When it comes to choosing a career in healthcare, two popular paths often come into focus: respiratory therapy and nursing.
Both professions play vital roles in patient care, offering rewarding experiences and opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. However, these careers differ significantly in their focus, responsibilities, and daily tasks.
Whether you’re a student exploring career options or a healthcare professional considering a switch, this article will help you weigh the pros and cons of each profession, ultimately guiding you toward the path that best aligns with your skills, interests, and goals.
What is a Nurse?
A nurse is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide care, support, and education to patients across a variety of settings. Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, working alongside doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.
Nurses are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including assessing patients’ health conditions, administering medications, performing medical procedures, educating patients about their health, and advocating for their well-being.
They work in various environments, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health settings.
Nursing is a diverse field, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as:
- Registered nurse (RN)
- Cardiac nurse
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Critical care nurse
- Emergency room nurse
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Geriatric nurse
- Surgical nurse
- Oncology nurse
- Orthopedic nurse
- Pediatric nurse
- Travel nurse
- Public health nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Nurse educator
- Nurse manager
- Nurse midwife
- Nurse practitioner
Depending on their level of education and experience, nurses can take on different roles, from providing direct patient care as a Registered Nurse (RN) to advanced practice roles like Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Nurses are also known for their compassionate care, often serving as the primary point of contact for patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in evaluating, treating, and caring for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions.
Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the management of conditions that affect breathing, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, and heart-related lung issues.
They are skilled in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including:
- Administering oxygen therapy: Ensuring patients receive the correct amount of oxygen to maintain adequate oxygenation levels.
- Operating ventilators: Managing mechanical ventilation for patients who cannot breathe on their own, including those in critical care settings.
- Conducting pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Assessing lung function to help diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions.
- Administering aerosol medications: Delivering medications directly to the lungs via nebulizers or inhalers.
- Providing airway management: Assisting with procedures like intubation, tracheostomy care, and managing airways during emergencies.
Respiratory therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care, and rehabilitation centers. They collaborate closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
Some other titles, certifications, or specialty qualifications for respiratory therapists include:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS)
- Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)
- Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS)
- Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)
- Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT)
In addition to their clinical duties, respiratory therapists educate patients and their families on managing respiratory conditions, such as how to use inhalers or oxygen equipment at home, and offer strategies to improve lung health.
Related: Registered vs. Certified Respiratory Therapist (RRT vs. CRT)
What is the Difference Between a Nurse and a Respiratory Therapist?
While both nurses and respiratory therapists are dedicated to providing top-notch care, their roles and areas of expertise differ significantly. Nursing is a broad field that covers various body systems and requires a holistic approach to patient care.
In contrast, respiratory therapists specialize in the cardiopulmonary system, focusing specifically on conditions related to the heart and lungs.
Nurses receive a general education on the entire human body, equipping them to manage various patient needs across multiple systems. Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, receive in-depth training in cardiopulmonary care, allowing them to become experts in breathing and heart-related conditions.
To understand the differences between nursing and respiratory therapy, it’s essential to look into the following factors:
- Education
- Salary
- Scope of Practice
- Work Environment
- Job Opportunities
- Job Responsibilities
- Advancement Opportunities
- Job Outlook
Education
The educational paths for nursing and respiratory therapy differ in both scope and focus. Nurses receive a comprehensive education that covers the entire human body and emphasizes whole-patient care.
Nursing programs can range from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which typically takes 2-3 years, to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a 4-year program that offers more in-depth study and broader opportunities for career advancement.
Both ADN and BSN programs require clinical experience, and upon graduation, students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses.
On the other hand, respiratory therapists focus specifically on the cardiopulmonary system, which involves the lungs and heart. A respiratory therapy program usually leads to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and includes coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology.
Like nursing, respiratory therapy programs also require clinical experience. To practice as a respiratory therapist, graduates must pass the relevant licensure exams, such as the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) and RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) exams.
Note: Both educational paths are challenging, and the costs are comparable at the associate degree level. However, pursuing higher degrees in nursing, such as a BSN or MSN, can be more costly but often brings greater advancement opportunities within the field.
Salary
Salaries for respiratory therapists and nurses can be similar, though there are some differences based on factors such as experience, education, location, and demand. On average, registered nurses (RNs) tend to earn higher salaries than respiratory therapists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs make approximately $86,070 per year, while respiratory therapists earn around $77,960 annually. However, these numbers can vary significantly depending on the region, healthcare facility, and level of experience.
Nurses with advanced degrees, such as those who become Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or specialize in a particular field, often see higher salaries, sometimes surpassing $100,000 per year.
Respiratory therapists can also increase their earnings by gaining experience, obtaining specialized certifications, or working in high-demand areas.
Note: Both professions may also have the opportunity to earn additional income through overtime, especially in high-demand settings like hospitals, where patient needs can fluctuate.
Scope of Practice
The scope of practice for nurses and respiratory therapists differs significantly, reflecting the distinct roles they play in patient care.
Nurses have a broad scope of practice, focusing on the overall health and well-being of patients. They are responsible for assessing patients, diagnosing conditions, creating care plans, administering medications, and providing a wide range of medical treatments.
Nurses also play a vital role in patient education, discharge planning, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
In contrast, respiratory therapists have a more specialized scope of practice centered on the cardiopulmonary system. Their work primarily involves diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and other lung-related diseases.
Respiratory therapists are experts in managing ventilators, administering respiratory medications, performing pulmonary function tests, and providing emergency respiratory care. While their focus is narrower than that of nurses, respiratory therapists play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the specialized care they need for breathing and heart-related issues.
Despite these differences, there is some overlap in their responsibilities. For example, both professionals may assess a patient’s overall health and collaborate on treatment plans. However, each brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the healthcare team, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
Work Environment
The work environments for nurses and respiratory therapists can vary, although both professionals often work in hospitals.
Nurses have a wider range of employment opportunities and can work in diverse settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, schools, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and even in home healthcare. This flexibility allows nurses to choose the environment that best suits their interests, whether it’s fast-paced emergency care or long-term care in a more stable setting.
Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, typically work in hospitals, where they provide specialized care for patients with respiratory conditions. Within hospitals, they may work in various departments, including the emergency room, intensive care unit (ICU), and pulmonary function laboratories.
While hospitals are the primary workplace for respiratory therapists, some also find employment in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings, though these opportunities are less common compared to those available to nurses.
Both professions may require working non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on the facility’s needs. However, nurses often have more flexibility in choosing their work environment and schedule due to the variety of settings in which they can practice.
Job Opportunities
When it comes to job opportunities, nursing generally offers more variety compared to respiratory therapy. Nurses have the option to specialize in numerous fields, such as pediatrics, neonatal care, emergency medicine, psychiatry, oncology, and many others.
This wide range of specialties allows nurses to explore different aspects of healthcare, providing them with diverse career paths and the opportunity to transition between different roles throughout their careers. Nurses can work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to schools and even non-traditional environments like correctional facilities and corporate health departments.
Respiratory therapists, by contrast, have a more specialized role focused on cardiopulmonary care. While this specialization provides deep expertise in a critical area of healthcare, it also means that job opportunities are more concentrated in specific settings, primarily hospitals.
Respiratory therapists may work in emergency rooms, ICUs, pulmonary function labs, and home healthcare, but the scope of potential workplaces is narrower compared to nursing.
Although respiratory therapists have fewer specialty options, they do experience variety within their specialized role, working with patients across different levels of care, from critical care to rehabilitation. However, for those seeking broader job opportunities and the ability to work in various healthcare environments, nursing may offer more flexibility and choice.
Job Responsibilities
The day-to-day responsibilities of nurses and respiratory therapists differ significantly, reflecting their distinct roles within the healthcare team. Nurses have a broad range of duties that vary depending on their specialization and work setting.
Their responsibilities often include patient assessments, developing and implementing care plans, administering medications, assisting with daily living activities, educating patients and their families, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals. Nurses also play a key role in monitoring patient progress and responding to changes in their condition.
Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, focus primarily on respiratory and cardiopulmonary care. Their responsibilities include conducting diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests, managing ventilators, administering respiratory medications, performing arterial blood gas analysis, and providing emergency respiratory care.
They work closely with patients who have chronic respiratory conditions or those in critical care settings who require advanced life support.
While nurses manage a wide range of patient needs across multiple body systems, respiratory therapists concentrate on the respiratory system. Both professionals collaborate to ensure comprehensive patient care, but each has a unique set of responsibilities that reflects their specialized training and expertise.
For example, while a nurse may be responsible for overseeing a patient’s overall care and discharge planning, a respiratory therapist will focus on ensuring the patient’s respiratory function is stable and appropriately managed.
Advancement Opportunities
When it comes to career advancement, nursing generally offers more opportunities compared to respiratory therapy. Nurses have a wide range of pathways for advancing their careers, especially with further education and specialized certifications.
For example, registered nurses (RNs) can pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which open doors to roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator.
These advanced roles come with increased responsibilities, higher salaries, and the ability to specialize further in areas like anesthesia, pediatrics, or gerontology.
Respiratory therapists also have opportunities for advancement, but they are more limited due to the specialized nature of the field. Respiratory therapists can pursue additional certifications, such as the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential or specialized certifications in areas like neonatal/pediatric care or pulmonary function testing.
Some respiratory therapists may advance into supervisory or managerial roles within their department, or they may pursue a master’s degree or a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) with additional education. However, the pathways for advancement in respiratory therapy are not as numerous or diverse as those in nursing.
Note: While both professions offer the potential for career growth, nursing provides a broader range of advancement opportunities, allowing for greater flexibility in career development.
Job Outlook
Both nursing and respiratory therapy are expected to experience strong job growth in the coming years, driven by the aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services. However, the projected growth rates differ slightly between the two professions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 13% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely due to the rising prevalence of respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the increasing need for specialized respiratory care, particularly among older adults.
For nurses, the BLS projects a 6% growth in employment from 2022 to 2032. While this growth rate is slower than that of respiratory therapy, it still represents a strong demand for nurses across various healthcare settings. The need for nurses will continue to rise as the healthcare industry expands, especially in areas such as long-term care, outpatient care, and home healthcare.
Both professions offer promising job prospects, but respiratory therapy is expected to grow at a faster rate due to the specialized nature of the field and the increasing demand for respiratory care.
Nursing, with its broad scope and diverse opportunities, remains a stable and in-demand profession with continued growth potential.
What Do Respiratory Therapists and Nurses Do On the Job?
To better understand the roles of respiratory therapists and nurses, let’s compare the tasks they perform.
Below is a side-by-side chart that highlights some of their key responsibilities:
| Task | Nurse | Respiratory Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Assessment | Nurses assess the entire body, considering all systems. | Respiratory therapists focus primarily on the patient’s breathing and cardiopulmonary system. |
| General Patient Care | Nurses assist with daily living activities such as bathing, changing, and cleaning. | Respiratory therapists provide oral care for intubated patients and manage tracheostomy care. |
| Medication Administration | Nurses administer a wide range of medications for various conditions and through multiple routes. | Respiratory therapists primarily administer cardiopulmonary medications, often via nebulization. |
| Patient Diagnosis | Nurses collaborate with physicians to develop diagnoses, care plans, and interventions. | Respiratory therapists also assist in developing diagnoses, care plans, and interventions while communicating with physicians. |
| Discharge Planning | Nurses are involved in patient discharge, coordinating care and follow-up. | Respiratory therapists participate in discharge planning when it involves respiratory therapies like oxygen therapy. |
| Patient Response to Therapy | Nurses monitor patient responses to treatments and suggest changes if necessary. | Respiratory therapists similarly evaluate patient responses to treatments and recommend adjustments as needed. |
| Mechanical Ventilation | Nurses have basic knowledge of ventilators but rely on respiratory therapists for management. | Respiratory therapists are experts in managing mechanical ventilation, including BiPAP, CPAP, and weaning protocols. |
| Needle Sticks | Nurses are trained in venipuncture for IV therapy and injections but generally don’t handle arterial sticks. | Respiratory therapists are skilled in arterial sticks for blood gas analysis but usually don’t perform venipuncture. |
| Electrocardiogram (EKG) | Nurses perform EKGs on a variety of patients as part of their role. | Respiratory therapists also conduct EKGs, especially when related to cardiopulmonary care. |
| Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) | Nurses are not trained in pulmonary function testing. | Respiratory therapists are trained to perform and assist with pulmonary function tests. |
Note: As seen in the chart, both nurses and respiratory therapists have overlapping duties, but each profession has its own unique responsibilities. These tasks highlight the complementary nature of the two roles within the healthcare team.
Collaboration Between Nurses and Respiratory Therapists
In the healthcare environment, nurses and respiratory therapists often work together, though their roles differ. Nurses typically handle a broader range of tasks throughout the day due to their holistic approach to patient care.
In contrast, respiratory therapists focus primarily on the heart and lungs, often working within the limits set by facility protocols and permissions.
However, respiratory therapists are not solely confined to respiratory issues. They must also be observant of other potential problems that could arise.
For example, while managing a patient’s respiratory status, a respiratory therapist might notice signs of fluid overload, such as wet lung sounds or jugular venous distention. In such cases, they can recommend that the nurse consider a diuretic to manage the patient’s condition.
Similarly, nurses may notice respiratory issues in patients and can suggest specific interventions that might require the expertise of a respiratory therapist. This collaborative relationship ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.
Is Nursing School Harder Than Respiratory Therapy School?
It’s difficult to determine whether nursing or respiratory therapy programs are harder because the level of difficulty can vary based on individual strengths, the location of the program, and the specific school. Both programs have rigorous requirements and demand a strong commitment to succeed.
In general, nursing programs tend to cover a broader range of topics, requiring students to learn about various body systems and conditions.
Respiratory therapy programs, while more specialized, dive deeply into cardiopulmonary care. Both paths involve completing general education courses, such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry, as well as clinical rotations under the guidance of certified instructors.
Note: Ultimately, both nursing and respiratory therapy schools are demanding in their own ways, and neither can be considered easy. The perceived difficulty often depends on the individual and the specific program they choose.
Cost of Nursing and Respiratory Therapy School
When it comes to the cost of education, there are some differences between nursing and respiratory therapy programs.
According to national averages, the cost of respiratory therapy school is around $4,700 for in-state residents and $11,500 for out-of-state students. On the other hand, nursing school costs are higher on average, with tuition ranging from around $13,700 for in-state and up to $41,000 for out-of-state students.
For nurses opting for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the costs can be even higher. The BSN route, typically offered by 4-year universities, tends to be more expensive but also opens up more advanced career opportunities.
This higher cost reflects the additional education and potential for career advancement that a bachelor’s degree offers.
If you’re focused on keeping costs as low as possible, pursuing a 2-year program at a community college for either profession is a practical option. This path allows you to become either a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) or a registered nurse (RN) without the higher expenses of a bachelor’s degree.
Remember: In addition to tuition, you’ll need to budget for books, tools, and other resources required during your program. For example, stethoscopes, scrubs, shoes, and other equipment are essential items for both professions.
FAQs About Nursing vs. Respiratory Therapy
Is it More Stressful to Be a Nurse or Respiratory Therapist?
The level of stress in both nursing and respiratory therapy can vary depending on the work environment and specific job duties. Nurses often experience high levels of stress due to their broad scope of responsibilities, including patient care, medication administration, and handling emergencies.
They are frequently the primary point of contact for patients and families, which can add emotional stress to their workload. Nurses working in high-intensity settings like emergency rooms or intensive care units may face even greater stress.
Respiratory therapists, while focused on a narrower specialty, also deal with stressful situations, especially when managing critical respiratory issues in patients. They often work in fast-paced environments like ICUs and emergency rooms, where quick decision-making and calmness under pressure are crucial.
However, their stress levels may be less varied compared to nurses because of their more specialized focus.
Is it More Exciting to Be a Nurse or Respiratory Therapist?
Both nursing and respiratory therapy can offer exciting moments, particularly in fast-paced settings such as emergency rooms or critical care units. Nurses often encounter a wide variety of cases, which can make the job more dynamic and unpredictable.
The opportunity to work in different specialties, such as pediatrics, oncology, or trauma, also adds to the excitement of a nursing career.
Respiratory therapists, while more specialized, also experience thrilling moments, particularly when dealing with life-saving interventions such as intubation or managing mechanical ventilation. The excitement in respiratory therapy often comes from the critical nature of the cases they handle, especially in emergency and critical care settings.
However, the variety of experiences may be more limited compared to nursing, which covers a broader range of medical scenarios.
What are the Disadvantages of Being a Respiratory Therapist?
One disadvantage of being a respiratory therapist is the limited scope of practice compared to other healthcare professions like nursing. This specialization can restrict job opportunities and career flexibility.
Additionally, respiratory therapists often work in high-stress environments, such as intensive care units and emergency rooms, where the pressure to manage critical situations can be intense.
The physical demands of the job, such as standing for long periods and lifting patients or equipment, can also be challenging. Career advancement opportunities may be more limited, requiring additional education or certifications for growth.
What are the Disadvantages of Being a Nurse?
Nurses face several challenges, including high levels of stress due to their wide range of responsibilities and frequent patient interactions.
The physical demands of nursing, such as long shifts, standing for extended periods, and handling patient transfers, can lead to fatigue and burnout. Nurses also encounter emotionally taxing situations, particularly when dealing with critically ill patients or difficult family dynamics.
Additionally, while there are many opportunities for advancement, pursuing further education and specialization can be time-consuming and expensive. The job can be unpredictable, with varying workloads depending on the day or the healthcare setting, which can add to the overall stress.
What is an RRT Nurse?
An RRT nurse can typically be described as a unique professional who holds credentials in both nursing and respiratory therapy. These individuals have completed the necessary education and licensure exams for both professions, enabling them to practice in either role depending on the needs of their workplace.
However, most often, they are hired specifically as either an RRT or an RN, not both simultaneously.
In some cases, the term “RRT nurse” may also refer to a Rapid Response Team Nurse. This is a specialized nurse who is a key member of a hospital’s rapid response team, responding to medical emergencies within the facility.
What Can a Respiratory Therapist Do That a Nurse Cannot?
Respiratory therapists have specialized training in cardiopulmonary care, allowing them to perform tasks that nurses typically cannot. For example, respiratory therapists are trained to conduct pulmonary function tests, manage mechanical ventilation, and perform arterial blood gas analysis.
They also specialize in administering respiratory treatments, such as nebulizer therapy and bronchodilator administration, which require in-depth knowledge of respiratory medications and equipment.
Additionally, respiratory therapists are skilled in advanced airway management, including intubation and tracheostomy care, focusing specifically on the respiratory system.
How Do Respiratory Therapists and Nurses Work Together?
Respiratory therapists and nurses collaborate closely in many healthcare settings to provide comprehensive care to patients. Nurses often oversee the overall care of patients, including monitoring their vital signs and administering medications, while respiratory therapists focus specifically on respiratory care.
For instance, a nurse may notice changes in a patient’s respiratory status and call a respiratory therapist to assess and adjust ventilator settings or administer a breathing treatment.
In critical care settings, they work together to stabilize patients, with the nurse managing overall patient care and the respiratory therapist ensuring the patient’s airway and breathing are well-managed.
Note: This collaboration ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed effectively.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist or Nurse?
To become a respiratory therapist, you typically need to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. After graduation, you must pass two exams: the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam and the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE).
Successfully passing these exams earns you the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials, allowing you to practice in your state.
For nursing, you can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After completing your degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). Both paths require clinical experience during your education and a strong commitment to patient care.
Is Respiratory Therapy Better Than Nursing?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Whether respiratory therapy or nursing is a better fit depends on your interests, skills, and career goals.
Respiratory therapy tends to focus more on the science of cardiopulmonary care, making it a good choice for those who enjoy specialized, hands-on patient care. Nursing, on the other hand, offers a broader scope, with more opportunities for direct patient interaction and a wider range of specializations.
Note: Both careers are vital to healthcare, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and what you find most fulfilling in a career.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the final verdict? Is respiratory therapy better than nursing, or should you pursue a career as a nurse?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to you. Both professions are rewarding, offering unique opportunities to make a difference in patients’ lives. Whether you choose respiratory therapy or nursing, you’ll be entering a well-respected field with a strong job outlook and the potential for a fulfilling career.
As a registered respiratory therapist, I’ve shared my perspective based on my experiences in the field. However, it’s essential to conduct your own research and consider your personal interests, strengths, and long-term goals before making a decision.
Whichever path you choose, know that both careers are amazing. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your patients’ lives, and that’s something to be proud of.
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References
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- Wheaton, Anne. “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Smoking Status …” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 June 2019.