Registered Nurse vs Respiratory Therapist
Key Points:
- Registered Nurses provide general patient care; Respiratory Therapists focus on respiratory and cardiopulmonary health.
- Registered Nurses typically earn higher salaries than Respiratory Therapists, but both jobs offer competitive pay.
- Both careers have strong job outlooks, with Registered Nurses having slightly more job openings.
- Registered Nurses require a nursing degree and license, while Respiratory Therapists need an associate's or bachelor's degree and certification.
- Registered Nurse training is generally more expensive and takes longer than Respiratory Therapist training.
When it comes to healthcare careers, there are a multitude of options to choose from. Two popular choices are becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Respiratory Therapist (RT). While both careers involve providing medical care to patients, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of registered nurses and respiratory therapists, as well as the education and training required for each profession. We will also discuss the career outlook and salary potential for both registered nurses and respiratory therapists.
Registered Nurse vs Respiratory Therapist: Education and Training
Registered Nurse:
- Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
- Some registered nurses may choose to pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees in specialized areas of nursing
Respiratory Therapist:
- Completion of an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy
- Passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams
- Some respiratory therapists may choose to pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees in specialized areas of respiratory therapy
Registered Nurse vs Respiratory Therapist: Career Outlook and Salary
Registered Nurse:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $116,230.
Respiratory Therapist:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $63,950 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $88,090.
Final Thoughts
Both registered nursing and respiratory therapy are rewarding healthcare careers that allow individuals to make a difference in the lives of patients. While registered nurses have a broader scope of practice and more career opportunities, respiratory therapists specialize in the treatment and management of respiratory conditions. Ultimately, the choice between becoming a registered nurse or a respiratory therapist depends on an individual's interests, strengths, and career goals. It is important to carefully consider the education and training requirements, job responsibilities, and salary potential of each profession before making a decision.
Dreambound's programs extend across various locations. Visit these blogs for a thorough exploration of the two vocations, encompassing details on their requirements and insights on how to get started:
