Respiratory Therapist can become R.N's

[sfinley]

Hello,

I've been searching in vain for a program that would allow existing health care professionals, such as Respiratory Therapists to enroll in a nursing program. There are many R.T's that have truly shown a strong desire to be come R.N.'s. Many of the programs that we have investigated require us to re-take classes that we have successfully completed for our profession. We utilize this course information on a daily basis. Is there a way to possibly test out of re-taking these classes?

In order to fill the shortage of teachers, educational programs are utilizing the fast track system, i.e, life experiences are being counted as class courses. Therefore, people seeking a teaching degree will be able to do so in a very short time.

SFinleyRRT,LRCP

[KacyLynnRN]

a coworker of mine is an RT and the program she is doing to get her RN is Excelsior distance college. I am not sure what other choices she had, but she said they are the most convenient and she can finish quicker vs. other programs. Hope this helps!

Kacy

[All_Smiles_RN]

At my community college they have transition programs. Respiratory Therapists, Paramedics, and LPNs can transition into the ADN program as a 2nd year student. Perhaps some community colleges in your area as well?

...Jennifer...

[MyReign1]

I don't know where you live but I went to google and typed in "respiratory therapist to registered nurse program" and immediately found 1 in GA and 1 in FL. There are probably more. I stopped looking. Good luck!

[shopperoo]

In reference to excelsior- it would be nice for someone from the college to state what is needed for a RT certified and uncertified with expired license to get into the program. I called the board and was told to take a review course to reinstate the liccense. What prereqs would be needed???

[sunnycalifRN]

I was an RRT who went back to school for my RN. However, because I had been an RRT for 10 yrs, my coursework was > 7 yrs old . . . I had to retake A & P and micro . . . but it was easy the 2nd time around. I just did it while still working full time in respiratory. I don't know of any program that will allow you to challenge or test out of any of the prereqs. But, one plus, the nursing program is pretty easy with the RT background . . . all the cardiopulmonary stuff is 2nd nature plus you already know your way around the hospital, esp ICU.