Newman University compares nursing, sonography, and respiratory care programs by 2026 pay, growth projections, and program length, helping Wichita-area prospective students choose a healthcare career path that fits their timeline and interests.
-- Newman University provides a side-by-side comparison of its nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, and respiratory care programs, built around 2026 pay figures and program length, so prospective students in Wichita can match interests and timeline to a path. Registered nursing carries a median pay of $97,550 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sonography pays nearly as much, at $96,590, with faster projected growth, while respiratory care pays $82,280; its training runs roughly 16 months, far shorter than the four-year bachelor's routes in nursing and sonography.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/academics/nursing-wichita
Students weighing these three fields face a real tradeoff between time to employment and long-term pay. Newman University's School of Healthcare Professions trains students in nursing, sonography, respiratory care, and radiologic technology, all in Wichita, giving prospective students a chance to compare options before committing to one. The decision carries added weight given growth projections, since sonography is projected to grow 14% from 2025 to 2035, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, outpacing respiratory care's 9% and nursing's 6% over the same period.
The three careers differ in daily scope as much as in pay. Registered nurses provide direct patient care across the broadest range of settings, from hospitals to clinics. Diagnostic medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment and produce diagnostic images; Rebecca Ortiz, affiliated with Newman's sonography program, described the role this way: "So with sonography, we are the eyes for the radiologist. If we don't see a pathology, they're not gonna see it." Respiratory therapists assess and treat breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, working closely with patients who need oxygen therapy or ventilation support. None of these roles ranks above another; each suits a different kind of student.
Program structure at Newman reflects these differences. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Diagnostic Medical Sonography, BS are both four-year bachelor's programs, while Respiratory Care runs three semesters, about 16 months, starting each August and continuing through fall, spring, and fall terms, with 20 students admitted a year. The sonography bachelor's degree creates an eligibility route for ARDMS certification, which is recognized nationally; this is a certification pathway for individuals, not a programmatic accreditation claim.
Application timing varies by program and matters for planning ahead. Newman's BSN accepts two cohorts a year, for a total of 64 students, with fall class applications due January 1 through March 1 and spring class applications due July 1 through September 1. Sonography applications run January 1 through March 1, and Respiratory Care applications run February 1 through April 1 for its 20 seats. Prospective students can use these windows to align their decision with personal career goals and timelines.
Student experience at Newman reflects the hands-on character of all four programs. Taelor Parker, a sonography senior, described watching nurses, X-ray technicians, and respiratory care students work side by side during Clinical Simulation Day. MichaelAnn Yates, a nursing senior, said that reading about a protocol in a book does not equate to the knowledge gained through practice and experience.
Newman University, located in Wichita, Kansas, offers nursing, diagnostic medical sonography, respiratory care, and radiologic technology, giving students the opportunity to choose the path that fits their interests and timeline. More details on these programs and others are available at https://newmanu.edu/
Contact Info:
Name: Clark Schafer
Email: Send Email
Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89209503
If there are any errors, inconsistencies, or queries arising from the content contained within this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our reliable team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours, taking proactive measures to rectify any identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. Ensuring accurate and dependable information is our top priority.
