I am a RT in Nv currently. Personally, if it takes more than 2 years, you are wasting your time. When I went to school, you could do the CRT in a year. I think anything now requires at least a AA to take the CRT. For the most part, the BS in RT will only help you get administation jobs after you have at least 4-5 years clinical experience. It may help more east of the Mississipi, but in the west especially, most places CRTs and RRTs do the same things and get paid the same. Ive only worked at a few places that paid extra for being a RRT, and it was only $1 more and hour!
Its good to see you want to be in the nicu, though. It's a tough job. Ive tried my hardest to stay out of the nicu. Ive allways enjoyed adult ICU/trauma. I now work in a rural setting, so for the first time in my career, I have to have NRP and assist on c-sections and high risk deliveries.
Its good to see someone interested in Resp. therapy. It seems like all the students I ve me in the last few years really dont have a good grasp of the field. I cant tell you how many Ive met that went to RT school because they didnt want to be on the waitlists for Rad or nursing! Good luck at LSU and welcome to the field!
