Key Points:

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) providers focus on emergency cardiac care; Respiratory Therapists handle respiratory issues and provide breathing support.
• ACLS providers generally earn higher salaries than Respiratory Therapists, but the pay can vary based on location and experience.
• ACLS training is often done through online or in-person courses, while Respiratory Therapists typically require a 2-year or 4-year degree program.
• ACLS training is generally shorter and less expensive than the multi-year Respiratory Therapist program.

The healthcare field encompasses various roles, each crucial in its own way. Among these, ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) providers and Respiratory Therapists stand out for their roles in emergency and chronic care. While both contribute to saving lives and improving health, their focus, training, and career prospects differ significantly.

What is ACLS and Respiratory Therapy?

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

ACLS is a certification program designed to equip healthcare professionals with life-saving skills for managing cardiac emergencies.

• Primary Focus: Cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular emergencies.
• Skills Covered: CPR, defibrillation, administering cardiac drugs, and airway management.
• Professionals Involved: Typically doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other emergency care providers.

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating patients with breathing disorders.

• Primary Focus: Chronic and acute respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and respiratory distress.
• Skills Covered: Mechanical ventilation management, oxygen therapy, and patient education.
• Professionals Involved: Licensed respiratory therapists working in diverse settings, including hospitals and home care.

Job Descriptions

ACLS Providers

ACLS providers are trained for high-stress, emergency settings and handle:

• Assessing and managing cardiac emergencies.
• Performing CPR and defibrillation to restore heart function.
• Administering emergency medications.
• Collaborating with emergency teams for optimal patient outcomes.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists specialize in treating patients with respiratory conditions. Their responsibilities include:

• Assessing and diagnosing respiratory disorders.
• Administering oxygen therapy, nebulizers, and other treatments.
• Managing mechanical ventilation for critically ill patients.
• Educating patients and families on respiratory health.

Education and Training

Becoming an ACLS Provider

1. Prerequisites: Must be a licensed healthcare professional (e.g., nurse, paramedic).
2. Training:
   • Complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course.
   • Attend an ACLS course (1-3 days, online or in-person).
3. Certification: Pass a written and practical exam; renew certification every two years.

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

1. Education:
   • Complete an accredited program (associate’s or bachelor’s degree).
2. Certification:
   • Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).
   • Optional: Pursue advanced certification as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
3. Licensure: Meet state-specific requirements.

Career Outlook and Salary

ACLS Providers

• Career Outlook: High demand for healthcare professionals with emergency response skills, particularly in emergency rooms, ICUs, and ambulances.
• Salary: Varies widely by profession. For example, physicians earn a median annual wage of $206,500 (2020), while RNs average $75,330.

Respiratory Therapists

• Career Outlook: Rapid job growth driven by aging populations and increasing respiratory conditions.
• Salary: Median wage of $63,950 (2020), with higher earnings possible through specialization and advanced credentials.

Choosing the Right Path

Both ACLS and Respiratory Therapy offer fulfilling careers with opportunities to make a significant impact.

• Choose ACLS if you excel under pressure and are drawn to cardiac emergencies and rapid-response care.
• Choose Respiratory Therapy if you enjoy working with diverse patient populations and are passionate about respiratory health.

Explore Training Opportunities

Dreambound offers accessible programs to help you start your journey:

• ACLS in Kentucky
• Respiratory Therapist in Kentucky
• ACLS classes near you
• Respiratory Therapist classes near you