u/BugOnly1157

I spoke with an RT about my interest in becoming a Perfusionist. My current path is to train as an RT, get certified in ECMO, and then apply to a perfusion program.

Knowing this, the RT that I spoke to recommended Perfusionist Assistant or Autotransfusion Tech over Respiratory Therapy.

Does anyone have experience in either of these roles, and can you tell me the salary and education differences in the two as they compare to RT?

As title suggests, I'm scrambling a bit as I'm realizing deadlines for applications are either passed or closing very soon. I'm trying to apply to a Respiratory Therapy program at a Community College in either Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, or New York. Does anyone happen to have any connections or recommendations for good schools that have applications for fall of this year still open?

I had an assignment in one of my classes a few months ago that required I interview someone in a healthcare field, and the questions proved to be incredibly insightful for various fields in healthcare.

I've recently been seriously considering Respiratory Therapy, and would SUPER appreciate the opportunity to ask these questions to someone who has been in the field! I have questions about day-to-day, education paths, workload, etc. I would estimate the interview wouldn't take more than maybe an hour. I would be happy to set up an anonymous google meeting link, no face is required, just a quick voice call would be greatly appreciated, if anyone is willing! Definitely open/hoping to interviewing more than one person, as well!

I am currently 33, single, gay, and shifting careers. I am searching for cities to relocate, and Delaware seems to be a decent state that is close to family and friends. I want to start applying to school programs (specifically to get a degree in Respiratory Therapy, preferably at a community college, but open to other options)

I'm looking for a city that has affordable rent, close to a city/suburban life, queer life with a similar age group, and close to decent hospitals or colleges. Hoping to check as many of those boxes as possible, but definitely open to hearing other options. Any and all insight is greatly appreciated!

Is there a resource that contains a list of RT programs by price, by chance? Or is the list too large? I'm looking to start applying to programs, but it's difficult to navigate and search for local schools or programs by price. Any experience or recommendations that could provide insight would be greatly appreciated!

Edit: I would love to hear personal experiences if possible--I need to relocate, and this program would help me decide where I want to move. I'm not concerned with finding programs near me, in fact I am looking for the opposite. Preferably on the East Coast...?