Please help!!! LPN or RT?????

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I really need help.....

I am at a crossroads I can either start Respiratory Therapy school or go into a LPN program & with the hopes of bridging over to a RN program eventually.

The RT program is 16 months to become certified and then an additional 24wks to become RRT. It is also a associate program.

The LPN program is 13 months and get to sit on the boards to become a LPN.

I really need some advice. I have heard bad things about LPN but I have also heard great things!

I would really like any advice I am battling with myself over begin a respiratory therapist and a LPN. I would love to be a RN but I am scared that I wont ever get into a program:(

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Which program are you leaning toward? Any particular reasons?

Interesting about the RT program. I thought it took a lot longer to go from CRT to RRT, but I guess we learn something every day.

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Which program are you leaning toward? Any particular reasons?

Interesting about the RT program. I thought it took a lot longer to go from CRT to RRT, but I guess we learn something every day.

Well the RT program is 2 years total give or take but that is pretty normal unless you are going for your BA.

I have wanted to be a :nurse: since I was little but got a rude awaking when I started looking into RN programs and got discouraged and decided to look at other options. Well fast foward several years I was working as a office manager and when I was looking about getting back into school and it seemed like the waitlist were even longer so I started researching and found RT's and it got me intersted. Great career, great pay, and not to long to complete a degree.

That is why I am still considering LPN because I could still brige over....i hope....

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

I work with two RN's who are former RT's. They couldn't take advantage of a transition or bridge program, but their education did help them when they went to nursing school. I'd say if RN is your ultimate goal, you can get there from either of the two routes that you're looking at.

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I am in school in Albuquerque and had to make a similar choice. The LPN/RN bridge program gave me a start date of Jan 2007, but I opted for the respiratory therapy program instead. The main reason....the instructors! I am in my first clinical semester and feel so much support and respect from the program. I have friends in the nursing program that seem so lost and stressed out. I had questions about the nursing program and couldn't even get past the dept. secretary! I am glad I switched but I wish there was a respiratory therapy chat group that's as informative as this one! Good Luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

RTs and LPNs are paid similarly, with the RT sometimes earning a higher hourly wage than the LPN. Many RTs also enjoy quite a lot of autonomy, but I don't have any regrets for becoming an LVN. However, I have not heard of any RT-to-RN bridge programs yet. Having an LPN license often facilitates easier entry into LPN-to-RN bridge programs. Both the RT and LPN have their share of benefits and drawbacks. Good luck with the decision-making process!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

The real questions are lungs for life or variety. Granted as a LPN the options are limited but as a RN there are 1000’s of options. Career growth is limited in the RT field. If you are young go for the LPN. That’s my 2 cents.

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