The demand for respiratory therapists in the nation is projected to grow 12% for the decade from 2024 to 2034. That growth is four times the demand for the average of all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Consequently, health systems in South Dakota offer a variety of incentives for new and in-training respiratory therapists.
Below is a list of the incentives provided through Avera Health, Monument Health, Sanford Health, Brookings Health System, Huron Regional Medical Center and Madison Regional Health System.
Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System offers a sponsorship program for students committing to a professional career, including respiratory therapists. The sponsorship is a loan forgiveness program that forgives the sponsorship over a three-year period. To learn more, visit the program webpage.
Nikki Winseman, director of imaging and respiratory services for Brookings Health System, said, “Brookings Health System believes strongly in investing in the next generation of respiratory therapists. Supporting students in this field not only strengthens the workforce but also helps ensure that our patients continue to receive high-quality, compassionate care.
“We value the critical role respiratory therapists play across all areas of patient care — from inpatient to outpatient services — and are committed to fostering a strong, skilled team.”
Huron Regional Medical Center
Huron Regional Medical Center, located in Huron, offers a variety of scholarship, sponsorship and nationally registered apprenticeship opportunities with a unique fit for each individual employee.
Commitment scholarships cover at least 50% of tuition with work forgiveness typically set at one year beyond the number of years sponsored.
Brooke Sydow, program manager for Huron Regional Medical Center, highlighted the broad range of experiences and responsibilities a respiratory therapist can expect in a rural hospital such as HRMC, “Respiratory therapists in a rural setting and are not limited to one specific area of care in RT.
“For example, a respiratory therapist in our hospital will be called to a trauma call, nursery, intensive care unit, emergency room and inpatient care, in addition to performing tasks such as ventilation, pulmonary function tests, sleep studies and much more, providing a well-rounded and engaging career.”
Avera Health
Avera Health, with locations across South Dakota, offers scholarships, sign-on bonuses and a student loan repayment program for respiratory therapy students and new hires.
Students who commit to work with Avera for three years will receive a $15,000 sponsorship and a $15,000 sign-on bonus when hired. Additionally, Avera is offering up to $10,000 through its Student Loan Repayment Program.
Jessie Schoolmeester, manager of respiratory therapy for Avera, said, “Avera is happy to offer a total sign-on package of $40,000 for new grad respiratory therapists. We include first-day paid time off and options for free health insurance as well. Avera is committed to investing in the future of health care by supporting new graduate respiratory therapists.
“By offering financial incentives, we hope to ease the transition from school to practice because we recognize the value these professionals bring to our patients.”
Monument Health
Monument Health, with locations in the Rapid City area, offers sign-on bonuses as well as scholarships for future respiratory therapists.
Angie Haugen, director of respiratory services at Monument Health, said, “Monument Health is taking bold steps to address the growing need for respiratory therapists in South Dakota by offering enhanced sign-on bonuses and scholarship programs designed to attract, support and retain top talent.
“With respiratory conditions on the rise and skilled professionals in high demand — especially in rural communities — Monument Health recognizes that building a strong respiratory care team is essential to delivering high-quality patient care.
“The organization has developed a tiered incentive structure that supports respiratory therapists at every stage of their journey: students, new graduates, interns and experienced professionals.”
New graduates and experienced respiratory therapists can qualify for sign-on bonuses ranging from $15,000 to $40,000, depending on experience and length of commitment. For example:
Respiratory therapy students and interns can also access stipends and bonuses that support their education and transition into full-time roles. Stipends are available at $500 per month, totaling $5,000 annually while enrolled, with additional bonuses available upon graduation and employment.
Monument Health offers competitive scholarships of up to $40,000 for students pursuing respiratory therapy degrees. These funds help reduce the financial burden of education, increase accessibility and strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals in the region.
Sanford Health
Sanford Health, with locations across South Dakota, is offering unique sponsorship programs eligible to students pursuing a degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited institution.
Sanford offers two options. The first is a $40,000 sponsorship for students who commit to working full time with Sanford for three years, and the second is a $20,000 sponsorship for students who commit to working with Sanford part time for three years.
Kristi Specht, director or respiratory therapy at Sanford, emphasized the importance of Sanford’s incentives programs. “The increased national shortage of respiratory therapists is a serious challenge for all of us. Sanford recognizes the need for sponsorships to help students.”
Specht added, “A sponsorship allows students to put the money where the need is rather than a scholarship which requires students to put money specifically toward tuition. This allows students to focus their efforts on their education and clinical experience which will help them accomplish their dreams.”
Madison Regional Health System
Madison Regional Health System, located in Madison, offers sign-on bonuses and tuition assistance to those who qualify. By joining the Madison Regional Health System team, respiratory therapists gain access to the Rural Assistance Program and certification opportunities.
Mary Hart, respiratory therapy supervisor at Madison Regional Health System, said, “I’m so happy to have students here in Madison. We look forward to having more respiratory therapists taking care of patients here and all across South Dakota.”
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