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

Tina in Bowling Green, Ohio said: 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

That's true , but what i read was that they wanted them to fully assess patients and order test like chest x-rays even refill drugs and stuff you are suppose to be able to fill in for the pulmonologist- it states to put use like complete practioniers kinda like NP, and PA's we would see patients, run tests, preform pulmonary rehab and so fourth!

Mark RCP in Texas said: 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.

Totally disagree with the above post! I am currently in a BS in Respiratory Care program through DeVry University/Carrington College. It is definitely not just extra courses in English etc. The classes I am taking are much more advanced then when I took classes for my Associates in RT. You do take some classes that are not specific to RT like: Physics, Pathophysiology, Statistics, etc., but most of the courses are RT based. Some of the classes that I have or will be taking include: Pulmonary Rehab, Pharmacotherapeutics in Respiratory Care, Advanced Adult and Neonatal Ventilation, Advanced Respiratory Care Diagnostics, Principles of Sleep Diagnostics, etc. There is a lot of paper writing and hours of research in these classes. If you think you know everything there is to know about RT...unless you are a pulmonologist...you would be surprised after taking these classes. There is a lot more info out there then you think!

I plan on using this degree to get into anesthesia or respiratory therapy equipment sales.... or clinical support specialist.(Someone who trains people on how to use new equipment). Most of the big companies who sell this type of thing requires a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree. I think any education is a good investment...it's just a matter of finding the right job. Devry has a pretty good reputation...and I can tell you that it is not a piece of cake school by any means.

Sunny, what RT program did you graduate from and how hard is it to get into sales?

I originally graduated with an Associates from Macomb Community College many years ago. Have been working the last 20 as an Anesthesia Technologist in an operating room. Make more than the usual Respiratory Therapist because of incentives to work down there....but sales is where the 6 figure salaries are. I'm not sure how difficult it will be...I have a few contacts so I may have an edge in. It is possible though. Just go to Monster.com and put in Respiratory Therapy Equipment sales, anesthesia sales, or medical device sales. Many of the big companies just want someone who is personable, comfortable around physicians, can speak in front of large groups, and who posess a Bachelors of Science Degree. The good jobs are out there...you just need to be persuasive.Some require previous sales experience, some don't.

jobsearch.monster.com/search/medical-equipment-Sales_5?q=sales&where=Michigan&rad=20&sort=rv.di.dt

Here is a link to Monster. Having a Bachelor's Degree will at least get you in the running for Medical Device Sales. Companies like Johnson and Johnson, Drager, etc. are some to look in to. This is where the real $$ is at.I know several reps who make over
$100,000 selling medical devices. One therapist I know now sells for Boston Scientific (Heart pacemakers, etc.) Don't limit yourself to just stricly RT jobs. RT's can also cross-train to the cath lab to be a cath-lab tech, which is where my one friend got started (before she went to Boston Scientific)

MRH in Pecos, New Mexico said: In regards to RT becoming Anesthesia Assistants, does anyone how you would pursue it? What colleges accept RT degrees in correspondents to Anesthesiologists Assistants? What information is out there?

www.anesthesiaassistant.com/ (Info on programs) You must have a Bachelors of Science Degree I believe to get in. Some online program classes like pathophysiology probably would not transfer to this type of school. Kind of looked into it a little.
Anesthesia is a very tough job....and the nurse anesthetists do not take kindly to AAs.(Not all hospitals hire AAs either)

Did you graduate with an AAS in RT? If so, how did you make it into the Anesthesia Technologist field?

Yes I have an Associates in RT. I switched and went down to the OR when I couldn't get a full time job in RT. At the time, an opening came up at the hospital for an anesthesia tech, in which the job requirments were: Must be an LPN, RN, or RT. I was trained on the job. Like it much better than on the floors...but it is physically demanding. The OR is pretty busy at all times. I was lucky because most hospitals want you to have formal training in this. They actually have anesthesia tech schools and certifications.Here is a web site that tells you more about it:
www.anesthesiatechnician.com/ Now that I am getting my Bachelors in RT, I could actually apply to Anesthesia Assistant school, which is like a physician assistant to the anesthesiologist. This would be another 3 years full time however, and I am getting too old for that! (I am 48) If you already have an associates in RT, and are pretty young still, I would finish up and get my Bachelors and try to get into AA school, or get an RN degree (Bachelors), and apply to CRNA school. Both of these jobs pay well over $100,000/year.

It is absolutely necessary to get a BSRT. There are about 13 schools in PA that offer respiratory programs. The majority of the the programs are Associates Degrees. The larger hospitals are now requiring therapists to not only be RRTs but to also have a Bachelors (FYI- RNs are also required to have there BS as well, to work in hospitals out here). To remain marketable and for RTs to remain credible you need a BSRT. When you think about the salary in comparison to other BS (or BA) it's well worth it ( $30-$40/hrly). Hopefully it will do away with the Associates programs (just as the Associate programs forced the OJTs and Tech School RTs to phase out). Decreasing the supply of RTs will result in an increasing demand for RTs, allowing us to demand and receive higher pay rates. Think about it the baby boomers were the "inhalation therapists" trained on the job (OJT) and at technical schools,they were forced to obtain CRTs (or not work), they'll be retiring soon as well as the need for CRTs. The recent more marketable graduates in my area are from the 4 year colleges. Did I prove my point? GET YOUR BSRT!!!!!!!!! Don't believe it? Look up RT jobs in Philadelphia, PA RRT BS required, unless you want to be restricted to Long term care ONLY!

To get NICU experience get into a hospital, just get your RRT and BS and you'll qualify (LOL)!

I just had a meeting with a director from RT department in UMDNJ in Newark, at my community college (HCCC). I am currently unrolled into the program and hopping to get in to UMDNJ. He said that with AS degree you can do the following: Hospital work, Sales, Tech support on the ventilators, rehab facilities and also going to patients house to set up the ventilators. The AS program ends in 2 years and just like LPN (went out of style in the hospital)anyone with AS will be laid off in 5 to 10 years and anyone with BS will be hired instead. Also I would like to teach in the evenings and you need a BS for that. Also you need a BS for managing or working for companies that make ventilators so that we can troubleshoot them or even build them. I am sure that many of you will not have to pay out of your pocket because many jobs provide scholarships for job commitment, and if you are still in school you can get grants like I do now that pays for a lot of my schooling. I am 32 and I don't think you can be too old to go back to school so you are able to secure your job. I am going part time and I will be done in 2 years, if I get in into the program. Good luck to everyone.

I'm an RRT (Associates Degree) practicing in a large hospital in central California. In Cali, the BSRT really isn't a big deal, as most of our RT schools are AS programs. However, the RRT is required for new hires at most of the hospitals in my area. I believe that the BSRT will become mandatory within another 5 - 10 years or so, so if you're under 50 and you plan on working the field for a while longer, you should really think about finishing with the BS degree.
I read an entry on this blog that some doctors offices require a BS degree for the MD to be "out of the room" while a licensed RT does a PFT or other procedure. Here, we have specific order sheets that give us limited choices based on criteria that we see in a patient. In other words, history of Asthma, wheezing, chest x-ray positive for infiltrates, etc. allows us to "order" treatments. This gives the licensed RT the authority to "order" medication for a patient and administer the medication to that patient without the MD ok. This is legal because it is an order sheet that the MD orders ahead of time (Respiratory Consult) and the Medical director signed off on it ahead of time. None of our 50+ therapists have BSRT degrees. I would think that in a private practice, the physician in charge could write the policy and sign off on it ahead of time using the RT as a PA, but only for RT duties such as PFT's. Just a thought.
Bottom line, some creativity on the part of MD's and RT's can open doors. Also, if you can pull it off, get your BSRT because things are going to be changing in the not too distant future.
Best of luck to you all!

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!!

I am a graduate from CCSD...if you do want to get a BS CCSD's is not a degree don't do it! It is way to expensive anyways. Also, most hospitals in San Diego will not hire you without a RRT, so get that for sure. BS is good if you want to go into management, call PIMA it is completely online and is a fraction of the cost and is a true BS of Science Degree.

The bachelors degree is not needed at this time, but higher education is always never a bad thing either. I think eventually respiratory may transition into a bachelors degree, but only time will tell. I would get my bachelor degree from a traditional school in case you would want to move onto Medical school, PA, or NP.

The bachelors degree is not needed at this time, but higher education is always never a bad thing either. I think eventually respiratory may transition into a bachelors degree, but only time will tell. I would get my bachelor degree from a traditional school in case you would want to move onto Medical school, PA, or NP.

The bachelors degree is not needed at this time, but higher education is always never a bad thing either. I think eventually respiratory may transition into a bachelors degree, but only time will tell. I would get my bachelor degree from a traditional school in case you would want to move onto Medical school, PA, or NP.

A bachelors degree is not needed at this time but I do think that eventually having a bachelors degree will be needed for advance practice roles. I think respiratory therapy has stayed stagnant for many years, because the level of education has not changed since the introduction of the associates degree. In order for the profession of respiratory therapy to advance higher level of eduction is needed.

CLL in Mckinney, Texas said: 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. =)

I would reccomend not following this advice ecspecially if you want to be a respiratory therapist for more than a few years...NBRC is trying to get rid of associate degree level RT's

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!!

I agree i have my BSRT and the investment spent has not paid off. I believe that whenever the RT iniative in congress passes, it may open more doors in the future but right now unfortunately....Respiratory and education is not respected like the nursing.

bill in Toledo, Ohio said: I would reccomend not following this advice ecspecially if you want to be a respiratory therapist for more than a few years...NBRC is trying to get rid of associate degree level RT's

I think we as Respiratory Therapists should all pay attention to the article "Respiratory 2015 and Beyond." and the RT Iniative." Our field needs work....

Mark, RRT in Fresno, California said: I'm an RRT (Associates Degree) practicing in a large hospital in central California. In Cali, the BSRT really isn't a big deal, as most of our RT schools are AS programs. However, the RRT is required for new hires at most of the hospitals in my area. I believe that the BSRT will become mandatory within another 5 - 10 years or so, so if you're under 50 and you plan on working the field for a while longer, you should really think about finishing with the BS degree.
I read an entry on this blog that some doctors offices require a BS degree for the MD to be "out of the room" while a licensed RT does a PFT or other procedure. Here, we have specific order sheets that give us limited choices based on criteria that we see in a patient. In other words, history of Asthma, wheezing, chest x-ray positive for infiltrates, etc. allows us to "order" treatments. This gives the licensed RT the authority to "order" medication for a patient and administer the medication to that patient without the MD ok. This is legal because it is an order sheet that the MD orders ahead of time (Respiratory Consult) and the Medical director signed off on it ahead of time. None of our 50+ therapists have BSRT degrees. I would think that in a private practice, the physician in charge could write the policy and sign off on it ahead of time using the RT as a PA, but only for RT duties such as PFT's. Just a thought.
Bottom line, some creativity on the part of MD's and RT's can open doors. Also, if you can pull it off, get your BSRT because things are going to be changing in the not too distant future.
Best of luck to you all!

Actually, all Respiratory Therapists may need a BSRT by 2014....stay up on what the AARC is doing in congress.

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.

What master degree would you go for after getting your BS in Resp?
I'm looking at going back to school now. I have my RRT-NPS. I'd like to go back and get my BS in this field but if down the line wanted to get my masters I don't know what a good transition would be... I haven't seen many programs offering BS in Resp. to MBA degrees. Any thoughts?

Dom in Walnut, California said: What master degree would you go for after getting your BS in Resp?
I'm looking at going back to school now. I have my RRT-NPS. I'd like to go back and get my BS in this field but if down the line wanted to get my masters I don't know what a good transition would be... I haven't seen many programs offering BS in Resp. to MBA degrees. Any thoughts?

I started a master before finishing my bs. I didn't know if i would get a job in RT. but i got a job and put my master's on hold. I found out that having a master's isn't really required. my manager and directors don't have a masters.
If you want a bs get it in any field doesn't have to be respiratory. I say get it in n e thing but Respiratory cause the only pay you get won't be alot. RT stop at making maybe 50-60 a year(this is in houston tx). That's normal hours not OT. Management might make more but they work more and it's not hourly pay so you're stuck unless you steal from the budget.
There is a master's in respiratory online but it's expense. Just take an easy online BS that you pay for and a masters.

AFC in Houston, Texas said: I started a master before finishing my bs. I didn't know if i would get a job in RT. but i got a job and put my master's on hold. I found out that having a master's isn't really required. my manager and directors don't have a masters.
If you want a bs get it in any field doesn't have to be respiratory. I say get it in n e thing but Respiratory cause the only pay you get won't be alot. RT stop at making maybe 50-60 a year(this is in houston tx). That's normal hours not OT. Management might make more but they work more and it's not hourly pay so you're stuck unless you steal from the budget.
There is a master's in respiratory online but it's expense. Just take an easy online BS that you pay for and a masters.

Ya I'm leaning towards a business BS that way I'm not tied down to the RT field forever. The problem is here in California we make decent money so it would be hard to find another career field making the same or more starting out. I was also looking into the CRNA programs here but it requires a BS in the medical field such as nursing and usually a minimum of 1 yr critical care nursing exp. The only good thing is after 3+ yrs to get a BSN plus the year of exp then another 3yrs for ur CRNA u get 120-150/yr. But that's 7yrs from today. Haha I guess I don't have that much patience. Any thoughts?

AFC in Houston, Texas said: I started a master before finishing my bs. I didn't know if i would get a job in RT. but i got a job and put my master's on hold. I found out that having a master's isn't really required. my manager and directors don't have a masters.
If you want a bs get it in any field doesn't have to be respiratory. I say get it in n e thing but Respiratory cause the only pay you get won't be alot. RT stop at making maybe 50-60 a year(this is in houston tx). That's normal hours not OT. Management might make more but they work more and it's not hourly pay so you're stuck unless you steal from the budget.
There is a master's in respiratory online but it's expense. Just take an easy online BS that you pay for and a masters.

Ya I'm leaning towards a business BS that way I'm not tied down to the RT field forever. The problem is here in California we make decent money so it would be hard to find another career field making the same or more starting out. I was also looking into the CRNA programs here but it requires a BS in the medical field such as nursing and usually a minimum of 1 yr critical care nursing exp. The only good thing is after 3+ yrs to get a BSN plus the year of exp then another 3yrs for ur CRNA u get 120-150/yr. But that's 7yrs from today. Haha I guess I don't have that much patience. Any thoughts?

Once you have a BS degree you could apply for a Physician Assistant program. They make about as much as a CRNA. You could also try for an Anesthesia Assistant...which is like a PA to an Anesthesiologist. Both of these pay over $100k/year.

Pa in Asheboro, North Carolina said: I agree i have my BSRT and the investment spent has not paid off. I believe that whenever the RT iniative in congress passes, it may open more doors in the future but right now unfortunately....Respiratory and education is not respected like the nursing.

Have you ever thought about Medical Device Sales? Most of those companies require a BS in something...but if you can get in the pay is 2-3 times what an RT makes. That is my plan.

sunnys in Cheboygan, Michigan said: Once you have a BS degree you could apply for a Physician Assistant program. They make about as much as a CRNA. You could also try for an Anesthesia Assistant...which is like a PA to an Anesthesiologist. Both of these pay over $100k/year.

Maybe PAs make more in Michigan. In CA it used to be a Masters program but a few yrs back they started an AS degree program for PAs and the pay is only 72k. I make 70k and don't even come close to the responsibilities or stress they have to go through. The anesthesia assistant sounds like something interesting but again out here they seem to mainly use the certified registered nurse anesthetist, CRNA. Which has the requirements listed above and jobs for that are few and far between. Maybe they are more in demand on the east coast?
Seems to me in CA right now the only reason to obtain a BSRT is to be an instructor or for self-fulfillment. I can see it as a benefit in sales also but even as far as management goes out here a business degree will get u the job a lot faster then a BSRT.

Been in the field for 25years, was told at that time I would need an associates degree. It took along time for that to become the norm. Today many forms of new therapy has arrived. PSV was brand new in 1984. But, now, we have Bilevel, PAV, VC+, and so forth. For me, an associate degree is adequate. For others, do you just want to be adequate or up to date? If they say we will eventually need a BSRT, it will happen. If you have the means, go for it. But, don't do it under compulsion. Get your BSRT for you and for your patient because they are worth it.

Associates degree program is perfectly fine if you want to work as a Respiratory Therapist and not further your education..ie PA school, or Management. Management only requires a minimum of an Associates degree in Respiratory and a bachelor in admin or business, OR you could get a bachelor in Respiratory and that's all you would need. You do NOT need to get a bachelor degree to obtain RRT credentials. Most hospitals are now transitioning to hiring RRT over CRT, but that still doesn't matter what degree you possess, as long as you attend an associates degree program that offers "the advanced" program that allows you to sit for ALL NBRC boards. As long as you have your credentials, you can get a job anywhere. Some hospitals are starting to require 2-5 years experience, but that doesn't mean you need a higher degree. SO TO ANSWER THE ORGIINAL QUESTION.... ASSOCIATES IS FINE AS LONG AS IT OFFERS THE CRITERIA TO SIT FOR THE RRT.