Respiratory Therapist vs. Nurse
Selecting a career in healthcare requires aligning your passions with the numerous available options. A desire to assist others makes you well-suited for various roles within the healthcare field. One possible choice is to become a respiratory therapist, who primarily addresses issues related to breathing.
There are both similarities and differences between healthcare professions, with nurses and respiratory therapists frequently collaborating with patients and sharing much of the same educational background. This article will address the following topics to help you make an informed decision:
What does a respiratory therapist do?
What is the role of a nurse?
What distinguishes respiratory therapists from RNs?
What is the job outlook for respiratory therapists and RNs?
When patients encounter breathing difficulties or lung-related problems, their healthcare team typically includes a respiratory therapist who aids in improving their condition.
Respiratory therapists may treat various illnesses such as:
- Asthma - Bronchitis - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Cystic fibrosis - Muscular dystrophy - Parkinson’s disease - Sleep apnea
They work in various environments, including:
- Emergency rooms - Intensive care units - Nursing homes - Outpatient clinics - Specialized sleep centers for sleep apnea
Nurses assume caregiver responsibilities, managing their patients’ physical needs, preventing illnesses, and treating health conditions. It’s essential for you to have strong observational skills to monitor patient health and the ability to make quick decisions.
Your specific duties will depend on the type of nurse you become. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), for example, can monitor vital signs and provide bedside care, while Registered Nurses (RNs) are authorized to administer medications and take on supervisory tasks.
Nurses can be found working in various settings, such as:
- Hospitals - Nursing homes - Doctors’ offices - Trauma centers
Despite both roles involving direct patient care in many of the same healthcare facilities, significant differences exist between respiratory therapists and RNs. Understanding their roles and responsibilities, compensation, licensure requirements, and certifications can clarify how these two healthcare careers both overlap and differ.
Roles and Responsibilities
There are distinct differences in the roles and duties of nurses compared to respiratory therapists. Nurses operate within a broader scope of practice, focusing on the overall health and well-being of patients, encompassing holistic care. In contrast, respiratory therapists concentrate solely on the effective functioning of the lungs and heart.
Salary
The earnings of RNs and respiratory therapists vary significantly. RNs have an average salary of approximately $82,750 annually, while respiratory therapists earn around $61,830. RNs with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees may command even higher salaries in some healthcare settings.
Salaries and wages for both professions also depend on education, experience, and geographical location.
Degree Programs
Nurses must complete the appropriate educational requirements for their desired licensure. To become an LPN, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is sufficient, typically taking 12-18 months. RNs may also obtain an ADN, but many opt for a BSN due to increasing employer requirements.
To become a respiratory therapist, an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an American Medical Association (AMA)-accredited program is necessary. One such accrediting body is the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Licensure
The type of license needed in nursing hinges on the specific nursing role. Both LPNs and RNs are required to pass the NCLEX exam to gain licensure, though the exam content differs based on career path. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it's advisable to consult the local board of nursing for your area.
In most states, respiratory therapists must hold a license, except for Alaska, which recommends national certification instead. The National Board for Respiratory Care is the primary certifying organization, offering two levels of certification:
- Certified respiratory therapist (CRT) - Registered respiratory therapist (RRT)
Certifications
Nursing certifications depend on the career path chosen; for example, RNs can specialize in areas ranging from emergency care to women’s health. Certain nursing positions, like Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and Legal Nurse Consultants (LNCs), require specific certification.
Every state mandates that licensed respiratory therapists obtain CRT certification, with many employers favoring or requiring RRT certification.
Career Outlook for Respiratory Therapists and RNs
The demand for RNs is consistently high, with a projected growth rate of 6% from 2021 to 2031, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A significant increase in demand for RNs is expected to occur within long-term care facilities.
Similarly, respiratory therapists enjoy a positive job outlook, driven by an aging population in the U.S., resulting in a growing need for treatment of respiratory ailments such as COPD and pneumonia. The BLS forecasts a remarkable 23% growth for respiratory therapists between now and 2030.
If career advancement matters to you, nursing may offer more opportunities than respiratory therapy.
Next Steps
As you delve deeper into the roles of nurses and respiratory therapists, you may encounter further questions. It can be beneficial to seek insights from professionals currently working in healthcare settings across the U.S. before committing to a specific career path.
