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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. 

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:

• New graduates: $15,000 bonus with a two-year commitment
• One-plus year experience: $20,000 bonus with a two-year commitment
• Three-year commitment: $40,000 total bonus, paid in installments through the second year.

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.” 

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 . 

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 

Madison Regional Health System 

Madison Regional Health System offers a supportive environment for respiratory therapists looking for a rewarding health care career. It offers sign-on bonuses or tuition assistance for those that qualify. Through participation in the Rural Assistance program, Madison Regional also provides opportunities for certification. 

 Mary Hart, director of cardiopulmonary services, said, “At Madison Regional Health System, we value the critical role respiratory therapists play in delivering high quality, life-saving care. Supporting current and future RTs is essential to the health of our patients and the strength of our care teams. 

“We’re proud to introduce respiratory therapists students to rural health care by offering hands-on lab experiences and clinical rotations at our facility. Also, our respiratory therapists are able gain experience to a wide variety of care settings, including emergency room, pediatrics, inpatient and outpatient."