Being a RT & a RN?

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.

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.

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

Good luck with everything!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

i prefer having lots of things going on i work excellent under stress.

:bowingpuryou will be an excellent nurse!

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.

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

Rob

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.

I guess what I was thinking was going to school for RT and completing the 2 courses I would need to get on the nursing list. Like I said earlier.....its a 3-4yr wait, at schools in my area (west michigan). So I would be getting my RT and working a year before I could get accepted into RN program (which is associates). I was hoping to do 2yr program and then do more schooling as needed while employed.

Or I can take all of the non nursing classes required for assoc. RN while Im waiting on the list: (eng102, anth103,bios, psyc, ect) which is about 35 credits. But is there any jobs I can do while Im waiting? Wonder if I can get phelbotimist cert and do that to bring in $$ while waiting for opening. So hard to believe we have such a shortage of nurses and its 3yrs just to get into school...crazy