Should I become an rrt or an rn.

[claytonsdad:)]

Hello,this my first post, I really need some help. I know im about too become a cna, but after that im not sure. My first choice would be rrt, rn is second. I will base it off of information from here and from being a cna. Plus my son was in the nicu and is in the e.r. occasionally. So I have seen both at work and love both. My question is, how Good is the job market for rrts in Michigan. I dont want too wast time on rrt if I cant work thank you all:)

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Have you gone on the websites of facilities to see what job postings are available? If RRT is truly your first choice, would you be willing to relocate to get that first job? It's a decision only you can make, and there are other resources out there you can use instead of what is most likely not going to be a representative sample responding on a nursing website. Try looking at the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the American Association for Respiratory Therapy, the National Board for Respiratory Therapy, etc.

[GrannyRRT]

If you want job security and flexibility, be an RN.

Michigan has had a rough time with their state legislators and the threat of delicensing Respiratory Therapists. They managed to win one attempt two years ago but it has been a sttuggle. The same for a few other states such as Indiana, Colorado and Texas. Between dwindling reimbursement, too many other professions able and willing to do the respiratory scope of practice and a lack of interest by RTs to promote and advance their profession, the future does not look promising. The bills we have attempted to pass such as HR 2619 have failed to go anywhere and too few RTs back them.

Both RT and nursing fields are saturated with an abundance of new grads in some parts of the country so relocation may be necessary. Nurses are utilized in more areas so there are more opportunities in nursing.

RT has been great for me but I started many years ago when the profession was blooming and full of eager young professionals making an adventure out of a new field.

Many RTs leave the profession for nursing when they see the wage is almost 2x more and for more opportunities. Others move on to Physican Assistant.

Look at the job postings in your local hospitals for both RRT and RN. You can also follow on Indeed.com to get an idea about what types of jobs come up in the hospitals in your state or any state.

[claytonsdad:)]

Thank you:) I keep seeing all over that rrt is not the best choice. This helps my decision alot:)