If you’re contemplating a career in travel respiratory therapy, you’ve come to the right place to have some of your basic questions answered. But if you’re anything like the thousands of other new respiratory travelers we’ve assisted in starting exciting new adventures, there will be many more questions to come. Read on below and then reach out to us to learn more about the opportunities that await you!
How long are the contracts?
Travel assignments are typically 13 weeks in length. Some assignments are shorter and some can be longer depending on the need at a specific facility. However, the standard length for a travel assignment is about 3 months.
How much experience is required?
Facilities are looking for respiratory therapists who have at least 1-2 years of paid experience. This is because travelers are expected to hit the ground running with very little orientation.
I’m near retirement age, can I travel?
Travel offers a lot of schedule flexibility in terms of where and when to take an assignment. For this reason, travel is popular among many respiratory therapists who have reached the later stages of their career and wish to use their skills in a new and exciting way.
What benefits are offered?
Aureus Medical offers benefits for its travelers working 30 hours per week or more which include: United Healthcare health insurance, Ameritas dental and vision insurance, 401k, vacation/sick pay, license reimbursement, travel reimbursement, professional liability insurance, Live and Learn Tuition Reimbursement, and a referral bonus. Contact us for specific benefit details.
How do stipends work?
A traveler’s pay package is comprised of two components: a taxable hourly wage and tax-free stipends. A traveler receives stipends from the duplicating expenses occurred from working outside their tax home. If you’re considering traveling, seek out a tax professional to have your specific tax questions answered & for further education on how to maintain a tax home.
How do I get started?
An application is the first step in the process. This gets the ball rolling to talk further about available assignment opportunities. The reason for this is so that we can best understand your skills/background as a respiratory therapist. We will then be able to go over the assignments that are going to be a good match. Travel assignment jobs fill quickly, and although we can talk to you about available jobs we are unable to submit you for an open position until you have a completed application profile. To be most efficient, we ask candidates to complete an application prior to talking in depth about job openings.
Join our First Time Healthcare Travelers Facebook group to connect with others interested in learning more about working as a traveler!
Katie Lutmer is a Social Media Recruiter for the Cardiopulmonary division at Aureus Medical Group.