Respiratory Therapy vs. Nursing Degree Programs: Explaining the Difference for 2025
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
The healthcare industry faces an urgent shortage of professionals, with the U.S. needing 1.1 million new registered nurses to compensate for retirements and growing demand.
This article explores the critical aspects of respiratory therapy and nursing degree programs, offering insights on how to navigate these crucial fields. By understanding the distinctions, prerequisites, and career paths associated with each, readers can better decide which path aligns with their goals and contribute effectively to addressing the healthcare professional shortage.
What are the benefits of getting a degree in respiratory therapy and nursing degrees?
- Graduates can work in various healthcare settings, from intensive care to community health.
- Respiratory therapists earn a median salary of approximately $77,960, while nurses earn about $86,070 annually.
- Online degrees provide the convenience to study around personal and professional obligations, often reducing education costs.
What can I expect from respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree programs?
Respiratory therapy and nursing are both crucial healthcare fields, but they focus on different aspects of patient care. Respiratory therapy programs specialize in cardiopulmonary health, training students to handle respiratory disorders such as asthma, COPD, and acute respiratory emergencies. These programs typically require an Associate's degree as the entry-level education.
In contrast, nursing programs provide comprehensive training that covers a broad spectrum of medical care, demanding at least an Associate's degree, with many positions requiring a Bachelor’s degree. Nursing students learn to administer general and specialized care, manage patient records, and provide health education.
Where can I work with respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree programs?
Respiratory Therapists and Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, though their specific roles and the nature of their work environments can differ significantly:
Respiratory Therapists:
- Predominantly work in hospitals, especially in pulmonary and respiratory care departments, intensive care units, and emergency rooms.
- May also work in sleep study centers, home health care (providing in-home respiratory care), and settings that require pulmonary rehabilitation.
Registered Nurses:
- Employed across many settings including hospitals, doctor's offices, nursing homes, and schools.
- Some specialize in public health or home care, which involves traveling to patients' homes.
Both professionals may work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in hospitals that operate around the clock.
How much can I make with respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree programs?
The salary potential varies between respiratory therapists and registered nurses, influenced by factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. Here's a look at the salary data from different sources:
Respiratory Therapists:
- Median Salary (2023): $77,960 annually.
- Top Employers: Hospitals, home health care services, and nursing care facilities.
Registered Nurses:
- Median Salary (2023): $86,070 annually.
- Top Employers: Hospitals, physician offices, home healthcare services.
Table of Contents
- Best Online Respiratory Therapy and Nursing Programs for 2025
- How long does it take to complete a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
- How does an online respiratory therapy or nursing degree compare to an on-campus program?
- What is the average cost of a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
- What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
- What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
- What courses are typically in a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
- What types of specializations are available in respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree programs?
- What student support services can improve your learning outcomes?
- Are fast-track programs the key to rapid career advancement?
- What are the potential challenges in completing respiratory therapy and nursing degree programs?
- What are the certification exam pass rates and quality benchmarks?
- What is the return on investment for respiratory therapy vs. nursing degrees?
- Are flexible online learning options a smart choice for career advancement?
- How does one choose the best respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
- What career paths are available for graduates of respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree programs?
- What is the job outlook for graduates with a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree?
- Other Things You Should Know About Respiratory Therapy vs. Nursing Programs
Best Online Respiratory Therapy and Nursing Programs for 2025
How do we rank schools?
Our rankings for APA accredited online respiratory and nursing programs are developed through a specialized methodology that combines thorough research and detailed data analysis conducted by our team of experts.
We utilize multiple trusted sources to maintain the accuracy and relevancy of our rankings. Information from the IPEDS database at the National Center for Education Statistics provides extensive details about U.S. colleges and universities. We also incorporate insights from Peterson's database, which features the Distance Learning Licensed Data Set, offering important viewpoints on educational programs and institutions. Additionally, we include information from the College Scorecard database to emphasize the outcomes and costs associated with higher education institutions.
Respiratory Therapy Programs
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers a comprehensive online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program specifically designed for Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) seeking to advance their careers. This 50-credit program focuses on developing the necessary skills, knowledge, and technical proficiency for professional advancement.
- Program Length: As short as 20 months
- Tracks/Concentrations: Respiratory therapy
- Tuition: $556 per credit (in-state), $571 per credit (out-of-state)
- Accreditation: CoARC
Boise State University
Boise State University provides a Master of Science in Respiratory Care program that serves practicing Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT). This fully online program emphasizes advanced practices in respiratory care, research, and leadership development, preparing students for upper-level roles across various settings.
- Program Length: 2 years
- Tracks/Concentrations: Educational leadership
- Tuition: $27,405
- Accreditation: CoARC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Master of Science in Respiratory Care is an online master's degree program tailored for current respiratory care practitioners. The 30-credit program enhances leadership qualities and evidence-based practice capabilities, fostering broader competencies and professional growth.
- Program Length: 2 years
- Tracks/Concentrations: Educational leadership
- Tuition: $10,077 (resident), $17,305 (non-resident)
- Accreditation: CoARC
University of Mary
The University of Mary offers an online Respiratory Therapy (RRT to BSRT) program for Registered Respiratory Therapists seeking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. The program allows students to earn up to 18 semester hours of block credit and is designed for those planning to advance in their careers or pursue further education.
- Program Length: 12 months
- Tracks/Concentrations: RRT to BSRT
- Tuition: $12,240
- Accreditation: CoARC
Texas State University
Texas State University's Master of Science in Respiratory Care is an online degree completion program that integrates foundational and specialized education in respiratory care. Aimed at registered respiratory therapists with bachelor's degrees, the program is delivered on a sophisticated online platform that encourages collaborative learning.
- Program Length: 4 semesters
- Tracks/Concentrations: Respiratory care
- Tuition: $12,864.96 (resident), $27,228.96 (non-resident)
- Accreditation: CoARC
Nursing Programs
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University offers a flexible online RN-to-BS in Nursing program available to both part-time and full-time students. The 50-credit program includes a professional RN capstone project and courses in nursing informatics, introductory epidemiology, and nursing research. Rooted in the Christian faith of the Seventh-day Adventists, it requires completion of two religion courses within its curriculum.
- Program Length: 2.5 years
- Tracks/Concentrations: RN to BS
- Tuition: $17,250
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Medical University of South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina provides an online RN-to-BSN program that is delivered asynchronously in cohorts. Each semester of this 35-credit program incorporates clinical hours, which can be completed either virtually or in-person, focusing on projects in gerontology, community and public health, and leadership, fulfilling the capstone requirement.
- Program Length: 3 or 6 semesters
- Tracks/Concentrations: RN to BSN
- Tuition: $27,750 for full-time, South Carolina residents
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
At SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, the RN-to-BS program emphasizes nursing competencies essential according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The curriculum covers pathophysiology, health informatics, clinical care technologies, and the importance of spiritual care in nursing.
- Program Length: 3 semesters
- Tracks/Concentrations: RN to BS
- Tuition: $10,605 for full-time, New York residents
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's online RN-to-BSN program employs a variety of teaching methods including asynchronous learning, discussion boards, and web conferencing to suit diverse student schedules. This 30-credit also features electives on holistic nursing, political involvement in healthcare, and integrating spiritual considerations into evidence-based practice.
- Program Length: 2-3 semesters
- Tracks/Concentrations: RN to BSN
- Tuition: $6,450 (resident); $19,050 (non-resident)
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston’s online RN-to-BSN program provides multiple start dates throughout the year. This 31-credit program comes with lecture-based courses, including an introductory course on applied health informatics and issues in professional practice offered entirely online.
- Program Length: 2-5 semesters
- Tracks/Concentrations: RN to BSN
- Tuition: $8,460 (resident); $34,441 (non-resident)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How long does it take to complete a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
The time it takes to complete a respiratory therapy or nursing degree program can vary widely depending on the level and format of the program chosen. If you’re wondering: how fast can I become a nurse? The answer depends largely on the educational pathway.
Traditional bachelor’s degree programs in nursing typically require four years of full-time study, while options such as a 12 month accelerated nursing degree online can significantly reduce that timeline. These programs are designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and can commit to an intensive, fast-track curriculum. Depending on prior coursework and enrollment status, some students complete their RN training in as little as one year through these flexible online formats.
For those pursuing an associate-level pathway, understanding the differences between ADN AAD and AAS nursing degrees can help clarify program length and career direction. While all three can lead to nursing licensure, the ADN is the most widely accepted for RN licensure, the AAS often focuses more on workforce readiness, and the AAD may emphasize transferability to a BSN program.
Similarly, respiratory therapy programs offer various timelines. An associate degree in respiratory therapy, which is sufficient for entry-level positions, generally takes two years. For advanced credentials, such as moving from a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT), programs like the RRT to BSRT can be completed in about one year if the student is already practicing and holds current credentials.
Master’s and doctoral programs in both fields extend the educational timeline further, typically requiring an additional two to four years post-bachelor’s degree, depending on the program's requirements and the student’s full-time or part-time enrollment status.
How does an online respiratory therapy or nursing degree compare to an on-campus program?
When comparing online respiratory therapy or nursing degrees to on-campus programs, key factors like accreditation, presence of a traditional campus, and institutional reputation play crucial roles in how employers perceive these qualifications. According to a survey cited by Drexel University Online, if an online degree is from an accredited institution with a physical campus, 89% of academic leaders believe it is equal to an on-campus degree. This is significant compared to the 70% who hold this view for online-only institutions. The image below shows a clear comparison of the perceptions.
For those exploring cost-effective options, the cheapest online nursing master's programs from well-established universities with physical campuses are likely to be viewed more favorably by employers. This preference is because degrees from institutions that also have campus-based programs are seen as more credible, with HR directors and CEOs placing a higher value on degrees from well-known colleges that have stood the test of time, over 95 years in some cases. Therefore, when selecting an online program, whether in respiratory therapy or nursing, it's crucial to consider not just the cost but also the program's accreditation and the reputation of the institution.
What is the average cost of a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
The average cost of respiratory therapy and nursing degree programs varies depending on the level of education (undergraduate vs. graduate) and the type of institution. For respiratory therapy, the average tuition costs for a graduate degree range is $22,003 while undergraduate programs are around $22,978. In comparison, for nursing, the average tuition for undergraduate programs is $26,401, while graduate programs average $21,140 (see table below).
These figures highlight the financial investment required for pursuing these healthcare professions and suggest that vocational programs in nursing, despite being at the undergraduate level, may cost significantly more than graduate programs in either field. A similar pattern can be seen in the radiographer and radiologist degree program comparison, where radiology students—who must complete medical school—face much higher educational costs than radiographers pursuing associate or bachelor-level training in medical imaging.
What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
Students enrolling in respiratory therapy or nursing degree programs have several financial aid options to help manage the costs of their education. With the rising expenses associated with healthcare education, understanding these financial resources is crucial. As shown in the image below, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that 87.3% of college students receive some form of financial aid, demonstrating the prevalence and necessity of such support.
Here are the common financial aid options available:
- Federal and State Grants: A significant number of students receive grants, which do not need to be repaid.
- Student Loans: Students may also fund their education through loans. Federal student loans often offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans.
- Scholarships: Many colleges, universities, and private organizations offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific criteria related to the field of study.
- Work-Study Programs: These programs provide students with part-time employment, typically on-campus, to help finance their education while continuing their studies.
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Some employers offer tuition assistance programs as part of their benefits package, especially in healthcare fields that require specific certifications and ongoing education.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
Enrolling in respiratory therapy or nursing degree programs requires meeting specific prerequisites that ensure students are prepared for the rigorous curriculum and clinical demands of each field. For respiratory therapy programs, prerequisites typically include courses in
- anatomy,
- physiology,
- chemistry,
- microbiology, and
- sometimes math.
These courses lay the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding human biology and the pathophysiology of respiratory conditions.
On the other hand, nursing programs often require a similar set of prerequisites, with the addition of courses in
- nutrition,
- psychology, and
- sometimes statistics.
So, how to prepare for nursing school? it’s essential to focus on these science and humanities courses, as they form the backbone of nursing education, promoting a holistic understanding of patient care.
Both programs may also require applicants to have a certain level of healthcare experience, which can include volunteering or working in a healthcare setting. This experience helps ensure that students are truly committed to and informed about their future profession. Additionally, a minimum GPA is often required to demonstrate academic readiness for the intense coursework ahead.
Considering Other Entry Points into Healthcare
For those who find the prerequisites for nursing or respiratory therapy programs too demanding—whether academically, financially, or in terms of time commitment—there are other healthcare roles that offer a faster entry into the field. One such option is becoming a medical assistant. The job responsibilities of a medical assistant include administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and managing medical records, as well as clinical duties such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with basic procedures. These roles generally require less formal education and can often be pursued through certificate or diploma programs that take under a year to complete, making them a practical steppingstone for those considering a future in healthcare.
What courses are typically in a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
Respiratory therapy and nursing degree programs both include rigorous course loads tailored to their specific healthcare fields, but they focus on different aspects of patient care.
Respiratory therapy programs are heavily centered around cardiopulmonary science and technology. Typical courses in these programs include
- Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology,
- Respiratory Pathophysiology,
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation,
- Respiratory Pharmacology, and
- Mechanical Ventilation.
These courses equip students with specialized knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.
In contrast, nursing degree programs provide a broader healthcare education. Nursing students will study courses such as
- Human Anatomy and Physiology,
- Microbiology,
- Pharmacology,
- Health Assessment,
- Medical-Surgical Nursing,
- Pediatric Nursing, and
- Mental Health Nursing.
These courses are designed to prepare nurses with comprehensive skills to care for patients across various medical conditions and life stages.
Both programs typically include clinical components, but nursing programs often have a stronger emphasis on patient interaction and management across diverse healthcare settings, reflecting the profession’s broad scope of practice.
What types of specializations are available in respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree programs?
Respiratory therapy and nursing degree programs offer a variety of specializations, catering to the diverse career paths within each field. In respiratory therapy, specializations focus on specific patient care areas and advanced treatment technologies. Students can specialize in
- Pediatric Respiratory Care,
- Adult Critical Care,
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation,
- Sleep Medicine, or
- Neonatal Care.
Specializing allows respiratory therapists to focus their skills on a particular patient demographic or type of care, potentially impacting their career advancement and salary prospects. For instance, becoming a specialist may lead to a higher registered respiratory therapist salary due to the increased expertise and demand for specialized skills in certain medical settings.
In contrast, nursing offers a broader range of specializations due to its expansive role in healthcare. Nurses can specialize in fields such as
- Pediatric Nursing,
- Geriatric Nursing,
- Oncology,
- Psychiatric Nursing,
- Emergency Nursing, and
- Nurse Midwifery.
Each specialization focuses on a different aspect of patient care, from life-stage specific nursing to disease-specific care. Advanced practice specializations, such as Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, require graduate-level education and provide nurses with autonomy to diagnose and treat patients, significantly enhancing their career prospects and earnings potential. These diverse specializations reflect the versatile and expansive nature of the nursing profession.
What student support services can improve your learning outcomes?
Reliable student support services play a pivotal role in ensuring academic success and smooth clinical integration. Top-tier programs provide comprehensive academic advising, robust career counseling, technical assistance, and dedicated clinical placement coordination to help students seamlessly manage rigorous curricula and hands-on training. Enhanced mentoring initiatives and partnerships with healthcare facilities enable real-world exposure and informed decision-making during clinical rotations. Additionally, certain accelerated paths, such as fast track nurse practitioner programs, incorporate structured support systems designed to balance intensive study with professional development, ultimately influencing both immediate educational performance and long-term career advancement.
Are fast-track programs the key to rapid career advancement?
For those seeking to accelerate their entry into advanced clinical roles, fast-track educational pathways offer an intensive curriculum that emphasizes early integration of clinical experience without compromising academic rigor. These programs enable candidates to fulfill licensure and certification requirements more quickly while providing structured support and mentoring that align with current healthcare demands. Evaluating elements such as credit transfers, clinical placement partnerships, and student support services is essential when considering an accelerated option. For instance, some institutions feature the quickest RN to BSN program to help qualified professionals transition efficiently from registered nurse to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing role, thereby enhancing career prospects in a competitive healthcare environment.
What are the potential challenges in completing respiratory therapy and nursing degree programs?
Prospective students often face challenges such as balancing rigorous coursework with clinical placements and managing time effectively when working alongside studies. Financial constraints and complex tuition structures can also affect decision-making. Evaluating institutional support—including clinical coordination, flexible scheduling, and cost-saving alternatives—is essential. For instance, comparing program fees to cheap online FNP programs can offer valuable insights into more affordable yet quality educational pathways.
What are the certification exam pass rates and quality benchmarks?
Reliable programs are often distinguished by strong exam pass rates and verifiable quality benchmarks, which serve as indicators of educational excellence. Evaluating first-time NCLEX and NBRC success percentages, along with documented job placement records, can offer insights into a program's effectiveness in preparing graduates for real-world challenges. Transparency in these metrics is increasingly vital for prospective students striving to make an informed decision. In some cases, streamlined pathways such as RN to BSN 100 online no clinicals emphasize integrated preparatory coursework designed to bolster exam performance and career readiness without the requirement for clinical components.
What is the return on investment for respiratory therapy vs. nursing degrees?
Evaluating the return on investment involves comparing cumulative education costs, program duration, and long-term earning potential without overlapping previously detailed tuition figures or salary averages. Nursing degrees generally lead to higher lifetime earnings due to a broader range of advanced practice roles and opportunities for accelerated career growth, especially when considering pathways such as the top accelerated BSN nursing programs online. In contrast, respiratory therapy programs often require a shorter period of study with lower direct costs, potentially resulting in quicker entry into the workforce. Both fields demand careful analysis of regional market conditions, certification success, and institutional reputation, which in turn influence career stability and overall income trajectory.
Are flexible online learning options a smart choice for career advancement?
Flexible online learning formats offer an efficient alternative to traditional on-campus education by accommodating diverse schedules and professional obligations. These programs emphasize modular coursework, asynchronous instruction, and virtual collaboration that align with the competency standards required in competitive healthcare settings. Accelerated options, such as self paced RN-BSN programs, enable students to progress at a customized pace while maintaining academic rigor and practical skill development. Evaluating these flexible pathways based on accreditation, student outcomes, and clinical integration can provide a strategic advantage in advancing a healthcare career.
How does one choose the best respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree program?
Choosing the best respiratory therapy or nursing degree program requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure the program aligns with your career goals and educational needs. Both fields offer dynamic and rewarding career paths, but selecting the right program is crucial for professional success.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by relevant bodies such as the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for respiratory therapy or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing.
- Clinical Components: Look for programs that offer robust clinical training opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience.
- Faculty Expertise: Check the qualifications of the faculty to ensure you will be learning from experienced professionals.
- Facilities: Evaluate the learning facilities and resources available to students, including labs and technology.
- Career Support: Consider the program’s career services to help with job placement after graduation.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a program that best prepares you for a successful career in healthcare.
What career paths are available for graduates of respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree programs?
Graduates of respiratory therapy and nursing degree programs have varied career paths that can lead to specialized roles in healthcare. Respiratory therapy graduates may start as respiratory therapy aides or patient care technicians and advance to positions such as certified respiratory therapists, lead therapists, or clinical directors. Some may specialize further into fields like pulmonary physical therapy, pediatric occupational therapy, or even roles in education like clinical instructors.
The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $77,960 as of May 2023, making a respiratory therapy degree worth it for those interested in a stable and growing healthcare field.
Nursing graduates have a broad spectrum of career options available. Starting positions include roles such as certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, or emergency medical technicians. As nurses gain experience and additional qualifications, they can advance to roles like staff nurses, case managers, or nurse supervisors. The nurse practitioner career path is particularly notable, as it offers the opportunity to provide advanced primary and specialty care, often with a high degree of autonomy. Other advanced roles for nursing graduates include clinical research coordinators, clinical managers, or higher administrative roles such as nursing directors.
Is nursing degree worth it? Indeed, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070 as of May 2023. This career remains one of the most lucrative and fastest-growing in the healthcare field.
Both fields offer robust career advancement opportunities, with paths that can lead to high levels of specialization and leadership within the healthcare system. Both also offer competitive salaries as presented in the chart below.
What is the job outlook for graduates with a respiratory therapy vs. nursing degree?
The job outlook for graduates with degrees in respiratory therapy and nursing shows distinct trends, reflecting the healthcare industry's evolving needs. For respiratory therapists, the projected job growth from 2023 to 2033 is 13%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is spurred by an aging population and an increased prevalence of respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma, which underscore the rising demand for respiratory therapy services.
On the other hand, nursing continues to offer robust job prospects with a 6% growth rate over the same period, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an overall increase in healthcare services, particularly for the aging population, and a broader scope of practice in various healthcare settings.
Both fields offer promising futures, but the choice between respiratory therapy and nursing should consider personal career interests, the type of patient interactions expected, and the specific healthcare settings one wishes to work in. The chart below compares the job outlook for both roles.
Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Respiratory Therapy or Nursing Degrees
- Studying for my Respiratory Therapy degree was a transformative experience. The hands-on clinical sessions and simulations prepared me perfectly for real-world challenges, giving me the confidence I needed to excel from day one on the job. The satisfaction of helping patients breathe easier is truly rewarding. Jordan
- Earning my Nursing degree online was incredibly flexible and allowed me to balance my studies with my personal life effectively. The online platform was user-friendly, making it easy to interact with instructors and peers, which was crucial for my learning. This flexibility helped me to pursue my passion for nursing without sacrificing other important aspects of my life. Marie
- The journey through my Nursing program was nothing short of inspiring. It equipped me with the skills to not only provide top-notch patient care but also to educate and lead within my community. The emotional fulfillment I get from making a difference in people’s lives every day is what I cherish the most. Ellen
Key Findings
- Respiratory therapy typically requires an Associate's degree; nursing often needs a Bachelor’s degree.
- Respiratory therapists mainly work in hospital units like ICUs, while nurses work in diverse settings including hospitals and schools.
- Median salaries as of 2023 are approximately $77,960 for respiratory therapists and $86,070 for nurses.
- Opportunities for specialization and advancement are significant in both fields, with nursing offering paths like the nurse practitioner role.
- Projected job growth for respiratory therapists is 13% by 2033, and 6% for nurses, reflecting increased healthcare demand.
- Online degrees are well-regarded if the program is accredited and the school has a physical campus, with 89% of academic leaders rating them equal to traditional degrees.
Other Things You Should Know About Respiratory Therapy vs. Nursing Programs
What certifications are required for respiratory therapists and nurses after graduation?
After graduation, respiratory therapists are required to pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams to become Certified Respiratory Therapists, a credential necessary for professional practice. Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to qualify as Registered Nurses. These certifications validate the practitioner's competency to employers and are mandatory for practicing within their respective fields.
Can I pursue part-time work while studying in these programs?
Many respiratory therapy and nursing programs, particularly those offered online, are designed to accommodate working professionals. They offer flexible schedules that allow students to continue part-time or even full-time employment while completing their studies. This flexibility helps students manage their financial responsibilities and gain practical experience simultaneously, enriching their learning and professional development.
How do online respiratory therapy and nursing degrees accommodate clinical practice requirements?
Online programs in respiratory therapy and nursing incorporate required clinical practicums by establishing partnerships with local healthcare facilities. This arrangement ensures that students complete necessary hands-on clinical training, equivalent to that of traditional on-campus programs. Schools typically work closely with students to find suitable clinical sites that allow them to meet graduation requirements without having to relocate.
What are the long-term career prospects for respiratory therapists and nurses?
The career prospects for respiratory therapists and nurses are robust and expanding due to the aging population and technological advancements in healthcare. Opportunities for advancement include leadership roles such as clinical managers or department heads, and specialists in areas like pediatric care or gerontology. For nurses, advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists offer high autonomy, increased responsibilities, and the potential for significantly higher earnings.
References
- Bureau of Health Workforce, HRSA. Nursing Workforce Projections Factsheet.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. Respiratory Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- College Tuition Compare. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse Major.
- College Tuition Compare. Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist Major.
- Drexel University Online. Online Degree vs. Traditional Degree.
- Newsweek. It's Time to Address America's Nursing Shortage - Opinion.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Health Worker Wellbeing Advisory.
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Understanding America's Labor Shortage: The Most Impacted Industries.
- Zippia. Respiratory Therapist Jobs.
- Zippia. Registered Nurse Jobs.
- Zippia. Registered Nurse Salaries.
- Zippia. Respiratory Therapist Salaries.
