Respiratory Therapy if Not accepted to Nursing

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Hi everyone, this is my first post. After reading alot of the post I wanted to get an opinion on this. I am almost done with my pre- reqs. Just have Chem this summer and then A&P. Im really nervous about not being accepted after all my hard work. I have 5 schools in my area that I can apply to, and as you all know that doesnt really mean anything! So a couple of months ago I went and talked to the head of the RT program, which you dont have to be accepted into. She said I would be ready to start in the fall of 09. I really am interested in RT, but would much rather do the nursing program because of the oppertunities. My question is....lol...if I dont get accepted to nursing school should I do the RT program and keep applying for nursing or wait it out? I dont want to waist all of my genral education classes, what else could I do with these pre-reqs why I wait?

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Hi!

I am in a similar situation. I already have a BA in psych and am now working on the science pre-reqs for RN program and will apply to 4 or 5 local community colleges. It will take me a couple more semesters since I can only go at night and 1 class at a time. I am 36 and don't want to sit around for 2 years trying to get into an RN program and waist my science classes. Not to mention the fact that most CC's have time limits for these sciences. Yikes! I was thinking about the RT program as well. Just not as much opportunity as RN. I want to keep ALL of my options open. I know that healthcare is the field for me so I will get there someway/somehow. Best of luck to you! P.S.- where are you?

Jen

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I am in Richmond Va, Rt is very interesting to me. I love the fact that you kinda work on your own. But I like I mentioned earlier theres not much advancement. I am almost 30, with a family and mortgage, I cant play the waiting game. I kinda feel like this, if I apply and dont get in (nursing) I will be happy with RT. I can do nursing later, why I work. The only thing that bother me, is I was a Dental/ surgical assistant for almost 10 years and I was stuck....couldnt do anything else but work in peoples mouths! For those who were asking, in Va RTs make about the same has RNs.

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Specializes in ER/Ortho.

I have a friend who applied to a Nursing program, and an RT program for Fall of 08. She really wants to be a nurse, but she had everything she needed for both programs. She said she would be happy to be an RT. I myself want to be an RN, and I will NOT be happy until I am. I am not at the end of my rope just yet. I just applied for an RN program for fall of 08, if I don't get accepted I might change my mind.

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Good luck coolpeach! As long as I am in healthcare and helping patients then I will be happy! As long as I dont have to work on teeth anymore!!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

I think it depends partly on how much you are depending on financial aid. If you get halfway through RT school are you going to quit and transfer to nursing if you get accepted? If that happens, you might have accumulated too many credits to qualify for your program.

Another thing to think about is your personality type. Are you going to be satisfied in your RT career or are you going to be watching the nurses you work with and wishing you waited for nursing school?

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Thanks for your response...havent really gotten any advise, and I never really thought about that. Very good point about the fin aid. It seems alot people look at RTs as having a lower status then nurses. I worked for a Doc for 5 years who belittled us, I dont want that again. Its kinda sad that RTs are looked at that way. And your right, I think I would be wishing I would have done nursing in the first place. I guess im kinda jumping the gun a little, I havent even applied to nursing yet!! Guess I just want a back up plan, giving that im almost 30 with bills! Thanks again.:wink2:

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Where I come from RTs go to school for 8 semesters just like nurses do. The programs are difficult to get into as there are very few spots available. Additionally, in Canada RRTs MUST be nationally registered just as nurses are. I guess what I am saying is.... Both are wonderful jobs within the health care system but go where your heart tells you to. Job shadow if possible. And last but not least, don't allow any narrow minded person in one specialty talk you out of going into another. We should all be working together as a team.:nuke:

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

OK, I am going to give you the nitty gritty here. Some of the RT's I know say they went into that area so they didn't have to deal with cleaning up BM's.... but remember if you have an issue with suctioning sputum, being an RT may not be for you...

Also, know that RT's from the get go are involved in Code situations, are dealing with critically ill, vented patients...you deal with weaning and extubating patients for the most part on your own, with the nurse as a back-up. You are in charge of the airway and breathing of the ABC's...it is a big deal to be an RT, it is not in any way secondary to being a nurse, as a matter of fact, I would say it is often more demanding and takes a VERY strong and confident individual to go out and be a successful RT.

It also is an excellent step to take if you think you want to be a CRNA. Wow what great credentials that would give you!!!

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