Respiratory therapy?

RTreformed · Dec 5, 2006

i love respiratory care, love what i do... the things mentioned here are exactly why i love it... im not tied to one area, i excel in general pt care, adult, peds, and neonatal intensive care, emergency care, i love being that diverse, as opposed to being in one area at all times... i love being one of the first responders to codes, exciting stuff, absolutely love it... but as mentioned, the downfall is there is really no room for advancement, nursing does have so many choices to get more education, better themselves, and make more cash... with resp, really, all you can do is move up into management, which really sucks, i like pt care, why would i want to sit behind a desk...

and pay difference is pretty negligable(sp), most places ive worked, starting pay is around $2 an hour difference...

Sheri257 · Dec 28, 2006

Hi, I'm new here (been lurking for a while,though). I'm currently in school finishing up my nursing pre-rec's.
I have been planning to go to nursing school but recently had a change of heart and have applied to the respiratory program. There is no wait (unlike all of the nursing programs around here) and as soon as I finish my last calss I plan to begin.
I'm wondering if anyone knows what the starting pay is for respiratory therapists where you live? I believe it is around $20 here, but I could be mistaken.
Thank you in advance!

If you're concerned about the financial aspects ...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RT's make, on average, $10K a year less than RN's.

May 2005 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

In California, the difference is even greater: $15K. At one hospital where I live, new grad RN's make more than veteran RT's.

:typing