what job is best in this economy. lpn, surg tech or respiratory

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I am a mother of 3 and have a degree as a medical assistant currently working full time in the restaurant industry. I miss healthcare and want to go back to school. I'm looking at lpn, surg tech and respiratory therapy. My love in healthcare is obgyn, nicu and peds.I am cobsidering respiratory therapy cause I could be in nicu or peds. Surg tech I could do surgury with c sections abd lpn I could work in a clinic and the hours would be better for a mom. I don't have time yo get my rn right now as you need a bachelors in Portland, or. Which of these do you think I'd have the easiest time finding work after I graduate? That's my fear to not find a job

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My SIL graduated 2 years ago as a ST has not not found a job yet. She said only one person from her class found a job upon graduation. A lady at my gym is a ST and she had a hard time finding a job. She said she finally went to the hospital and stood outside the OR and handed the doctor her resume. I know a friend of a friend who is a RT and has never had a problem finding a job and often times worked at three hospitals. Soooo, do your research on the job market for the occupations in your area.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Honestly none of them. I work for a large hospital system and they have a total of 5 open positions combined for the jobs you listed. I'm sure the competition is stiff.

I have not yet met a new grad RT.

Things may be different in your area but you should see what jobs are most plentiful.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

OPs are offering great advice. I just wanted to include a "Heads Up" warning that the educational bar is being raised in RT. There are an increasing number of RT positions that require a BS in RT, particularly those in specialty areas, where they have a very high level of accountability. There is a corresponding increase in the number of bridge programs for RTs to obtain that BS.

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Specializes in ER.

Maybe lpn if you are open to working night shift at a nursing home to get experience first. Clinic jobs pay less and are harder to get. If you are working as a am you may get a job easier in a clinic but on the same hand they may want to pay you the same wage as a ma. In the hospital I work and worked, there were about 15 rt total in the department, no lpns, and rarely see surgical techs posted.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I enjoyed a great four-year run as an LPN/LVN.

However, I suspect you might be considering a staggeringly expensive for-profit school because the three occupational training programs you mentioned (practical nursing, respiratory therapy and surgical technician) are offered ubiquitously a la carte at pricey trade schools.

If my assumption is incorrect and you are attending a community college, Job Corps or adult education center, it's my bad. However, if you do choose to attend a high-priced for-profit entity, do not spend more than $20,000 on the tuition. Actually, $20,000 is too much.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

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