RT before PA school?

[soxfan7810]

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Hi All,

I apologize if this thread is in the wrong place; I used to do a lot of lurking on this forum as a pre-vet student but have since decided that human medicine is a better fit for me. I'm hoping to get some insight into what path I should take as far as getting back into healthcare.

I'm 27 with a BA in psychology, and for quite awhile now I have been considering PA school. Since i was previously interested in vet med, I do have most pre-req's completed (although some will be 5+ years old by application time). My grades were in the A to B- range with the exception of organic chemistry...where I received a D. I took the class a year after gen chem, was not focused, and feel I could do much better now. For healthcare experience I worked for a year in a LTC facility as a CNA, but have since left for a better paying position in a non-healthcare field in order to pay off loans.

I've been considering doing a Respiratory Therapy program in hopes of eventually going to PA school in the (distant!) future. From what i hear it is excellent HCE, affordable, and I could make decent money to save up for PA school. I assume the standard 3-12's work schedule would also be more flexible for taking/retaking classes. I know things don't always work out as planned, and if PA school never panned out I could envision doing this as a career.

On the other hand, it seems like a roundabout route to the end goal. The other option I am considering is trying to get hospital experience as a CNA or obtaining an EMT-B certification. I would have to do this all while taking classes and maintaining my 9-5 job. While I'm not afraid of hard work, I don't know how feasible this route would be with time and job constraints.

My final concern is money. I have about 45k left in undergrad debt, and while I do feel that PA school is a good return on the investment, I'm unsure about putting myself in a situation of adding that much to my debt WITHOUT significant savings. I could probably pay for the local RT program out of pocket, esp if I waited until 2014 to begin.

I'm so sorry for the length of this thread, but I wanted to make sure I presented my situation as accurately as possible. Thanks everyone!

 

[Poetic Silence]

Becoming a certified respiratory therapist (respiratory technician in some districts) is a great way to gain healthcare experience. You get a lot of hands on patient care, gain a sense of comfort with many basic procedures and and the opportunity to better your bedside manner is open to you each shift.

I say go for it. 🙂

 

[PrinceVersed]

Have you considered ADN nursing? Same amount of school time, where I worked ADN or BSN nurses made more than our RTs, just as good or perhaps better HCE depending on where you work. I never found nursing very rewarding but, just a thought. Good luck.

 

[soxfan7810]

Thank you both for the input. PrinceVersed, I have thought about that before, but decided against it. Partly because many of the ADN programs around here have extremely long waiting lists from what I hear, and also because I really like the medical model better than nursing model. I think if 'life got in the way' and I never ended up going to PA school for whatever reason, I'd rather be an RT than an RN 🙂

 

[lancerdancer01]

I think RT is a great way to go. I have been a RT for the past 4 years and just got accepted into a PA program this fall. Being a RT gives you good HCE and also you can make a decent salary. Just a word of warning that some parts of the country have become oversaturated with RTs. Where I live in North Dakota there is a shortage though so it depends on where you live and if you are willing to move. I would say shadow a RT at your local hospital to see if it is something that you want to do. I just know that RT is a great stepping stone to becoming a PA.

 

[soxfan7810]

Lancerdancer, thanks for your reply, the job market was one of my biggest worries when deciding between RT school or plugging away slowly doing classes and per diem work as a CNA or EMT. I live in New England and will most likely do an RT program in the greater Boston area, but I'm not opposed to relocating afterwards. I work for a staffing agency recruiting for travel and contract positions now, so I've actually become interested in exploring obscure parts of the country, such as North Dakota 😉

 

[PrinceVersed]

Thank you both for the input. PrinceVersed, I have thought about that before, but decided against it. Partly because many of the ADN programs around here have extremely long waiting lists from what I hear, and also because I really like the medical model better than nursing model. I think if 'life got in the way' and I never ended up going to PA school for whatever reason, I'd rather be an RT than an RN 🙂

I don't blame you at all. From what I saw, RT was a lot better job than RN. The only good thing about being an RN is getting to become a CRNA haha. Good luck with everything.

 

[soxfan7810]

I don't blame you at all. From what I saw, RT was a lot better job than RN. The only good thing about being an RN is getting to become a CRNA haha. Good luck with everything.

I agree haha, and thanks.

 

[Poetic Silence]

I don't blame you at all. From what I saw, RT was a lot better job than RN. The only good thing about being an RN is getting to become a CRNA haha. Good luck with everything.

RT's can become anesthesiologist assistants, AA's. Same job and pay.

 

[Makati2008]

RT's can become anesthesiologist assistants, AA's. Same job and pay.

Not the same job and unfortunately AAs are not as recognized as CRNA.

 

[soxfan7810]

AA did sound appealing as far as learning the subject matter, but one of the things I figured out from working as a CNA for a year was that I definitely want more patient interaction.

Lancerdancer, or anyone else: Any suggestions on where to learn more about RT/hear from people who have done it? It seems to be sort of unrepresented in the internet world...

 

[Poetic Silence]

I recommend asking your PA questions at physicianassistantforum.com. I'm also a member there. Great site.

 

[soxfan7810]

I recommend asking your PA questions at physicianassistantforum.com. I'm also a member there. Great site.

I actually did, but posted here too since i was already a member. several people advised me to just apply to PA school with my application as it stands now. I was sort of surprised, so I registered for CASPA to see what my app would look like (got the idea from a post there). My science GPA was a little lower than I thought it was so that made me hesitate even more.

I'm also doing PT for a shoulder injury and really have no idea when I will be able to start doing CNA work again, so between that and money issues, I think I'll take the RT route 🙂

 

[Makati2008]

I actually did, but posted here too since i was already a member. several people advised me to just apply to PA school with my application as it stands now. I was sort of surprised, so I registered for CASPA to see what my app would look like (got the idea from a post there). My science GPA was a little lower than I thought it was so that made me hesitate even more.

I'm also doing PT for a shoulder injury and really have no idea when I will be able to start doing CNA work again, so between that and money issues, I think I'll take the RT route 🙂

If your stats are good enough go now and use RT for back up. Saves two years of schools from Rt as well as gain two years of PA income short term pain for long term gain bro

 

[pamac]

I actually did, but posted here too since i was already a member. several people advised me to just apply to PA school with my application as it stands now. I was sort of surprised, so I registered for CASPA to see what my app would look like (got the idea from a post there). My science GPA was a little lower than I thought it was so that made me hesitate even more.

I'm also doing PT for a shoulder injury and really have no idea when I will be able to start doing CNA work again, so between that and money issues, I think I'll take the RT route 🙂

There are quite a few RTs on PA forums. Seems like a good way to go. Do some research to see how RT credits will contribute to your GPA (make sure the program classifies them Ina way that will help your science gpa). That has the potential to really boost up your GPA. RTs where I am seem to make ok money. Not like nursing, but I think it's in the ballpark. Be certain you like the work, lest you get into something you come to despise.

 

[deleted6669]

. Be certain you like the work, lest you get into something you come to despise.

KNOW THE RN VS RT DECISION TREE?
you are in a vat of human excrement up to your neck suctioning a pt when they blow green sputum directly at your face.
do you
a. let sputum hit you in face: go to RT school
b. duck head under excrement to avoid sputum: go to RN school

 

[Makati2008]

KNOW THE RN VS RT DECISION TREE?
you are in a vat of human excrement up to your neck suctioning a pt when they blow green sputum directly at your face.
do you
a. let sputum hit you in face: go to RT school
b. duck head under excrement to avoid sputum: go to RN school

So so true. Also that exposure to TB all the time will get you a +PPD and anti-tb therapy.....if your unlucky(I know several RT's that went through that....)

 

[soxfan7810]

KNOW THE RN VS RT DECISION TREE?
you are in a vat of human excrement up to your neck suctioning a pt when they blow green sputum directly at your face.
do you
a. let sputum hit you in face: go to RT school
b. duck head under excrement to avoid sputum: go to RN school

LOL. Luckily, I seem to have a pretty strong stomach for all things excrement related. Not easily grossed out. I know without a shadow of a doubt I do not want to be an RN

Pamac, I'm assuming most of the courses from RT school would go towards my science GPA and then the rest to either undergrad or post-back since I already have a BA. I'd probably end up contacting someone from CASPA to find out for sure.

I'm getting pretty excited about taking this route; the program I'm looking at seems to have a really good reputation and there's a few others in the area too. Hopefully I can find financially find a way to apply and start this coming fall. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[PrinceVersed]

RT's can become anesthesiologist assistants, AA's. Same job and pay.

Not the same job and certainly not the same pay. At least not when you look at the high end. But none of that really matters. 🙂

OP, I am glad you don't wanna do nursing. I wouldn't wish it on my enemy haha. Anesthesia is very interesting, though, and mostly a good time. If you find yourself being drawn to AA, I bet you would really enjoy it.

 

[lancerdancer01]

My first week after I graduated I got shot in the face with some sputum out of a trach, just kept on suctioning thats when I know I made the right decision, lol. As they say in RT school we stay above the diaphragm, so on the plus side no poop. I think the program I went to at the University of Mary has a breif overview of the profession video on their website or the website of the hospital the school is affiliated with St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck,ND. All my RT classes counted towards my science GPA on my CASPA. The thing to remember is you get out of RT what you put into it. If you want to be the lazy type and just be a neb jockey you can do that or you can be proactive for your patients and really learn a lot and get satisfaction out of a profession not just a job. I know that for me being a RT has opened up so many doors for me, in both gaining experience and career satisfaction. Im also a member on the physician assistant forum with the same user name, I don't know if I replied to your post on that site, but it sounds like you have a good plan for your future.

 

[soxfan7810]

My first week after I graduated I got shot in the face with some sputum out of a trach, just kept on suctioning thats when I know I made the right decision, lol. As they say in RT school we stay above the diaphragm, so on the plus side no poop. I think the program I went to at the University of Mary has a breif overview of the profession video on their website or the website of the hospital the school is affiliated with St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck,ND. All my RT classes counted towards my science GPA on my CASPA. The thing to remember is you get out of RT what you put into it. If you want to be the lazy type and just be a neb jockey you can do that or you can be proactive for your patients and really learn a lot and get satisfaction out of a profession not just a job. I know that for me being a RT has opened up so many doors for me, in both gaining experience and career satisfaction. Im also a member on the physician assistant forum with the same user name, I don't know if I replied to your post on that site, but it sounds like you have a good plan for your future.

Thanks for the info on the video! If i do go this route, I definitely don't want to just be a 'neb jockey'. I can see getting bored quickly that way. I'd love to be part of a rapid response team after gaining some experience.

 

[BreathDeep]

As a fairly recently graduated RT who is almost on the same path as you heres my advice:

Become an RRT, it's definately worth it.

Your A&P, Physics, Chem (try to take general chemistry and not a "survey" course), and Microbiology should all still be current when you apply to PA school, which will save you a good chunk of time.

Since as an RT you are esentially expected to step in to the ICU on day one and be able to function, you will be taught how to think/operate on a very autonomous level. You will learn much more about critical care than any other allied health or nurse does right out of school. You'll learn hemodynamics, ICU meds and pathologies,ECMO, and all matter of critical care medicine, and spend 4+ months strictly on ventilators and NiPPV. Plus I believe on the east coast vs. out here in the west you also get to insert A-lines and intubate, which are nice little skills to have as well.

So I would undoubtably go RT, it's an excellent stepping stone into PA.

 

[soxfan7810]

As a fairly recently graduated RT who is almost on the same path as you heres my advice:

Become an RRT, it's definately worth it.

Your A&P, Physics, Chem (try to take general chemistry and not a "survey" course), and Microbiology should all still be current when you apply to PA school, which will save you a good chunk of time.

Since as an RT you are esentially expected to step in to the ICU on day one and be able to function, you will be taught how to think/operate on a very autonomous level. You will learn much more about critical care than any other allied health or nurse does right out of school. You'll learn hemodynamics, ICU meds and pathologies,ECMO, and all matter of critical care medicine, and spend 4+ months strictly on ventilators and NiPPV. Plus I believe on the east coast vs. out here in the west you also get to insert A-lines and intubate, which are nice little skills to have as well.

So I would undoubtably go RT, it's an excellent stepping stone into PA.

Thank you so much for this info! I've decided to definitely go the RT route and your post confirmed for me that I made the right decision. I definitely like the idea of being more comfortable in critical care once I start PA school, versus having just taken the pre-req's without having really applied any of that knowledge.

It sounds like you're enjoying the career so far. If you don't mind my asking, what is the range for starting RT's, at least in your area? That's one major factor that will probably affect how long I stay at my current job before going back to school.

 

[BreathDeep]

Well I live in California so the salaries are fairly nice out here. I'm currently a PRN employee but the full time salary for a new employee is roughly between $75-85,000 a year. In the SF Bay Area its usually 5-10k higher than that. I know it's not that high in most other places, but from what I've heard on the East Coast your salary is probably going to be around $35-40/hr which should be still pretty comparable.

 

[pamac]

Well I live in California so the salaries are fairly nice out here. I'm currently a PRN employee but the full time salary for a new employee is roughly between $75-85,000 a year. In the SF Bay Area its usually 5-10k higher than that. I know it's not that high in most other places, but from what I've heard on the East Coast your salary is probably going to be around $35-40/hr which should be still pretty comparable.

California nurses make 90-100k+. Its a place where things are pretty skewed. I'm in the northwest, and RT makes 18-20 an hour to start. Underpaid for what ive seen them do. Not bad, but not 35 an hour. Great healthcare experience for PA school among the fewer and fewer schools that care about it. Make sure your grades are good because you'll be competing for PA school spots with kids that got A's and just volunteered for "hce", if they even bothered to do anything in healthcare.

 

[soxfan7810]

35/hour would to start would be fantastic, but seems to good to be true lol. I'm hoping it's at least a little higher than $18/hour to make it worth my while (financially) to leave my current job. I know LPN's in my area make $20-25 per hour so I'd hope it's equivalent to that at least.

 

[RAMPA]

AA did sound appealing as far as learning the subject matter, but one of the things I figured out from working as a CNA for a year was that I definitely want more patient interaction.

Lancerdancer, or anyone else: Any suggestions on where to learn more about RT/hear from people who have done it? It seems to be sort of unrepresented in the internet world...

I'd be happy to share my experience as a RT. I got my BS in RT and did that for 3 years (did ECMO as well) before going to graduate school to obtain a MPH in Healthcare Management.

 

[soxfan7810]

I'd love to hear more! Likes, dislikes, etc. Were you in LA when you were working as an RT?

 

[Kade13]

I am not sure if you are still on this forum or if your are even still considering becoming a PA . However, I would say you need to decide if your end goal is really to become a PA, or if you are unsure if you want to become a PA and are going through RT school in hopes you will decide by the time you are done. If you want to become an RT as a life long career, Great! But if you want to become a PA as fast and as cost effective as possible, I would advise you to find a full time CNA or EMT job if possible. The fact that you already have your BS degree means that it would be a waste of time and money to get another associates degree, unless you want to make RT your permanent career. I would say your best plan of action for PA school would be to retake the science classes you didnt do well in, and gain as much HCE as you can. I know a PA who's only HCE was being a psych tech at a mental institution, he got into PA his first application. Health care experience is health care experience. I am in no way saying RT is a bad route, I myself am going this route the reason being that I dont have a BS degree yet. Hope this helps!