs at different times. Browse jobs now to see the latest!

Pulmonary medicine associates work with patients who have breathing and/or cardiopulmonary disorders. They assist with patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly – and they’re needed all over the country.

Ready to Travel?

Respiratory technicians — want to know more about Aya Healthcare? Visit our about us page now .

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The Ultimate Guide to Travel Therapy

Everything you should know, what is travel therapy, who can be a travel therapist, why do i want to be a travel therapist, how do i get started.

6 Signs You Would be a Great Fit for a Travel Therapy Job

Travel therapy is a career option for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who are looking for short-term contracts at facilities across the country. Travel therapy jobs often range in length, with most contracts lasting 13 weeks. Travel PTs, OTs, and SLPs along with therapy assistants can find therapy travel jobs in all 50 U.S. states at hospitals, inpatient and outpatient facilities, school systems, and home health networks. Can you picture yourself taking your therapy career to the next level with exciting new experiences all over the United States?

Anyone can be a travel therapist, all you need is a sense of adventure, flexibility, and the desire to provide high-quality care. We recommend PTs, OTs, and SLPs have at least one year of experience before taking travel contracts, as travel therapy jobs require a strong skill set and the ability to hit the ground running. Travel physical therapy and travel occupational therapy professionals are in high demand. If you can jump into a new position and adapt quickly, you will thrive in this role.

Why not? Travel therapists earn competitive pay and receive outstanding benefits packages with free or low-cost housing. Then there’s the obvious perk – the travel! Travel therapy professionals have the freedom to move to dream destinations, seeing and experiencing the U.S. as few get to do.

Travel therapy jobs come with a unique set of requirements, but travel therapy companies can help place you exactly where you would like to be. Once you determine that travel therapy is the right career move for your lifestyle, reach out to a reputable travel therapy company. You can earn more, travel more, and stress less with an experienced travel therapy recruiter guiding you on your first travel therapy assignment.

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IMAGES

  1. Being a Travel Respiratory Therapist (RRT): Everything You Need to Know

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  2. What is a respiratory therapist?

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  3. The Life of a Travel Respiratory Therapist

    what is a travel respiratory therapist

  4. Why You Should Start Traveling as a Respiratory Therapist

    what is a travel respiratory therapist

  5. The Fulfilling Journey of Being a Respiratory Therapist

    what is a travel respiratory therapist

  6. What is a Respiratory Therapist?

    what is a travel respiratory therapist

VIDEO

  1. RESPIRATORY THERAPY QUESTION AND ANSWER

  2. Holiday Travel Guide: Let's talk pricing, strategy

  3. DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST UPDATE ON MY DC TRAVEL ASSIGNMENT

  4. Respiratory illnesses surge in the new year as doctors treat flu, COVID-19, and RSV

  5. #travel #respiratory #therapist #florida #missouri #delta #fly

  6. Travel Respiratory Therapist moving to Saipan!! #respiratorytherapist #travelnurse #saipan

COMMENTS

  1. Travel Respiratory Therapist Jobs

    The average salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $1,904 per week. This is 23% lower than the practicing US average of $2,352. Last updated on May 7, 2024. Based on 1,848 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days. Explore all travel Respiratory Therapist salary insights.

  2. Being a Travel Respiratory Therapist (RRT): Everything You Need to Know

    A travel respiratory therapist (RRT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients who have difficulty breathing or other respiratory ailments. They often work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Travel RRTs provide treatment and care to patients in a variety of settings ...

  3. Travel Respiratory Therapy Guide

    Travel respiratory therapy is a contract-based career for respiratory therapists who are wishing to help fill shortages at facilities across the country. Travel respiratory therapist jobs tend to range in length from 8 to 26 weeks, with most lasting 13 weeks. With the availability to take on positions in all 50 U.S. states, RTs can take their ...

  4. Respiratory Travel Jobs

    Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist Jobs. RRT travel jobs are waiting in some exciting locations. Day one benefits, housing, and more can be yours, along with a new way to work travel respiratory therapist jobs. $1,350-$2,916/week. Learn more.

  5. Traveling Respiratory Therapist: Pros & Cons

    Respiratory therapists have ample opportunities to find work in a steadily growing field. In fact, between 2014 and 2024, employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 12%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). By working as a traveling respiratory therapist, you'll have access to even more opportunities than ever before.

  6. Travel Respiratory Therapist Career Guide

    Discover the exciting world of traveling respiratory therapists. Nomad's comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about pay and job requirements for this in-demand career.

  7. Travel Respiratory Therapist Pay: A Comprehensive Guide

    A travel respiratory therapist is an integral part of the healthcare industry, offering their expertise in heart and lung health in a traveling capacity. Also known as RRT travel jobs, these professionals work in different locations temporarily, providing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

  8. What Is a Respiratory Therapist & What To Expect?

    A respiratory therapist (RT) is a healthcare provider who helps diagnose, treat and manage conditions that affect your lungs. They aren't doctors, but they work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to develop treatment plans to help restore or maintain lung and breathing function. Advertisement.

  9. Why You Should Start Traveling as a Respiratory Therapist

    Because travel respiratory therapists have added expenses like housing, continuing education unit costs, state licensing fees, and more, the travel respiratory therapist's salary is generally higher than staff RTs. This perk is pretty straightforward—if you enjoy high pay, making money, and saving lives, a career as a travel respiratory ...

  10. Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

    Applying for RRT Travel Jobs. Before starting a healthcare travel assignment as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, get the process started by applying. Once we've received your information, a recruiter will get in touch with you to finalize your application and discuss your vision in hopes to get you placed in the job of your dreams.

  11. Travel RT Jobs

    Demand for respiratory therapists is projected to grow, particularly among middle-aged and senior populations. Advanced certifications and specialization in a specific area, such as neonatal/pediatric care or adult critical care, can increase your marketability and improve your selection of traveling respiratory therapist jobs.

  12. Explore Lucrative Respiratory Therapy Travel Jobs

    Travel respiratory therapists play a pivotal role in diagnosing, resolving, and managing patients' respiratory conditions. Many of the core responsibilities of a travel respiratory therapist mirror those of a standard respiratory therapist—the significant difference lies in the changing work environment.

  13. Travel Respiratory Therapy Jobs

    A travel respiratory therapist must acquire the same level of education and certification as a respiratory therapist. This includes a bachelor's or associate's degree, with an advisable master's degree to increase chances on the job market. It is recommended that the aspiring travel respiratory therapist complete prerequisites for ...

  14. What is a respiratory therapist, and what do they do?

    A respiratory therapist (RT) is a specialized healthcare practitioner who has training in pulmonary medicine. They help evaluate, monitor, and treat breathing and lung problems. Keep reading to ...

  15. Respiratory Therapist (RT) Career Guide

    A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a specialized medical professional who monitors and treats respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. RTs work under the supervision of a doctor to assist with examining, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating anyone with lung issues. Typically, RTs are trained in critical care for acute emergent situations.

  16. Travel Respiratory Therapists

    Travel respiratory therapists can take advantage of the many benefits of being a traveling allied health professional, including top compensation packages, the ability to travel across the U.S., and gaining valuable experience along the way.

  17. Respiratory Therapy: Types, Uses and Respiratory Therapists

    Respiratory therapy (RT) helps people with respiratory disorders and breathing difficulties. A respiratory therapist is a medical professional who provides this type of therapy. This article looks at the various types of respiratory therapy, the typical duties of a respiratory therapist, and how to tell whether you need respiratory therapy.

  18. Respiratory Therapy Jobs

    Travel Respiratory Therapy Technician Salary & Perks. Travel respiratory jobs pay well. In general, the pay is higher than staff jobs and include additional perks (beyond the high pay) too. Travelers choose where they want to go and set their own priorities which could include finding the highest paying assignments, building their resumes at ...

  19. Respiratory therapy: What it is, types, and more

    Respiratory therapy is a growing field that is expanding into the treatment and management of sleep disorders. Although sleep disorders and respiratory problems may appear unrelated, issues such ...

  20. What Is a Respiratory Therapist?

    A respiratory therapist (RT) is a health professional who helps assess and treat breathing problems. They work with doctors and nurses to evaluate lung function, develop a care plan, and provide ...

  21. What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

    Respiratory therapists handle breathing or airway problems that can stem from a wide variety of conditions and events. They include: Acute respiratory distress syndrome. This is a very serious ...

  22. The Ultimate Guide to Travel Therapy

    Travel therapy is a career option for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who are looking for short-term contracts at facilities across the country. Travel therapy jobs often range in length, with most contracts lasting 13 weeks. Travel PTs, OTs, and SLPs along with therapy assistants can find therapy travel jobs ...