Oregon Respiratory Therapy Jobs

Medical jobs will always be in demand because people will always need health care. One such job is as a respiratory therapist. A career as a respiratory therapist in Oregon is a viable option. Numerous opportunities exist in this career field if you have the education, licensing and know where to look when you are ready to search for a job.

Education Requirements

Respiratory therapy jobs require a minimum of an associate degree for entry level positions. Some health care providers require a bachelor's degree. A bachelors or higher is needed for advancement in the field. Some of the topics you can expect to cover include anatomy and physiology, diagnostic tests and procedures and respiratory therapy patient care. Registration Requirements In Oregon, graduates of an accredited two year program which culminates in an associate degree are eligible for the examination for registered respiratory therapists (RRT).This is awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care

Licensing

In Oregon, respiratory care practitioners must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners. The process involves completing an application, submitting proof that the examination to be a registered respiratory therapist has been passed, proof of the applicant's birth date and his completion of his secondary education. Fees for the application are $150 and for the license is $100.

Continuing Education

The state of Oregon requires respiratory therapists to complete fifteen hours of additional training every two years in order to keep their license valid. Any employer will demand that therapists comply with this regulation. You will need to maintain proof of your continuing education as you will have to submit it when your license comes up for renewal.

Where You Might Work

Jobs in the field of respiratory therapy are needed in a variety of facilities. You might imagine most are found in hospitals. Other possibilities include nursing homes and clinics. Home care facilities that provide services to patients who cannot get to a hospital or clinic also need these types of workers. Special medical facilities, private industries and even educational facilities are potential employers.

Job Hours

Respiratory therapists are needed around the clock in hospitals and emergency care clinics. They are also needed 24 hours a day in nursing homes. In other settings, the therapist may only be needed during first shift hours such as when a clinic is open for business. In the case of therapists who visit patients in their Oregon homes, often the hours are set by appointment and may include days, evenings and weekends or even a changing mixture of these from week to week.

Where to Search

Many schools offer placement assistance for graduates. Check with your placement office or career counselor on campus. Many of the job search boards like Monster.com and Indeed.com can help you locate therapist jobs in Oregon. The Oregon Health Licensing Agency even offers job search assistance for registered respiratory therapists who have received their license.

Salary Range

In the state of Oregon, salaries for registered respiratory therapists range between $31,915.00 and $53,766.00 per year. This salary range will be influenced by such factors as experience, areas of specialization and economy of the local area. Level of education completed will also play a role in determining salary. The type of facility offering the job may also have some effect on the salary being offered.

*All Salaries from BLS
*This is in no way a job offer or gaurantee of employment