Hospitals Paying Huge Hiring Bonuses for Respiratory Therapists |
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May 8, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
A dire lack of trained personnel to fill respiratory therapy jobs in California is a harbinger of shortages to come across the nation. Estimates claim that there will be 13,100 openings for graduates of respiratory therapy programs in the state by 2012, not counting another 3,000 openings created by retiring therapists. California hospitals are offering as much as $10,000 bonuses to lure working respiratory therapists from their current jobs. If you're looking for a promising career, it's a great time to attend a respiratory school.
Big Need Means Big Bucks for Respiratory Therapists
Base salaries in one southern California community for new respiratory therapists exceed $60,000--not a bad starting wage for completing a two-year respiratory therapy program. One respiratory therapist reports a non-stop flood of recruiting fliers in her home mailbox.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for respiratory therapy jobs will grow faster than the average of all other occupations through 2012.
Respiratory Therapy Programs in High Demand
Respiratory schools are struggling to keep up with demand, which only increases the need for trained graduates. That means it's time to apply for a two-year respiratory therapy program the moment you make the decision to go. Some programs require math or science pre-requisites, so while you're waiting to enter, you can take classes at community colleges and medical trade schools to move to the front of the line.
The BLS reports that respiratory therapists held 118,000 positions in 2004, with more than 75% of them in hospitals. Each state in the union has its own set of licensing requirements, so make sure that your respiratory therapist program focuses on preparing you for the required state or federal exams. You'll also need to earn and maintain your cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Sources
Riverside (California) Press-Enterprise
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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