A receiver for a dual telemetry measurement while drilling (MWD) system and method for operating same are provided. The receiver includes a mud pulse receiver module for receiving a first signal sent using mud pulse telemetry via a pressure transducer configured to detect mud pulses transmitted through a mud column in a drill string; an electromagnetic (EM) receiver module for receiving a second signal sent using EM telemetry via the drill string and a formation; and a processer for obtaining the first signal when operating in a mud pulse mode and the second signal when operating in an EM mode and having MWD data displayed at a surface system.