Respiratory Therapist Q+A | Advice for RT Students | Tips for RT Travel Life
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- Respiratory Therapist Q+A | Advice for RT Students | Tips for RT Travel Life
I finally had a chance to sit down + answer some questions for y'all! Thanks to everyone for dropping a comment + asking some great questions. I hope this helps for everyone looking into the RT program or starting school. I try to describe my experience in the respiratory therapy program and give my suggestions on how to study, clinical rotations, passing your board exams + looking for a job as a new grad.
And for everyone interested in travel life - I hope this helps answer some questions you have about becoming a travel respiratory therapist. From state licenses, how to negotiate pay, finding an agency, and more!
I feel like I talked forever! SO, I broke down the video so you can skip to whatever subject you're interested in hearing about!
1:16: HOW TO PICK A RT PROGRAM
4:15: DID I WORK DURING SCHOOL
4:46: STUDY TIPS FOR RT SCHOOL
9:07: TIPS FOR STUDYING FOR YOUR BOARDS
13:24: ADVICE + MY EXPERIENCE DURING CLINICAL ROTATIONS
18:07: HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR ME TO FIND A JOB AFTER GRADUATION
19:07: ADVICE FOR RTS AFTER GRADUATION
21:01: HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE IN MY CLASS + HOW MANY PEOPLE GRADUATED/PASSED BOARDS
21:47: WAS RT SCHOOL WORTH IT
23:34: HARDEST PART ABOUT THE RT PROGRAM
24:49: MY BACKGROUND AS A RT + TRAVEL RT
26:25: DO YOU NEED A LICENSE FOR EACH STATE + HOW TO OBTAIN IT
29:06: ADVICE FOR TRAVEL RT
31:55: HOW TO NEGOTIATE PAY AS A TRAVEL RT
33:05: HOW TO FIND A TRAVEL AGENCY
34:05: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BEING A TRAVEL RT + FULL TIME STAFF RT
36:42: HOW LONG AM I PLANNING TO WORK NIGHTSHIFT + STAY A TRAVEL RT
41:07: IS IT HARD OR SCARY TO BE TRAVELING ALONE + MY THOUGHTS ON SOLO TRAVEL
Here is a link for my video on COVID CRISIS DEPLOYMENTS - I think this will be coming in handy soon for those looking into traveling and see posts about these kinds of assignments!
• Respiratory Therapist ...
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING + BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE RESPIRATORY CONTENT!
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Check out my podcast episode on I Need (Travel) Therapy down below! I speak about my experience as a respiratory therapist. I share my stories traveling during the pandemic working COVID crisis deployments. I hope my time on the podcast helps shed some light on respiratory therapists + all the amazing work they've done during the pandemic and continue doing everyday!
PODCAST EPISODE | SPOTIFY: open.spotify.c...
PODCAST EPISODE | APPLE: podcasts.apple...
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I am a traveling Respiratory Therapist. I am currently on assignment in IOWA! It is a 13 week assignment + Ill be taking you guys along as I work, giving you guys a glimpse of a travel RT! Along with showing you guys the reality of being a traveler, I’ll take you guys with me as I travel around on my days off and take advantage of the best parts of being a traveler! Along with this being a new assignment, it also marks a fresh chapter in my life. If you're interested on taking the leap as a traveler + how a thirtysomething navigates life, be sure to SUBSCRIBE + turn on those notifications to follow along on my RT travel journey!
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Welcome to my channel! I wanted to create a space that I could collect my video diaries as I travel around working as a respiratory therapist. I've been a travel therapist since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and couldn't imagine ever going back! I'll show you the pros and cons of travel life. I'll also try to share some tips on what I've learned along the way for anyone considering a career in respiratory or taking that step to become a travel therapist. If you've ever wondered what it's like to travel as a respiratory therapist, follow along!
I also wanted to make this space a place where I can share different pieces of my life. So, let me take you along on the mini journeys that come along with this lifestyle. Why, TheRachelProject? Because life is a constant work in progress and I love watching where the ups and downs take me!
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LETS BE FRIENDS!
INSTAGRAM: / racheldelle
I just got my acceptance letter today and I’m so excited I’ve been binge watching every RT video I can find
I had my first day of respiratory school today! I’m so excited 💗 I will graduate December 2022!
Omg congrats! I hope it’s going well and best of luck to you! It will
Fly by!
Hows it going ? I just got accepted into RT school for Fall 2022 !!
Hi how’s it going I got accepted for fall 2022
@@sylviavega5250 I’m so sorry I just saw this. It’s going great! :) i absolutely love it and have had great preceptors all semester
@@juliawarren574 I have no idea how I missed this notification!
It’s going great!
I have a student RT position at a 520 bed hospital and learning so much:) I love that I get to work with the people I’ll be with once I graduate!
Clinical is going great so far, I love it!
Every single clinical site offered me a job so make sure you really learn the material and do your best at clinical. If you’re not sure about something, ask! Don’t be shy.
Good luck!!!
Cannot echo enough what you say about the importance of clinicals! It turns out that Respiratory is a small world, and the impression you make in clinicals will definitely follow you through your career. Thanks for taking time to do a Q&A. I've been an RT since 2015 but just started traveling this year. Cheers!
Thanks so much! I completely agree and think its the best piece of advice I can give anyone coming into respiratory. Such a small world! Congrats to you on traveling and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
This is the video i definitely needed. orientation in 2 days and this definitely got me into that “go getter” mentality.
Yassss! You got this! ❤️
Girl boss!! Your mindset carried you through this.
Wow, congratulations for your success! They offered you jobs even before you graduated. That is awesome.
Thank you so much!
You remind me of a friend who always got 4.0 in her classes. I'm glad to hear your hardwork paid off and thanks for sharing!
Lol! Thank you!
Great video!!!! I''m starting my RT program this fall here in NYC, and I already have a BS in Molecular Biology, so that saves me some time!! I'm also a Kinesthetic Learner (tactile-hands-on learner). This is the way I really engrain concepts because most education is taught to memorize to test, but the hands-on I love!! I hope to do Travel work after 2 years of work experience. Love your channel.
I’m a Travel CNA currently transitioning into Pharmacy Tech for the meantime. I always wanted to be a nurse but quickly learned it wasn’t for me so I never went back to school. I’ve been looking into RT lately and I think this is the route I wanna go. Thanks for your thoughts and your experience it really helped me
Aw thanks for all your kind words! Best of luck to you! I’m really grateful for where respiratory has taken me thus far and I hope you feel the same way too!
Did you do it?
Hi Rachel! I had you as a preceptor at White Rock. You were awesome! Great videos.
Whaaaa?! Thanksss and I hope you’re doing well!!! 😊
As a RT student this video helped me a lot. Explained very well!!!!!!!!
Thank you Rachel for this helpful video.
No problem! Good luck during your program!
Typically, I just play these informative RT videos in the background and listen to the audio. However, you are so great to look at, that I watch your videos. Absolutely gorgeous. Whew! Alright, enough of that. I don't want you to feel creeped out by me. Thank you for these informative videos. I'm a freelance photographer and videographer whose business was crushed by C19 and so I began a new journey of pursuing a career in a field I've always wanted to work in but thought that I wasn't smart enough to be a doctor, and was a little too macho to be a nurse. I begin my respiratory program in exactly 2 weeks and your videos have been inspiring and beautifully shot. Your one of the very few RT UA-camrs that have good editing, decent audio, entertaining, and very good information. I appreciate you ma'am. You have a fan in me. I'm currently planning to follow in your footsteps by creating a RT channel that follows me through school. Again, thank you. I always look forward to your videos. I hope this reaches you well and in good spirits. Peace.
thank you so much for your sweet words! seriously, so nice! Im definitely a newbie when it comes to all this editing stuff, so really appreciate it. I hope this helps you during your program, thats one of the main reasons I started this channel - I really wished I had something like this when I was in school lol. best of luck to you and can't wait to subscribe to your channel!
Definitely agree the accelerated programs are a lot currently in the Navy's RT program and we have 8 months to complete the program start to finish including clinicals .
wow! and I thought my program was intense. thats a crazy short amount of time. best of luck to you!
wow. too fast. in canada its at least 3 even 4-5. wow.
WELL SPOKEN !!! Thank you very much for this video.
Im starting my program soon. Still tryna get and finish all the prereqs. I will take all your tips and learn from it. ❤️❤️
Thanks so much! Good luck to you! 🤗
I go to Concorde in Dallas and start going to class in person Nov 8 & graduate Nov 2022!
Best of luck to you! I hope you enjoy your clinical experience as much as I did! I went to that Concorde too!
Hey 👋🏽 I considering Concorde as well. Did you graduate? How was it?
I got accept for RT program for fall 22 and I’m so excited😊
Congrats!!!!!! You got this!
Thank you for making this video, Rachel! I would totally love to be in Hawaii on an assignment!
bucket list goals!!! =)
Just came across your channel, thanks for the study tips I am a student at Concorde in the Missouri location. I'll be finishing up my prerequires in January.
I went to Concorde too! I hope school is going well, let me know how its going!
Thank you so much for making this video. I just recently applied to an RT program. I hope I get in.
Hi! Did you get in !?
@@juliawarren574 I will know in June
Good luck. I got accept for RT program for fall 22 and I’m so excited
Great video! I've been in the dental field for 8 years. Looking into RT as a career change. I'm loving all the information on it so far. Question: do you have any story times or info on removing life support? And how often you have to do it? And if it has any affects on your mental health?? Thanks!!
Wow great questions! Honestly, yes it happens more often than not. It really hasn’t impacted my mental health as I’ve been around it for awhile now. But that’s not to say that those times get any easier. I try to remind myself that it’s part of my job and most times, it’s usually the best option for my patient.
I hope that helps!
@Kaniya Morris honestly it's alot of things. Over worked and underpaid. I've been in the field for almost 10 years and it's taken a toll on my body (back/ wrist/neck). I want to get out of the field while I'm still young.
@Kaniya Morris thanks girl. The struggle is real. I’m now looking into being the office manager now. I did a lot of research with the rat route and honestly I feel like I’d be up on my feet more and although the pay is better I’m tired lol. I need to have a job that’s less demanding…if that makes any sense
@Kaniya Being a hygienist is good if you wanted to go back to school for that. In my town they only let like 25 people in each year and I applied for the HYG program for two year and didn’t get it so I figured it last not meant to be. But now days, hygiene is paying a tone. We are in desperate need for hygienist right now. If you have the opportunity and you actually want to, go for it. You’re in the field so I’m sure you know just as much as a hygienist. Get that money
So excited I found your channel! 😍
thanks so much!
Great video - great personality - thanks! :)
Could you share how many places you guys went to do clinical ? And what are they feeling like? Either in different departments or hospitals? Preceptors will teach you how to be a RT or you guys just watch on site ?
Thank you !
Thank you so much you help me decide on my new career
Best of luck to you!!
thank you@@RachelDellee
Hi girl I love watching all your videos could you keep doing more?
Thank you for the informative video 🤍
Very informative video! I’ll be starting my RT program this July. Was your program still 17 months although you completed the general ed courses?
I live in Philly and there weren’t many programs in my area and if there was it was way too far for me but I applied to my local community college and I’m waiting for an interview date!
So excited for you and sending you all the good vibes! ❤️
How did you manage when you left your job to pay your bills?
@@TriceyReecy hello! Yes, I did have to take chemistry. And when I left my job, I was lucky enough to have enough savings and help from my parents to get me thru respiratory school!
at was your background before medicine? did you already like healthcare? was the studying and learning different studying health sciences? why what? how ?
Also what did you use to study to get into the respiratory program
I'm in my final semester of RT school, I graduate December 9, 2021!!!!! I'm torn between going to one of the hospitals I've been offered a position at or travel. Any advice? Please and Thank You!!
Hey girl! First off, congrats on graduating! Tbh, I can’t imagine traveling right when I got out of RT school. I feel like the experience you get as a FT staffer is sooo important! I’ve only been a RT for 3 years and I still feel lost sometimes. And as a traveler, the hospital really expects you to have little to no orientation time and show up and work. I would definitely get some experience before traveling! And most agencies require a year experience before taking a contract. Just my thoughts! Good luck with everything!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations on graduating 👏!! Any advice for someone thinking about getting into respiratory therapy?
@@naturallynay7231 hi! I would definitely try to get in touch with someone in the field and ask as many questions as you can to make sure this is the field for you. I don’t think a lot of people realize how in depth and how many responsibilities RTs have!
Im curious about this profession but dont know if ill be a good fit ive called many places ro shadow and no luck.. I know I wouldnt do well in a hospita setting itll make me too anxious with code blues and being in hospitals will that limit my chances of finding a job ? I would prefer a much calmer environment if that makes sense
Hello looking into RT school soon. Prerequisites are done, but I’m 30 years old! Am I too old for the program ?
Absolutely not. I’m a huge believer that age has nothing to do with whatever you want! I was over 30 when I started my program. It’s never too late to start something!
@@RachelDellee thank you so much! Okay next semester is when I start the next step which is the RT prerequisites and afterwards I get to apply for their program. It’s competitive, but crossing my fingers I get accepted into the program as early as summer next year.
@@TheRay1227 wishing you the best of luck! You got this!
How would you compare the pay between travel and full time
you can definitely make more money traveling. with that being said, just know it also means it is definitely a lifestyle change. you have to be able to pick out good assignments in areas that have reasonable prices of living.
Hello Rachel,
studying in the sense, Do we have to read the entire chapters from Egan's book or just study the highlighted portions from the textbook?
Thank you for sharing! I have a question though. How were you able to support yourself during the rest of your program without a job? Like did your family 100% financially support you through the rest of the way? Asking because I'm thinking of not working when I get in.
Hi! Honestly, I had my savings but I was very blessed that my parents helped support me when I decided to go back to school. I moved in with them and finished the program without having to work. My family and friends were a huge blessing too - they always cooked meals for me + allowed me to spend the night at their house since my parents house was a bit far from my clinical rotations.
It was a sacrifice, but it was a short term sacrifice for a long term reward. Looking back, it feels like a lifetime ago!
How long does it take to complete prerequisites? Do I have to apply to rt school after I'm done with prerequisites?
What is the most you’ve made traveling? Currently on the waiting list. 😁
During a COVID deployment last year - 8k a week. 😊
@@RachelDellee dang that is so good! I’m torn between respiratory therapy and Diagnostic medical sonography. I wouldn’t be able to get into the DMS program probably until 2 to 3 years from now because of the waitlist. However, for the RT program I think I’ll be admitted by next august. Do you think covid will still be a problem 3 years from now after I potentially graduate?
@@RachelDellee that is insane!!! Wow, how many hours did you work that week?
If you don’t mind me asking, what school did you go to ?
I graduated in 2019 and am now slowly looking into traveling. I’ve watched some UA-cam videos here and there and I feel like yours is one of the most informative! Wondering if you’d be open to sharing your knowledge about pay packages? I joined a Facebook group recently and some of the pay information is confusing. A lot of them will list x amount gross in 48 hours, does that just mean you’re working 48 hours a week? Then there’s the tax vs no tax and different stipends. Also how did you go about contacting an agency? Did you just randomly choose one and email/call them through a website or was it through a job posting? I’m trying to find out more information and I don’t know where to start, help, lol. Hopefully you can answer some of these, thanks so much for your videos! 😊
Thanks so much! This is such a great idea! I remember when I started traveling I had no idea what these pay packages meant + how to make it work best for me. I will definitely put together a video describing pay packages (as best as I can!).
And my best advice on agencies - I started off looking on the Vivian app because tons of agencies post jobs there and it helps connect you to a recruiter. That's how I found my first assignment besides COVID deployments. I saw the different agencies on their app + started following all the agencies on social media. They post a ton of jobs on their social media pages. Hope that helps!
What would your next career move be after the next few years as an RT?
Since you did an accelerated program that cost more was it easier to get into the program?
definitely! I just completed my prerequisites + then started taking classes!
@@RachelDellee thank you for responding! o alright so was there was no wait list? Would this program cost more compared to applying to a “competitive”program?
@@highvalue1195 no wait, but yes definitely wayyy more expensive!
@@RachelDellee Thank you!
@@RachelDellee do you mind sharing where in dallas? i live here. And definitely want to check it out 🥹🥹🥹🥹
im worried rachel dell.e . im i too old to start again for 2nd career? i feel behind in life. to try again then about marriage and having a family? i feel embarrassed im older but i want to do RRT, thought about for a long time and am worried what if i fail or i spent so much time pursing this i forget i need to have a family, my body may get sick or be too old. did you have a backup if RT didnt work out?
How old are you
@@Gjtrhbt between 25-35
@@uzbekistansiberia8546 you’re not old, do it. Be positive and things will work. There was older people than that at the program, and they did great.
@@Gjtrhbt oh really? ok. ima try and keep my head up high. ugh just feels apprehensive because alot of hurdles. thank you! you pursing too!?
@@uzbekistansiberia8546 You’re welcome 😃 and I already completed.
What are some good agencies for traveling RTs?
ive worked with Krucial, amn, Aya, Protouch, and prolink! all great!
Hey girl! How long do you wait to start looking for the next job?
Usually halfway into my assignment.
How was it leaving your staff job?
Honestly, it was really hard! That was the hospital I did most of my clinicals + worked there right out of school. I loved my coworkers, docs, nurses, etc and I definitely learned so much from that facility. But, I had to do what was best for me + take the opportunities that were out there + start traveling! I don't regret leaving + super thankful that I still have lifelong friendships with my old coworkers + managers.
How were you working as an RT before you graduated? Without a license?
I didn’t work as a RT until after I graduated and passed my boards. I was able to secure a job immediately because I took positions with hospitals I did my rotations in and they just waited for my license to come thru.
@@RachelDellee oh that makes sense now! Thank you for responding and I would love for you to do a video on travel pay!
Hiiii I was debating between nursing and RRT do you have a associates or bachelors?? How much experience do you have for travel?
I have my associates in respiratory. usually 1-2 years prior to traveling. hope that helps!
Is Chemistry one of the courses you have to take?
I just found this video since I’m looking up careers about RT
Yes u have to take chemistry
I’m a travel RT currently on a travel contract in Guam! If you guys have any tips for renting cars for contracts that are over seas that would be awesome , I’m 22 and tried to rent a car and They told me since I’m not 25 I couldn’t get one. If anyone has any tips that would be awesome :’)
hi! im sorry I don't have any info regarding rentals overseas!
did you go to concorde by chance?
I did! =)
Did you go to Concorde ?
Yes!
@@RachelDellee I’m glad I came across your channel then. I’m starting in their RT program in April. I get to skip a few months since I’m transferring prereqs over since I was previously in a nursing program. I’m gonna be taking only RT courses when I start too!
@@makeouthill8194 congrats to you!!! That was the same for me! I went straight to the courses. Good luck to you!!! 🤗
@@RachelDellee thank you!
Do they pay for living while on a travel assignment?
you are given a housing stipend with your contract!
@@RachelDellee could it be extra money if u live in ur van 😂 or already live in that city?
@@rizwanakarizzy8771 absolutely!
I’d travel RT’s a normal thing out because of Covid?
Nope there’s always been travel contracts for RTs even before covid!
@@RachelDellee oh that’s awesome! I didn’t know, but I’m glad that’s an option.
Do you think this career is good for someone who is a single parent?
Hi! If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the name of the program that you went to?
Concorde!
What school did you go to?
Do people like to wear oxygen mask
First year RT student here! Did you have to have some kind of critical care experience before you become a travel RT?
Aw congrats on making it thru your first year! I was a RT At my full time job for almost 2 years before I started traveling! And that experience was definitely important before leaving and traveling on my own.
Do you have any of your notes ?
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How much did you make before covid?
If you don’t mind me asking?
@@milouramichel1742 no worries! before covid I was working at my FT staff job before traveling. I started traveling during Covid. Averaging about 2k biweekly.
Wait, wait, wait.....you're the ONLY RT in the building at night 😐😐😐😐. I hope this is a tiny hospital.....
Lol yup. But it truly was a small community hospital. So things weren’t that crazy.
@@RachelDellee gotcha 😅
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