Being a RT & a RN?

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Hi guys, Im new. Im a 29yo female looking to go back to school. I was a very successful Realtor for years and loved my job! Recently doctors have decided that I have Cushings Disease caused by a pit tumor. Going through this has really put things into prespective. I want to be able to help people and really would like to be either an RN or a RT. Here in Michigan there is a 3-5 year wait just to get into the RN program. I am no spring chicken and have a family, so waiting that long before going to school is just not an option. So, I was considering becoming an RT (no real wait), and just getting on the list. When they call my name I then have the option of going back to school for an RN. So, just wondering is there a benefit of having both? What is your input?

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Specializes in Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

Do you have all of your pre requisites for the RN and the RT program... I know that most RT programs are bachelors degrees compared to some ASN programs...If you have all the pre requisites for the RT program I would do that if time is an issue for you. If you have your license as a RT and a RN, you are very knowledgable and that is never a bad thing. Chances are If you become an RT first you can be accepted into an accelerated one year RN program also.

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I have no college education at all. Actually, here in Michigan they have Associates programs.....I think its like 2.5yrs. I did take a Compass test to see where I would need to start and Im at english 101 and Math 040. Pres are just chem and math 040...thats all. So I could take those 2 classes and get on the list, most likely get into the program fall of 09. But between now and then I can take all of the other classes required, bio, math, ect.

I guess I didnt know that there was 1yr RN program. I wouldnt even know where to find it around here. There is such a shortage, EVERYONE is booked solid for at least 2yrs straight.

I wish I could talk to someone whos done both. I have a shadow lined up for next week sometime, if I feel ok with that Im going to go for the RT. I atleast want to get going on it.

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Specializes in Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

I was going to suggest shadowing a RT and a RN...thats a good idea.

Good luck with everything!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept.

I for shadowing the RN and RT. They do COMPLETELY different jobs. You should look more into what you want to do - not the wait time.

Also, other than the additional knowledge, I don't think there is an advantage to having both. It would be considered outside of the scope of practice for the job you are working in to be doing RN duties while working as an RT or vice versa. Unless you wanted to do a PRN position for one while working as the other.

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Specializes in ICU-MS-OPC-ER-RT.

I am an RRT and a RN. I use to work full time as a RT and prn as a nurse. Then I flipped it.

I have a great advantage with the knowledge of 2 degrees. I find myself doing both jobs at the same time and it is not uncommon to do so.

I work in a 25 bed hosptial (Acute Access) and as a RN or a RT, you will do a lot of everything. I appreciate it.

Either way, the education is valuble.

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
they do completely different jobs. you should look more into what you want to do - not the wait time.

a man with a family has to consider the wait time. i am a radiology nurse and i believe there would be no benefit in being both an rt and rn. get a job you can live with and take online classes or do weekend college and get all of the basics out of the way while you make up your mind. another good option for you may be a pta. no wait list (that i know of) and it is a 14 month program. the pay is good, you can continue to work on getting your pt while working as a pta. :twocents:

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another good option for you may be a pta. no wait list (that i know of) and it is a 14 month program. the pay is good, you can continue to work on getting your pt while working as a pta. :twocents:

im sorry, im not up-to-date with the abbreviations. what is a pta and pt? is it a physical therapy assistant? if so how long is the pt?

its not that im settling......i would enjoy either. i like the "hands on" and i think i would enjoy doing some trama. so if pt is physical therapy, .....i dont know if i would like it that much. i prefer having lots of things going on i work excellent under stress. and because i am this way i feel that pt may be a bit boring to me. no offense to those who are working in the field :)

thanks audrey

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
i prefer having lots of things going on i work excellent under stress.

:bowingpuryou will be an excellent nurse! :lol2:

and because i am this way i feel that pt may be a bit boring to me. no offense to those who are working in the field :)

thanks audrey

just a thought since the physical therapy assistant program is short and there's no waiting list. i don't think i could do pt either. my daughter is currently in the pt doctorate program and plans to work at vanderbilt children's hospital. she has her bs in fashion merchandising. the doctorate will take her 3 years. she has a full year of prereq's first which she will complete in may.

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What part of Michigan? I am very familiar with the program at Macomb Community College. Let me know if you need any help.

Rob

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I don't know if Excelsior.edu accepts RTs or not, but if they do, you could first get the RT, start work, then get the RN online thru EC. I was/am a Paramedic and did that. It was very difficult for me when i started working in the hospital and i don't usually recommend that route, but if you are getting hospital experience as a RT, it should be easier for you. And, EC is less expensive than trad. nursing school.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

RT? Respiratory or radiology? A bit confused here. Also you might consider your personal physical health. Either of these and/or Nursing are strenuous jobs. Shadowing a couple of different people is an excellent idea.

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