It’s that time of year again: when the weather gets colder and cases of the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and other seasonal respiratory illnesses increase. Experts are warning of a potential “tridemic”, or simultaneous surges in COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Children’s hospitals are filling up with cases of respiratory illnesses much earlier in the season than normal, and the nationwide surge of RSV is catching hospitals by surprise.
Following these surges is a demand for respiratory and cardiopulmonary healthcare professionals equipped to treat these illnesses. Check out this list of healthcare jobs most in demand during the uptick of seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Anesthesia Technician
- Average weekly salary: $1,655
- Education requirements: Associate degree in anesthesia technology
- Relevant certifications: ASATT
An anesthesia technician assists anesthesiologists and doctors in providing anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery. Anesthesia technicians typically work in operating rooms, where they prepare and clean equipment and supplies for administering anesthesia. They also manage patient care and support the anesthesiologist throughout procedures.
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EEG Technician
- Average weekly salary: $2,030
- Education requirements: High school diploma or GED
- Relevant certifications: ABRET, CPR
An electroencephalographic (EEG) technician is trained to use specialized machinery to measure the electrical activity of patients’ brain waves. EEG techs work under the supervision of neurologists or other physicians to help detect brain abnormalities and record nervous system activity. EEG test results can help diagnose and treat seizure disorders, strokes, brain tumors, and other nervous system disorders.
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EKG Technician
- Average weekly salary: $2,695
- Education requirements: High school diploma or GED
- Relevant certifications: CET
An electrocardiograph (EKG) technician specializes in conducting and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGS), tests that record electrical signals in the heart. These healthcare professionals work in a variety of settings and are responsible for accurately recording heart activity to help diagnose heart-related conditions. EKG techs must also have an in-depth understanding of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology.
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ER RN
- Average weekly salary: $2,276
- Education requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing
- Relevant certifications: NCLEX-RN, CEN
Every shift looks different for an ER RN! ER nurses treat a variety of patients from infants to the elderly and are responsible for stabilizing injuries, treating serious illnesses, and other urgent issues. These healthcare professionals triage patients after check-in to determine which patients need immediate care and which are stable and can wait while more serious cases are treated first. ER RNs then identify health issues, determine severity, and provide support where needed to stabilize patients.
ICU RN
- Average weekly salary: $2,276
- Education requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing
- Relevant certifications: NCLEX-RN, CCRN
ICU RNs work in, you guessed it, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These nurses work with a variety of different kinds of patients, all in critical conditions. Some of their duties include monitoring patients, administering medications, responding to emergencies, and charting care. ICU nurses must chart more than any other nursing specialty to keep up with intensive monitoring, assessments, and more equipment.
Perfusionist
- Average weekly salary: $4,186
- Education requirements: Bachelor's degree and completion of a Cardiovascular Perfusion program
- Relevant certifications: CCP
Perfusionists work on cardiology surgical teams and are one of the highest-paying allied health careers. During heart surgery, perfusionists are responsible for operating a heart-lung machine that pumps oxygenated blood to the patient’s tissues. These allied health professionals also monitor body function like circulation during cardiac surgery. Perfusionists must be able to communicate well and concentrate for long periods of time.
Respiratory Therapist (RT)
- Average weekly salary: $2,559
- Education requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree
- Relevant certifications: RRT (NBRC), CRT (NBRC)
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are experts in care for the lungs and respiratory system. RTs ensure patients’ breathing functions are working well by administering tests that assess lung capacity, take blood samples, and perform respiratory treatments to improve breathing. These allied health professionals have been front-line COVID-19 workers, but they also treat a range of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
Search for respiratory therapist jobs.
Curious about finding a travel job for any of these in demand healthcare careers this winter season? Head over to our job board to browse thousands of travel assignments with enhanced job and pay transparency!
