Is a Bachelors Degree in RT necessary? What about the BS in RT that is offerred by CCSD?

Does anyone have any feedback as to whether a Bachelor's Degree is of any benefit in the RT field? I'm attending CCSD, and they (of course) are actively promoting the Bachelor's of RT as "the way to take your RT career to the next level.' However, I have recieved different info from RTs in the field--that an overpriced BS is NOT necessary and will not be applicable unless you want to go into management. What does any currently working RRT have to share? Thank you so much!!

No, it's not necessary. I already had a bachelor's degree in another field when I went to respiratory school, but even if I didn't, I wouldn't go for one. If you want to do management, I would get a degree in health management or administration. My boss is a CRTT, but she's one of the best bosses I've had. She's had a lot of management experience.

Anyway, there will most likely be no difference in pay, and you'll be out of 2 years and $.

omp in Skokie, Illinois said: No, it's not necessary. I already had a bachelor's degree in another field when I went to respiratory school, but even if I didn't, I wouldn't go for one. If you want to do management, I would get a degree in health management or administration. My boss is a CRTT, but she's one of the best bosses I've had. She's had a lot of management experience.

Anyway, there will most likely be no difference in pay, and you'll be out of 2 years and $.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom!! This helps me (and several others) a LOT! Have a great day!

I actually got laid off working in the healthcare industry as a recruiter for two years. My experience working with HR, they almost NEVER required someone to have a bachelors degree. You only need an associates degree (CRT) and can apply for Registry to increase your salary. CRT/RRT doesn't make a difference in the job market as far as obtaining a job. I honestly wouldn't waste your money getting a bachelors in RT. Save your money. =)

Annie,
Be careful with CCSD, the respiratory program is currently on probation with Co-Arc. Take your time and do some homework before deciding for yourself.

Thanks, MMK, but I'm already 2/3s of the way through the program at CCSD already... I looking into other options when the accreditation probation began--one year ago...however, I couldn't afford all the extra money to go & start over somewhere else. Am an Associate student. I am WELL aware of the issues at CCSD. Thanks for the positive intention! Are you in RT, MMK? If so, where/what are your recommendations? Are you having a positive experience? Anything you'd like to share? Have a great weekend! :-)

Actually, I have my Bachelors in Respiratory from UTMB. In Houston, the largest Medical Center and Research base in the world, most hospitals as a minimum are looking for RRT, other hospitals will not hire associate degreed therapists. The pay difference here is at least $2.00 per hour on base pay plus the shift differential is higher. If you wanted to ever go into management, a Bachelors degree is going to be required not preferred. And, if you are like me; and want ot go into administration on a higher level you have to have a masters degree. So a bachelors degree is a stepping stone to get there.

ANNIE in Oceanside, California said: Does anyone have any feedback as to whether a Bachelor's Degree is of any benefit in the RT field? I'm attending CCSD, and they (of course) are actively promoting the Bachelor's of RT as "the way to take your RT career to the next level.' However, I have recieved different info from RTs in the field--that an overpriced BS is NOT necessary and will not be applicable unless you want to go into management. What does any currently working RRT have to share? Thank you so much!!

An associate will get you by! But, do realize that the NBRC is working to do away with the associate program, in order to get more respect for our field. They are still passing the law for Bachelor's degree respiratory therapist to be able to perform PFTs in doctors office, without the doctor actually being in the office. So in the future, if you ever want to work PFT for a doctor's office, they probably won't hire you if they can't leave and see their other patients in the hospitals and so forth. There is no growth potential, so if you want to work the floors for the rest of your life, yes, an associates is enough!

Tina

Eddie in Houston, Texas said: Actually, I have my Bachelors in Respiratory from UTMB. In Houston, the largest Medical Center and Research base in the world, most hospitals as a minimum are looking for RRT, other hospitals will not hire associate degreed therapists. The pay difference here is at least $2.00 per hour on base pay plus the shift differential is higher. If you wanted to ever go into management, a Bachelors degree is going to be required not preferred. And, if you are like me; and want ot go into administration on a higher level you have to have a masters degree. So a bachelors degree is a stepping stone to get there.

I have to disagree with some of this statement. I am a 9 yr seasoned therapist with ans Assoc. degree and an RRT. I am originally from TX and also worked at UTMB in Galveston. Though a Bachelors degree is a good stepping stone to further your career and most facilities require you to have a bachelors for a management position, many are not requiring you to have more than your Assoc. Degree in Respiratory Care to work as a therapist. Yes it is true, more and more facilities prefer you to be an RRT. However, you do not have to acquire a Bachelor degreee in order to become an RRT. If hospitals are not hiring any RT's with an Associates Degree, then they must be hurting for RT's since an Assoc. Degree has been the min. requirement for the NBRC for only approx 12 yrs. I am now working in OK and RT's here are just trying to transition from being an OJT (on the job training). So.....it's really going to depend on where you work and what career path you want to follow. My suggestion is to get your bachelors and that way you can either move up in respiratory or move to another field with greater ease. It makes you more marketable and will save you time later on if you want to expand your career horizons! Good Luck!

TRS in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: I have to disagree with some of this statement. I am a 9 yr seasoned therapist with ans Assoc. degree and an RRT. I am originally from TX and also worked at UTMB in Galveston. Though a Bachelors degree is a good stepping stone to further your career and most facilities require you to have a bachelors for a management position, many are not requiring you to have more than your Assoc. Degree in Respiratory Care to work as a therapist. Yes it is true, more and more facilities prefer you to be an RRT. However, you do not have to acquire a Bachelor degreee in order to become an RRT. If hospitals are not hiring any RT's with an Associates Degree, then they must be hurting for RT's since an Assoc. Degree has been the min. requirement for the NBRC for only approx 12 yrs. I am now working in OK and RT's here are just trying to transition from being an OJT (on the job training). So.....it's really going to depend on where you work and what career path you want to follow. My suggestion is to get your bachelors and that way you can either move up in respiratory or move to another field with greater ease. It makes you more marketable and will save you time later on if you want to expand your career horizons! Good Luck!

What if you have a Bachelors in Business and an associate in Respiratory....Can you get into management?

Annie in Oceanside in Oceanside, California said: Thanks, MMK, but I'm already 2/3s of the way through the program at CCSD already... I looking into other options when the accreditation probation began--one year ago...however, I couldn't afford all the extra money to go & start over somewhere else. Am an Associate student. I am WELL aware of the issues at CCSD. Thanks for the positive intention! Are you in RT, MMK? If so, where/what are your recommendations? Are you having a positive experience? Anything you'd like to share? Have a great weekend! :-)

I am looking to relocate to San Diego and enroll at CCSD. I am concerned when you say that are are aware of the issues at CCSD. Can you e-mail me @ sxhaller@gmail.com and tell me a bit more about your experiences with the school? Thanks!

Scott, Just type in CCSD at the top of the page and click on "search forums"... That is a small indication of what's up... Orange Coast in OC is excellent, have you thought of them? With the cirriculumn additions to the CCSD program, the time frame would be about the same.

Annie in Oceanside in Oceanside, California said: Thanks, MMK, but I'm already 2/3s of the way through the program at CCSD already... I looking into other options when the accreditation probation began--one year ago...however, I couldn't afford all the extra money to go & start over somewhere else. Am an Associate student. I am WELL aware of the issues at CCSD. Thanks for the positive intention! Are you in RT, MMK? If so, where/what are your recommendations? Are you having a positive experience? Anything you'd like to share? Have a great weekend! :-)

Hey, I was thinking of enrolling at CCSD. Can you PLEASE email me more information as far as your experience with CCSD. I am considering enrolling going for my Ba in Rt. One of my concerns is attending CCSD in the evening and working full-time during the day, can this be done at CCSD? Also, is the cost worth it? My email is tcarr13@gmail.com. Thanks in advance.

ANNIE in Oceanside, California said: Does anyone have any feedback as to whether a Bachelor's Degree is of any benefit in the RT field? I'm attending CCSD, and they (of course) are actively promoting the Bachelor's of RT as "the way to take your RT career to the next level.' However, I have recieved different info from RTs in the field--that an overpriced BS is NOT necessary and will not be applicable unless you want to go into management. What does any currently working RRT have to share? Thank you so much!!

GET A BS, IT IS NOT NECESSARY BUT IT IS GOOD TO HAVE. IT OPENS MORE DOORS LIKE TEACHING, MANAGEMENT. AND IF YOU DECIDE LATER YOU WANT TO BE A PA OR MD OR NP YOU HAVE THIS UNDER YOUR BELT. GO FOR IT. I BECAME A RRT FIRST..THEN WORKED AND GOT MY BS AFTER!!!GREATEST FEELING TO GET YOUE 4 YEAR!!! NOW I AM LOOKING AT PA SCHOOL.

Musous man in Worcester, Massachusetts said: GET A BS, IT IS NOT NECESSARY BUT IT IS GOOD TO HAVE. IT OPENS MORE DOORS LIKE TEACHING, MANAGEMENT. AND IF YOU DECIDE LATER YOU WANT TO BE A PA OR MD OR NP YOU HAVE THIS UNDER YOUR BELT. GO FOR IT. I BECAME A RRT FIRST..THEN WORKED AND GOT MY BS AFTER!!!GREATEST FEELING TO GET YOUE 4 YEAR!!! NOW I AM LOOKING AT PA SCHOOL.

Musous, I would love to pick your brain. My Goal is to go down the same path, RRT then eventually become a PA. E-mail me at sxhaller at gmail, if you don't mind. I would love to hear your story. Thanks!

I've been looking at international assignments and they generally want people with Bachelors in RT for an overseas assignment.

I am a RRT and am currently attending UNC Charlotte for my BSRT. Depending on the area you work in is what is expected. A four year degree is not needed for management in my area. CRT's are still hired but most hospitals are expecting more out of their therapists. If you are RRT- Eligible you are expected to obtain your registry within a set time limit. I plan on persuing my career further. Who knows where it might lead!

I am currently in CCSD bachelors RT program. Bachelor in RT is not neccessary right now, but it will be in 5-10 years. Just like Nursing RT proffesion will soon require Ba to gain my respect for the field. So if your thinkin long term go bachelors if not right now an associates will do. You can upgrade your associates later if you choose to also. CCSD is a good choice I'm a night student.

t.carr said: I am currently in CCSD bachelors RT program. Bachelor in RT is not neccessary right now, but it will be in 5-10 years. Just like Nursing RT proffesion will soon require Ba to gain my respect for the field. So if your thinkin long term go bachelors if not right now an associates will do. You can upgrade your associates later if you choose to also. CCSD is a good choice I'm a night student.

That's what the NBRC is pushing for, but in truth the way you get respect is your knowledge, your skill in the field. Also, yrs of experience counts more, than a piece of paper.I have 10yrs,and yes I am a CRT,AAS degree.I have gained trust, and respect, because I stand up for myself,and have gained yrs of RT skill and knowledge.Also, nurse's will always have respect, whether they have a BSN or ADN, because they will always know more about the Doctor's patients. I know for a fact, from my wife,and all the nurse's I know. When a Doctor is called late at night, who know's more about the pt, the nurse.Doctor's only see the pt, for a few minutes, vs 12hrs with nurse.Like RT's,who does the Doctor ask for changes or questions, or suggestions, in the vent management or ICU care, the RT.There are the passive and then there are the aggressive,and what is best for the pt. A BS in RT will not get you respect, nor more money, and no one cares if you have a BS, I dont care if the nurse has a BSN, I only care that he or she has the skill to do what is right for the pt.Also the title of BS is 9 out 10 not on your badge.

I agree with all of your points, but again Bs will most likely be mandetory in the RT feild over the next decade. Also, If you want to go into a supervisory or management position like myself then yes the Bs is required. I like RT because its more specialized and you dont neccessarily recieve direct oreder from the doc like a nurse. The doc looks to you for suggestions or advice rather then just giving orders all the time.

For those of you with a BS, how long did it take after you got the associates, and also, how much harder is the coursework? I'm in a program in Morehead, Ky to get my RRT and have really been looking toward getting a BS afterward even though i have found in my clinical rotations, there are tons of CRTs and i dont believe i've seen any with a BS.

Thanks for any info =)

Michelle in Portland, Oregon said: I've been looking at international assignments and they generally want people with Bachelors in RT for an overseas assignment.

I was also looking into the possiblity of an overseas job as RT, namely the Middle East. Do they all require a BS? Anyone here ever worked in that region, and if so, how are the working conditions out there?

JPARS in Ashland, Kentucky said: For those of you with a BS, how long did it take after you got the associates, and also, how much harder is the coursework? I'm in a program in Morehead, Ky to get my RRT and have really been looking toward getting a BS afterward even though i have found in my clinical rotations, there are tons of CRTs and i dont believe i've seen any with a BS.

Thanks for any info =)

You may not see many CRT's with a BS, it's a pesonal preferance. Like the above posted, a BS is only required for manangement. Also alot of CRT's , like me went to school, before a BS was even around. But NBRC has been pushing for a BS, and now a MS degree. But like I have said, BS is not posted on there badge, like most RN's. Remember, a BS is just more courses, not in RT, but extra english etc.I assume like alot of RT's we look at the RT, not their degree. Nor care if their a RRT or CRT,we all do the same job. I have a AAS degree, and yrs of experience weigh more, than a piece of paper. Alot of CRT's are OJT, or 1 yr degree, before the change by the NBRC.For me I am a CRT, and did not have the time or abiltity to take the RRT, due to having to support myself,and now being a traveler. So look at the RT as your collegue, not as CRT or RRT,and they have yrs of experience. And to add ,also every RT degree now requires one to get their RRT , in yrs past you graduated, then took the CRT and then could take the RRT.

I am 25, just starting my college career, and my ultimate goal is to acheive my BS in RT. I am taking the required pre-requisites, and I am concerned that next fall, there is a possibility that I may not be accepted into the program and have to wait until next year. So my question is, is it possible to take courses at a community college while working towards my associate that will apply, and/or help me in obtaining my BS. Is there another RT program that is required for the BS like there is for the AAS after obtaining my Associates? Please help, I am new to this but determined and seeking any info I can get from experienced therapists. Thank You

t.carr said: I am currently in CCSD bachelors RT program. Bachelor in RT is not neccessary right now, but it will be in 5-10 years. Just like Nursing RT proffesion will soon require Ba to gain my respect for the field. So if your thinkin long term go bachelors if not right now an associates will do. You can upgrade your associates later if you choose to also. CCSD is a good choice I'm a night student.

Really.. Who cares about you having respect for a field?