Key Points:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care, while Respiratory Therapists focus on respiratory treatments and monitoring.
• Respiratory Therapists typically earn higher salaries than Acute Care Nursing Assistants.
• Both roles are in high demand, but Respiratory Therapist jobs may have more openings in some areas.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants require less training than Respiratory Therapists, who need a degree or certification program.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistant training is generally less expensive and shorter than Respiratory Therapist programs.

Are you considering a career in healthcare but are unsure which path to take? Two popular options to consider are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Respiratory Therapist. While both professions are rewarding and offer opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which path is right for you. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Respiratory Therapist, as well as the differences in education, training, career outlook, and salary.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), provides direct patient care in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to assist with daily activities and provide basic nursing care.

Some of the tasks performed by Acute Care Nursing Assistants include:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
• Turning and repositioning patients to prevent bedsores
• Assisting with feeding and providing emotional support to patients
• Documenting patients' health status and reporting any changes to the nursing staff

What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A Respiratory Therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care.

Some of the tasks performed by Respiratory Therapists include:

• Evaluating patients' respiratory conditions and conducting diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis
• Administering medications and treatments to improve patients' breathing, such as oxygen therapy and aerosolized medications
• Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices for patients who cannot breathe on their own
• Educating patients and their families on respiratory care techniques and self-management of chronic conditions, such as asthma and COPD
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement respiratory care plans for patients

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Respiratory Therapist

While both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Respiratory Therapists provide essential care to patients, there are several key differences between the two professions:

• Scope of Practice: Acute Care Nursing Assistants focus on providing basic nursing care and assistance with daily activities, while Respiratory Therapists specialize in the assessment and treatment of respiratory disorders.
• Level of Responsibility: Acute Care Nursing Assistants work under the supervision of RNs and LPNs, while Respiratory Therapists often work independently and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
• Patient Population: Acute Care Nursing Assistants care for patients with a variety of medical conditions, while Respiratory Therapists primarily work with patients who have respiratory disorders.
• Treatment Modalities: Acute Care Nursing Assistants assist with basic care tasks, such as bathing and feeding, while Respiratory Therapists administer specialized treatments, such as oxygen therapy and ventilator management.
• Education and Training: Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically complete a state-approved nursing assistant program, which can be completed in a few months. Respiratory Therapists, on the other hand, must complete a degree program in respiratory therapy, which typically takes two to four years.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Respiratory Therapist: Job Description

The job description of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Respiratory Therapist can vary significantly. Here is a breakdown of their respective roles and responsibilities:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Job Description:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Taking vital signs and documenting patients' health status
• Assisting with mobility and transferring patients
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families
• Assisting with feeding and ensuring patients' nutritional needs are met
• Reporting any changes in patients' condition to the nursing staff

Respiratory Therapist Job Description:

• Assessing and evaluating patients with respiratory disorders
• Performing diagnostic tests to determine lung function and oxygen levels
• Administering medications and treatments to improve respiratory function
• Managing artificial airway devices and ventilators for patients who require assistance with breathing
• Educating patients and their families on respiratory care techniques and self-management of chronic conditions
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement respiratory care plans

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Respiratory Therapist: Education and Training

To become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant, individuals must complete a state-approved nursing assistant program. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities and typically take a few months to complete. After completing the program, students must pass a competency exam to become certified.

To become a Respiratory Therapist, individuals must complete a degree program in respiratory therapy. These programs are offered at community colleges and universities and typically take two to four years to complete. Courses in respiratory therapy cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, respiratory pharmacology, and mechanical ventilation. After completing their degree, graduates must pass a national certification exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Respiratory Therapist: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Respiratory Therapists is quite positive, with demand expected to grow in the coming years. Here are some key factors to consider:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Career Outlook and Salary:

• Job Outlook: The demand for Acute Care Nursing Assistants is projected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• Salary: The median annual wage for Acute Care Nursing Assistants was $30,850 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Respiratory Therapist Career Outlook and Salary:

• Job Outlook: The demand for Respiratory Therapists is projected to grow by 19% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Salary: The median annual wage for Respiratory Therapists was $63,950 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It's important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and work setting.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Respiratory Therapist ultimately comes down to your interests, skills, and career goals. Both professions offer opportunities to make a positive impact in patients' lives and provide essential care. Consider factors such as the scope of practice, level of responsibility, and educational requirements when making your decision. Additionally, conducting informational interviews or shadowing professionals in each field can provide valuable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of each role.

No matter which path you choose, a career in healthcare can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you decide to become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Respiratory Therapist, you will have the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the well-being of others.

Dreambound provides programs in several locations. Get detailed information about these two vocations by checking:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistant in North Carolina
• Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina
• Respiratory Therapist classes near you