Respiratory therapists (RTs) and registered nurses (RNs) play essential roles in healthcare, providing life-saving care to patients in hospitals, clinics and specialized settings. RTs focus on specialized care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary conditions. RNs take a broader approach to provide whole-body care for patients with a wide range of medical needs.
Understanding the core differences between respiratory therapists and registered nurses, from their daily responsibilities to their work environments and career growth, can help you decide which pathway is the right fit for your future. For those interested in advancing in respiratory care, the online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Respiratory Care program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers a flexible pathway for working healthcare professionals to advance their credentials and broaden their career opportunities in this rewarding field.
What Are the Educational Requirements for RTs and RNs?
Becoming a respiratory therapist requires completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program. While an Associate of Science in respiratory therapy can qualify professionals for some entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care is the minimum requirement for many employers. These programs provide students with essential cardiopulmonary knowledge and clinical training in ventilator management, oxygen therapy and emergency airway care. Upon graduation, students must pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to qualify for state licensure and begin practicing.
Registered nurses often begin their careers by completing an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the latter of which includes advanced coursework in pharmacology, pathophysiology and patient care. BSN programs include supervised clinical rotations in real healthcare settings that allow nurses to gain experience in medical-surgical care, pediatrics, mental health and other specialties. Graduates must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam to apply for licensure and practice as a registered nurse.
What Do Respiratory Therapists and Nurses Do Daily?
Respiratory therapists are specialized practitioners who focus on cardiopulmonary care and the treatment of breathing disorders. They perform comprehensive patient assessments to evaluate breathing, lung capacity and oxygen levels and implement physician-directed treatment plans to improve respiratory function. Their treatments often include equipment such as ventilators, oxygen tanks and masks, along with aerosolized medication and chest physiotherapy. They work closely with physicians to monitor patient response, make adjustments and optimize respiratory support.
Registered nurses provide comprehensive care across multiple body systems, rather than focusing on a single specialty. They perform ongoing monitoring of vital signs, physical assessments and patient data, while administering medications and specialized treatments based on physician orders. RNs also collaborate with doctors, RTs and other healthcare professionals to adjust and coordinate care plans, providing continuous support throughout a patient’s treatment and recovery.
Where Do RTs and RNs Work?
Respiratory therapists primarily work in hospital ICUs, emergency rooms and pulmonary care units to provide specialized airway and ventilation care to critically ill patients. Some RTs are also employed in outpatient settings, such as pulmonary rehabilitation centers, asthma clinics or sleep disorder labs, to help manage chronic respiratory conditions. They often have rotating clinical schedules that include nights, weekends and holidays, and may be on-call for respiratory emergencies.
Registered nurses work in a variety of environments, delivering care in hospitals, private clinics, schools, outpatient clinics, public health agencies and patients’ homes. They can pursue several specialization pathways, such as critical care, pediatrics, oncology, and labor and delivery, that can lead to roles in highly specialized units or community settings. Their daily schedules and on-call expectations vary significantly depending on their work environment; hospital settings require shift work and overnight hours, and outpatient roles offer more predictable daily schedules.
How Do RT and RN Salaries Compare?
Respiratory therapists and registered nurses both earn competitive salaries based on their workplace, experience and geographical location. RTs earn median annual wages of $80,450, while RNs earn slightly higher median annual salaries of $93,600. As they gain clinical experience, both professionals can progress in senior, supervisor or specialty roles with greater earning potential and leadership responsibilities. Working in hospitals, specialty units or major metropolitan areas often offers higher pay than positions in small facilities or community settings.
A growing aging population and rising health concerns nationwide are driving a high demand for qualified RTs and RNs. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase by 12% through 2034, while registered nurse jobs are expected to grow by 5% during the same period. Hospitals, outpatient care facilities and long-term care facilities are seeing the highest demand due to increased need for acute care, disease management and post-hospital support.
Making Your Career Decision Between RT and RN
Deciding between a career as a respiratory therapist and a registered nurse depends on your clinical interests, preferred work environment and long-term career goals. RTs move throughout a hospital to provide focused care for cardiopulmonary conditions, while RNs offer more general, whole-body care to a consistent group of patients within one unit or specialty.
Because of their specialized focus, RTs often have a better work-life balance than nurses but less career flexibility when it comes to shifting clinical fields. Nurses can transition into a wide range of specialties, including critical care, emergency medicine, pediatrics or oncology, offering more career flexibility over time.
Choosing the Right Pathway for Your Future in Healthcare
Evaluating your personal healthcare interests and goals can help you decide between a career as a respiratory therapist or registered nurse and determine the pathway that best fits your future. RTs focus on specialized respiratory care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, while nurses take a holistic approach to provide whole-body care for diverse patients across many settings.
Northern Kentucky University’s online B.S. in Respiratory Care degree provides a flexible pathway for healthcare professionals to advance their credentials and expand their career opportunities. This accredited, online program builds on the foundation of an associate degree in respiratory therapy to provide a deeper understanding of cardiopulmonary care and to prepare graduates for advanced clinical practice.
Learn more about NKU’s online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care program.
