?'s for a RT person or someone smart!

[rgrah420]

I understand this is a "nursing" forum, however I love all medical careers and I'm sure you do too.

I have just a few questions regarding a career in respiratory care. I recently graduated with a BS in health promotion/pre-nursing. It was not until recently that I discovered respiratory care. I am trying to decide wether to pursue an additional BS degree in RC or to obtain the associates degree....my scenarios are......

I could complete the necessary prereq courses to attend a respiratory care program at UM-rochester in affiliation with mayo clinic, which is far from home. This degree would yeild a BS in respiratory care.Or, I could complete a respiratory care program that is local,cheaper,needs no prereq work, but would yield an associates degree.

My main question is, "would possessing my prior degree aid me in any way in the RC field if I were to obtain the associates in RC"? I am really confused on which route would produce the most beneficial career path. I recently spoke with a few higher placed respiratory therapists. They said, "the main difference between holding the BS and AS in respiratory care would be the ability to move into management or to upgrade the degree to a higher level". They also stated,"my previously earned BS degree could help me achieve these same goals"....is this true? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Thank you very much,

[suzanne4, RN]

It works the same as nursing..................if you already have a Bachelor's degree, then getting the two yar degree should be okay...............your choice.