According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for respiratory therapists is projected to grow 14% by 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. Yet surprisingly, only about 7% of all Registered Respiratory Therapists pursue travel positions despite the substantial benefits these roles offer. For those wondering how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist, this guide will navigate you through everything you need to know about this rewarding career path.
What Is a Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist?
A travel Registered Respiratory Therapist performs the same clinical duties as a permanent RRT but takes short-term assignments in different healthcare facilities across the country. These professionals are highly skilled at adapting to new environments while providing expert respiratory care.
Travel respiratory therapist jobs typically last 13 weeks, though contracts can range from 8 to 26 weeks. During this time, you’ll work alongside permanent staff to fill critical staffing needs, often receiving premium compensation and unique benefits.
Why Consider Becoming a Travel RRT?
Before diving into how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist, let’s explore why this career path might be the perfect fit for you:
Financial Benefits
- Travel RRTs typically earn 15-40% more than permanent staff
- Tax-free housing stipends and per diems
- Signing and completion bonuses
- Health benefits often start on day one
Professional Growth
- Experience diverse clinical settings and patient populations
- Learn different protocols, equipment, and techniques
- Build an impressive, varied resume
- Network with professionals nationwide
Lifestyle Advantages
- Explore new cities and regions
- Avoid workplace politics
- Prevent burnout through varied experiences
- Choose when and where you work
Work-Life Balance Opportunities
Travel respiratory therapy offers unparalleled flexibility that permanent positions simply can’t match:
- Take extended breaks between contracts for personal pursuits
- Schedule multiple assignments in rapid succession to maximize earnings, then take a longer sabbatical
- Coordinate assignments with personal events (family reunions, weddings, etc.)
- Create your own “seasonal schedule” – work winters in warm climates, summers in cooler regions
- Stack assignments to allow for extended international travel between contracts
Many travel RRTs report significantly improved work-life satisfaction compared to their permanent counterparts, with the ability to take 1-2 months off annually while still earning more than in traditional roles.
Professional Autonomy
As a travel RRT, you gain unprecedented control over your career trajectory:
- Select assignments that align with your professional interests
- Decline facilities with poor reviews or reputations
- Evaluate management and work culture before committing long-term
- Walk away from toxic environments once your contract concludes
- Negotiate your own compensation without waiting for annual reviews
- Create distance from workplace drama and office politics
This level of professional freedom allows you to focus on what matters most: providing excellent patient care without 6the constraints that often come with permanent positions.
Crisis Response and Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted another compelling reason to consider travel respiratory therapy:
- Be part of rapid response teams during public health emergencies
- Provide critical expertise to underserved communities during crises
- Command premium rates during surge situations
- Gain invaluable experience managing complex cases in resource-challenged environments
- Develop crisis management skills that enhance your professional value
- Make meaningful differences in communities facing healthcare worker shortages
Many respiratory therapists found deeper purpose in their profession by traveling to hard-hit areas during recent healthcare crises, combining professional growth with profound impact.
Educational Reimbursement and Advanced Training
Travel agencies increasingly offer educational benefits to attract top talent:
- Student loan repayment assistance programs
- Certification reimbursement
- Continuing education allowances
- Skills workshop access
- Conference attendance sponsorship
- Advanced specialty training opportunities
These educational benefits often exceed what permanent employers provide, allowing you to advance your credentials while working.
Tax Advantages
When properly structured, travel positions offer significant tax benefits:
- Tax-free housing stipends can represent 30-40% of your total compensation package
- Meal per diems without receipted documentation
- Potential deductions for travel between assignments
- Tax benefits for maintaining a permanent tax home while traveling
- Retirement contribution advantages from higher gross income
When maximized appropriately with professional tax guidance, these benefits can significantly increase your effective income compared to permanent positions with seemingly similar base rates.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Travel Registered Respiratory Therapist
Ready to join the ranks of traveling healthcare professionals? Here’s your comprehensive roadmap to how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist:
1. Obtain Your Education and Credentials
The foundation of how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist starts with:
- Complete an accredited respiratory therapy program (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree)
- Pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination
- Earn your Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential
- Pass the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)
- Obtain your Registered Respiratory Therapist license
Some specialized units may require additional certifications such as:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
2. Gain Clinical Experience
Travel agencies typically require at least two years of hands-on experience before considering you for RRT Travel Jobs. This experience should:
- Cover a variety of clinical scenarios
- Demonstrate competency in multiple respiratory therapy modalities
- Include acute care experience (hospitals preferred over long-term care facilities)
- Show proficiency with ventilator management
During this time, focus on building a reputation for reliability, flexibility, and clinical excellence – qualities that will make you attractive to travel agencies later.
3. Obtain Multi-State Licensure
Understanding licensure is a critical aspect of how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist:
- Research requirements for each state where you might want to work
- Join the PSYPACT compact for respiratory care if applicable to streamline multi-state practice
- Budget time (2-8 weeks) and money ($75-300) for each new state license
- Consider obtaining licenses for high-demand states in advance
Pro tip: Many travel companies will reimburse licensure costs once you sign a contract.
4. Prepare Essential Documents
To streamline the process of how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist, gather these documents:
- Updated resume highlighting acute care experience
- Digital copies of licenses and certifications
- Immunization records (including COVID-19, TB, Hepatitis B, MMR)
- Professional references (typically 2-3)
- Skills checklists documenting your competencies
- BLS/ACLS/PALS cards
- Driver’s license and proof of citizenship/right to work
5. Research and Select Travel Agencies
The agency you choose will significantly impact your travel experience:
- Research companies specializing in travel respiratory therapist jobs
- Read reviews from other traveling RRTs
- Evaluate benefits packages beyond just pay rates
- Consider both large national agencies and boutique firms
- Look for agencies with experienced recruiters who understand respiratory therapy
6. Connect with a Recruiter
A good recruiter is essential to how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist:
- Interview multiple recruiters before committing
- Ask about their experience with respiratory therapy specifically
- Discuss your preferences regarding location, setting, and schedule
- Be honest about your skills and experience level
- Evaluate their communication style and responsiveness
Remember: The best recruiters act as advocates and partners throughout your travel career.
7. Prepare for the Interview Process
When pursuing how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist, prepare for interviews that typically focus on:
- Adaptability and quick learning
- Independence and problem-solving
- Experience with specific equipment or procedures
- Comfort level with minimal orientation
- Flexibility regarding schedules and assignments
Practice answering scenario-based questions that test your clinical judgment and ability to function independently.
8. Negotiate Your First Contract
Understanding contract terms is crucial to how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist:
- Base hourly rate vs. blended rate
- Housing stipends vs. agency-provided housing
- Travel reimbursement policies
- Guaranteed hours and overtime rates
- Cancellation policies and penalties
- Extension possibilities
- Health insurance coverage dates
- Completion bonuses
Don’t rush this process – seek clarification on anything unclear before signing.
9. Prepare for Your Assignment
Once you’ve secured your first position among available RRT Travel Jobs:
- Research your destination city
- Secure housing (agency-provided or on your own)
- Plan your travel arrangements
- Pack appropriate professional attire
- Organize your clinical resources and reference materials
- Contact the facility to confirm arrival details
- Review facility-specific protocols if available
10. Excel on Assignment
Success as a travel Registered Respiratory Therapist requires:
- Arriving early on your first day
- Taking thorough notes during orientation
- Finding a mentor or “go-to” person at the facility
- Being proactive about learning facility-specific protocols
- Maintaining detailed documentation
- Demonstrating flexibility with scheduling
- Building positive relationships with permanent staff
Common Challenges And How to Overcome Them
Understanding potential obstacles is part of how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist:
Short Orientations
Most travel RRTs receive brief orientations (sometimes just 1-2 days). Combat this by:
- Creating a personal checklist of essential information
- Taking detailed notes about equipment models and protocols
- Identifying key resource people for different shifts
- Requesting facility policy manuals
Housing Concerns
Finding temporary housing can be challenging:
- Start searching 3-4 weeks before assignments
- Consider extended-stay hotels for first-time assignments
- Use housing resources provided by your agency
- Join travel healthcare housing groups on social media
- Always have a backup plan for accommodations
Adapting to New Settings
Each facility has unique processes:
- Study facility protocols during your first few days
- Ask questions before procedures rather than after
- Observe how permanent staff handle common situations
- Be honest about your familiarity with specific equipment
- Request additional training when necessary
Advancing Your Travel RRT Career
Once you’ve mastered how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist, consider these advancement strategies:
Specialization
Develop expertise in high-demand areas:
- Neonatal/pediatric respiratory care
- Adult critical care
- Pulmonary function testing
- Sleep medicine
- Transport teams
Education
Continue building your credentials:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Respiratory Therapy
- Advanced practice credentials
- Clinical instructor certifications
- Management experience between assignments
Strategic Assignment Selection
Be intentional about building a diverse portfolio:
- Mix teaching and community hospitals
- Experience different regions with varied respiratory conditions
- Alternate between rural and urban settings
- Seek out facilities with different electronic medical records
Financial Planning for Travel RRTs
Smart financial management is crucial to maximizing the benefits of how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist:
- Establish a tax home to qualify for tax-free stipends
- Consult with a tax professional familiar with travel healthcare
- Create separate accounts for travel expenses
- Maintain records of all work-related expenses
- Plan for gaps between assignments
- Leverage higher income for accelerated debt repayment or investments
Building Community as a Travel RRT
While traveling, maintain professional connections:
- Join professional organizations for respiratory therapists
- Participate in online communities for traveling healthcare professionals
- Attend conferences when possible
- Connect with fellow travelers at each assignment
- Maintain relationships with favorite colleagues for future recommendations
Is Travel Respiratory Therapy Right For You?
How to become a travel registered respiratory therapist is clear, but is it the right path? Consider these questions:
- Do you adapt quickly to new environments?
- Are you comfortable being independent in clinical decision-making?
- Can you leave your comfort zone socially and professionally?
- Do you enjoy learning new systems and protocols?
- Are you organized enough to manage the logistics of moving regularly?
- Can you handle the uncertainty that sometimes comes with travel positions?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, you likely have the temperament to thrive in travel respiratory therapist jobs.
Looking to the Future: Growth in Travel RRT Opportunities
The landscape for how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist continues to evolve:
- Increasing hospital reliance on travelers to fill specialized positions
- Growing recognition of respiratory therapy expertise post-pandemic
- Expansion of telehealth creating hybrid travel opportunities
- Development of accelerated licensure programs for in-demand states
- Rising compensation packages as competition for skilled RRTs increases
These trends suggest that travel respiratory therapy will remain a lucrative and fulfilling career option for years to come.
Ready to Begin Your Travel RRT Journey?
Understanding how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist is just the beginning of an exciting career adventure. With proper preparation, realistic expectations, and professional support, you can join the growing community of respiratory therapists who combine clinical excellence with exploration and financial reward.
Take the First Step Today!
Ready to breathe new life into your respiratory therapy career? Origin Travel Nurses understands that healthcare professionals are more than just credentials. We have unique goals, preferences, and talents. Our consultants think beyond traditional recruiting tactics to truly understand the people and needs we support. We help the highest quality talent find the most exciting opportunities and ensure optimal outcomes for each organization we work with.
Whether you’re ready to dive into your first assignment or just exploring how to become a travel registered respiratory therapist, reach out to our specialty respiratory therapy recruiters. Let’s talk about building a travel career that’s as rewarding professionally as it is personally!
Contact Origin Travel Nurses today and start your adventure in respiratory care across America!
