Travel Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Nebraska

The median salary for Respiratory Therapists in the state of Nebraska was $61,070 per year or $29.36 per hour in 2022 with most earning an annual salary between $57,190 and $63,160 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level jobs in Nebraska or those with the lowest 10% salary earned around $47,380, while the highest 10% earned more than $76,600. Nebraska ranks 35 in median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists, though when adjusted to the relative cost of living, Nebraska ranks at 22.

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.

To become a Respiratory Therapist in Nebraska, there are certain requirements that need to be met. Firstly, you need to complete an accredited Respiratory Therapy program which can range from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree. You then need to obtain a license from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services by submitting an application along with the required fee of $118. All applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and the processing time may vary. For further information regarding the licensure process, you may visit the Board address or download the application.

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.