When people compare healthcare careers, a respiratory therapist vs a nurse are two roles that often come up. Both work directly with patients, both require specialized training, and both are essential to modern healthcare. Still, many people are unsure about the key differences between a respiratory therapist (RT) and a registered nurse (RN), or which path may be the better fit for their goals.
Flagstar Rehab is a trusted healthcare staffing agency that connects hospitals, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities with qualified respiratory therapists and allied health professionals. In this article, we’ll explain what each professional does, compare education and licensure requirements, review salary and job outlook, and show how staffing options support career growth in both fields.
Respiratory therapists and nurses both work directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Their roles often overlap, but each has a distinct focus and scope of practice. Understanding these differences helps clarify how they contribute to patient care.
The scope of practice defines the daily responsibilities of each role, which is important for job seekers comparing career paths in healthcare.
Respiratory therapists specialize in cardiopulmonary care and help patients with breathing problems. RTs manage ventilators, perform airway management, run arterial blood gas (ABG) tests, conduct pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and give treatments like oxygen therapy or nebulizers. They often work in ICUs, emergency rooms, NICUs, and rehabilitation centers where patients need critical breathing support.
Registered nurses provide holistic patient care across the entire body. RNs handle medication administration, wound care, vital signs, IV therapy, and patient assessments, while also coordinating overall care. They manage both acute and chronic conditions and provide patient education. RNs are found in hospitals, long-term care facilities, med-surg units, and home health settings.
Both roles overlap in critical care environments. For example, an RT may manage a ventilator while an RN monitors the patient’s overall stability and administers medications.
Education and licensing requirements set the foundation for both respiratory therapists and nurses. Each role has specific degree paths, exams, and credentials that determine how professionals enter and advance in their careers.
| Category | Respiratory Therapist (RT) | Registered Nurse (RN) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Associate’s in Respiratory Care from an accredited program | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) |
| Preferred Degree | Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
| Advanced Study | Research or education at the graduate level | Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher |
| Common Prerequisites | Focus on respiratory sciences | Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry |
| Licensure Exam | CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) or RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) | NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) |
Licensing is required for both respiratory therapists and nurses before they can practice. The exams, governing boards, and available specialty certifications differ between the two roles, shaping career advancement and job opportunities.
Must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice Exam (TMC) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). A lower passing score earns the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, while a higher score allows candidates to attempt the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Specialty credentials include ACCS (adult critical care), NPS (neonatal/pediatric), and SDS (sleep disorders).
Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam governed by the state Board of Nursing. After RN licensure, additional certifications are often required, including BLS, ACLS, PALS, and CCRN for critical care nurses. Nurses in compact states may benefit from the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows practice across multiple states.
At Flagstar Rehab, we connect new graduates and experienced professionals with healthcare opportunities nationwide. We’re here to help you find the right placement for your career goals.
The daily responsibilities of respiratory therapists and nurses vary based on their training and scope of practice. Comparing their typical duties in critical settings like the ICU, emergency department, and NICU highlights where their roles differ and where they overlap.
Respiratory therapist duties:
Registered nurse duties:
Pay and demand are major factors when choosing between respiratory therapy and nursing. Both careers offer competitive salaries, opportunities for overtime, and strong job security, but the details vary by role and setting.
Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024):
Both respiratory therapists and registered nurses can increase their income with overtime and shift differentials. Travel nurses often earn higher weekly pay due to high demand, while respiratory therapists in shortage areas can also secure competitive packages with bonuses. Benefits for both professions usually include healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and sign-on bonuses.
Job Outlook (BLS projections):
This means RNs currently earn a higher median salary, while RTs have a faster projected growth rate. Both fields remain strong career choices for stability and advancement. All salary and job outlook data are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you’re ready to explore respiratory therapist jobs near me or RN jobs near you, Flagstar Rehab can help. Our team matches you with employers offering competitive pay and benefits.
Career growth looks different for respiratory therapists and nurses, but both paths offer opportunities to specialize and advance. The credentials available in each field shape long-term roles, responsibilities, and salary potential.
Finding the right job often depends on more than just applying directly to hospitals or clinics. Many respiratory therapists and nurses choose to work with a healthcare staffing agency to speed up placement and gain support throughout the hiring process.
Working with a staffing agency for respiratory therapists or a staffing agency for nurses can help candidates find the right placement quickly. At Flagstar Rehab, we:
Respiratory therapy offers a specialized focus on cardiopulmonary care. Many professionals enter the workforce faster with an associate’s degree, and the field has a higher projected growth rate than nursing. On the downside, respiratory therapy provides fewer specialty options compared to nursing and is most often hospital-based.
Nursing provides a broader scope of practice and more advancement opportunities. The compact license also allows nurses to work across multiple states, which increases flexibility. The challenges include a higher risk of burnout due to workload and patient ratios, as well as longer time and higher cost for completing advanced degrees.
Choosing between becoming a respiratory therapist and a registered nurse depends on your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Respiratory therapists focus on specialized cardiopulmonary care with strong job growth, while nurses provide broader patient care with more advancement opportunities. Both careers offer stable salaries, diverse work settings, and the chance to make a direct impact on patients’ lives. If you are already qualified or preparing to enter the field, working with a healthcare staffing agency can help you secure the right placement, whether you are searching for respiratory therapist jobs near me or RN jobs near you.
Flagstar Rehab helps connect respiratory therapists and nurses with opportunities that align with their skills and career goals. Whether you’re starting your first role or seeking your next advancement in healthcare, we can help you take the next step.
Yes. Respiratory therapists are in high demand across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Rising rates of asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung diseases, along with an aging population, are driving demand for skilled respiratory care professionals in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare.
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential is higher than the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Both are awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). CRT is considered the entry-level credential, while RRT requires a higher exam score and successful completion of a clinical simulation exam. Employers often prefer or require RRTs for advanced roles.
In nursing and healthcare settings, RT refers to a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists work alongside nurses and physicians to care for patients with breathing problems. While nurses provide general patient care, RTs specialize in respiratory treatments such as oxygen therapy, ventilator management, and pulmonary function testing.
Respiratory therapists typically earn the highest salaries in states with high demand and higher costs of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California, Alaska, and New York are among the top-paying states for respiratory therapists. Within those states, metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City often report the highest wages due to healthcare demand and staffing needs.