Any Respiratory Therapy students ?

mrs.landis · Feb 5, 2011

Hey! Well I just started my RT program here in san diego at CCSD. I'm still doing my pre reqs which ends in 3 weeks. Then I will start the real RT based classes. Anyway your post caught my attention, because I too was looking into nursing and still am going to pursue it. Both of the programs RN and RT to me seem to be great careers to go for. But due to the long wait for RN i've decided to get my associates in RT. Then, after that, CCSD offers the Bachelor of Science in RT online. So i'll be working while I do the online thing. Once I get my bachelors then i'm going to apply for the accelerated BSN program. Both of these degrees makes you more marketable! Anyway wish you well.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2011

I have an RT in my BSN class. The RN generally gets paid more than an RT due to reasons unknown to me.

I asked her one day if she wants to work in the ICU, since that'd be what one would think an RT/RN would do, but she said that she was tired of working with elderly that were just spiralling down ready to die. She said she wants to move and work in peds somewhere and feel refreshed.

If you were of the right size with the combined RN/RT and had a little critical care experience you could write your ticket in aeromed if you so desired. I'm not into it, but a lot of people are.

RNandRRT · Feb 5, 2011

No, actually they don't. Again, where do you get your misinformation?

Yes, actually they do.

No misinformation, just actual experience in getting hired.

Having both actually makes you very marketable, especially in an economic drought such as we're experiencing now.

JRRT · Feb 8, 2011

Mrs. Landis

You will notice in various threads there is some negativity, misinformation and alot of bs (as RNandRRT notes).So just do your thing and follow your own common sense and goals and ignore some of the nonsense you will come across. It seems like a long road but time flies fast - so just stay focused. Wish you the best :)

hulljay83 · Jun 1, 2012

Hi! I know this thread is over a year old, but I thought I would see if anyone else is in school for RT. Like the other poster said, I wish there was a great site like this for RTs, but I have found some of the best info here! I really enjoy reading experiences with both RN and RTs, good or bad.

I'm hoping to get my letter of acceptance with my RT program this week or early next week for this Fall's RT program. I started off wanting to be an RN, but after seeing how many applied this year and where I stood on points in comparison to last years applicants, I chose the RT program. Thankfully I have all my prereqs complete for RT, so I don't think I'll have a problem being accepted (although I don't want to count chickens before they hatch) LOL.

Well, like I said, I really enjoy reading advice and experiences, so I hope to learn how to be a better asset in the healthcare field for all departments from all of your input. Thanks!

Melanie Sewell · Jun 1, 2012

I'm interested in RT as well. How is the job market for RT compared to nursing? I'm still working on prerequisites so I have some time to research; still need A&P2, Chem, & Micro.

Stephalump · Jun 1, 2012

I'm interested in RT as well. How is the job market for RT compared to nursing? I'm still working on prerequisites so I have some time to research; still need A&P2, Chem, & Micro.

Way fewer jobs - no facility needs hindered of RTs, like they do nurses. But schools also aren't pumping out the RT grads in droves, so who knows. I've heard the job market isn't great, but that seems to be across the board.

JRRT · Jun 3, 2012

Melanie

Ignore the negative bs. You will hear alot about 'no jobs' and other such bs. As with every profession it all depends on location, location, location as well as persistence.

I was hired before I even graduated and have since got 3 other more job offers. I went part time at my first job after I got hired at one of the largest hospitals in my state (and indeed in the country) - work 3- 12 hour days and work two of my four days off part time at my original job. Turned down a home care job (not in my interest and did fit my long term goals) though it paid very well. So long story short, there are jobs out there though the market in ANY field is tight due to the general economy. I know RNs running around with no jobs.

By the way, I decided to work on pursuing a more advanced profession beyond RN and working on that.

Bottom line - ignore the negativity or follow it at your peril. I heard the same before I got into the program.

hulljay83 · Jun 7, 2012

Well, I have been accepted for the RT program!!! I am so excited to start this Fall! I'm hoping to be able to do this for a few years while working on my RN. From what I see now (which doesn't say what it will be in 2014), it looks like there are several positions available around here for CRT and RRTs, so prayers that it will be that way or better by the time I graduate.

Best of luck to all and hope to hear more from members on their experiences with this field as well as nursing.

RT->CRNA · Jun 7, 2012

For what it is worth, don't listen to people saying job market is bad. It isn't. Every single hospital in San Antonio is looking for RTs. I've NEVER EVER applied to a job and had to wait longer than 2 weeks to get a response. You can also go into Sleep if you want a job you can study at while working.

As far as RT with a BS vs RT with a AA or AAS, I know that it gets you 2-3 dollars an hour extra here for the better degree. PLUS, you can use your BS in RT and get a ADN RN degree and NOT have to get a BSN to apply to NP or CRNA school. All they require is a Bachelors and RN, not a BSN. INFACT, from what I heard and have seen, BSRT with RRT and RN are looked at favorably in CRNA programs.

qweez · Feb 19, 2018

Hello everyone, I am interesting in RT program, but i want to know how the job market for RT is in NYC, i checked a lot of jobs on indeed.com and every job required 1 or 2 years of experience, so it looks like it is very hard to find a job as a new grad. Am i right?