Travel Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Alabama

The median salary for Respiratory Therapists in the state of Alabama was $51,820 per year or $24.91 per hour in 2020 with most earning an annual salary between $43,950 and $60,060 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level jobs in Alabama or those with the lowest 10% salary earned around $38,300, while the highest 10% earned more than $66,610. Alabama ranks 49 in median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists, though when adjusted to the relative cost of living, Alabama ranks at 38. Typically, travel respiratory therapy jobs will provide higher hourly and weekly pay than permanent positions in the same specialty, facility, and location. The estimated weekly gross pay listed for travel rt jobs is based on the specified hours per week listed on job cards and includes available stipend amounts.

Being a travel respiratory therapist in Alabama offers many benefits, including higher-than-average pay rates, access to various job opportunities, exposure to the latest technologies, and the opportunity to gain experience in multiple healthcare settings. Additionally, you can advance your career with knowledge and valuable network contacts while exploring different parts of The Yellowhammer State.

To become a respiratory therapist in Alabama one must first complete an accredited program through either an associate's or bachelor's degree program in respiratory therapy (or equivalent). After completing school they must then pass both the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examination and the State of Alabama licensing exam administered by the Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy (ASBRT). In addition to these requirements, individuals must also undergo background checks which cost $45 before submitting a license application ($25) along with a one-time license fee ($100). The entire process usually takes around 10 days from start to finish after all documentation has been submitted properly.

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

The CRT certification is a measure of essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice. The candidate must be a graduate of at least a two-year degree program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) CoARC and have achieved a low-cut score on the TMC to earn the CRT credential. The TMC education requirement may make them ineligible for the next level of the TMC exam.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

The RRT certification recognizes the individual as having advanced clinical skills, advanced decision-making skills, and further training to act in a consulting role in matters concerning patient care planning and treatment. The candidate must be a graduate of a two-year or a four-year degree program accredited by CoARC, have achieved the high cut score on the TMC, and passed the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) portion of the exam to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. For these reasons, the RRT credential is generally preferred by most employers.

Respiratory therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of breathing and other respiratory disorders. Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) and Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) work to improve the quality of life of patients of all ages, from neonates to the elderly, with a wide range of respiratory issues. Through their expert knowledge and skills, RRTs and CRTs are qualified to conduct evaluations on patients' lung and breathing functions using tests such as spirometry and arterial blood gas analysis. They also develop personalized treatment plans for their patients, based on the specific disorder they have been diagnosed with, such as asthma or COPD. In addition to developing treatment plans, RRTs and CRTs administer medications and treatments, such as inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen therapy, to help manage and improve patients' respiratory function. RRTs may also perform chest physiotherapy and other breathing exercises to help clear mucus from the lungs and improve breathing.