Becoming a Respiratory Therapist: Education, Certification, and Career Path

Respiratory therapists (RTs) play a vital role in healthcare, specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with breathing disorders. With an aging population and increasing concerns about air quality, the demand for skilled respiratory therapists is on the rise. This article outlines the education requirements, certification process, and career opportunities available in this rewarding healthcare field.

The Role of a Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists work closely with physicians, surgeons, registered nurses, and medical assistants to provide critical care to patients of all ages who suffer from cardiopulmonary disorders. They evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of breathing disorders, including respiratory infections, chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, and cystic fibrosis. They may also provide emergency care to heart attack and stroke victims, or patients who’ve been in a serious accident.

Their responsibilities include:

Patient Assessment: Interviewing and examining patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
Diagnostic Testing: Administering pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and performing and interpreting blood tests. Monitoring and evaluating exhaled gases.
Treatment and Therapy: Performing treatments to clear airways, connecting patients to ventilators in emergency settings, and administering medications via nebulizers.
Patient Education: Teaching patients and their families how to use ventilators and other life-support systems, as well as educating them on their treatment and tracking their progress.
Equipment Management: Inspecting and cleaning equipment, checking for environmental hazards, and ensuring patients know how to use their medications.

RTs work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient programs, and home care. They may be involved in life-saving situations, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Educational Requirements

To become a respiratory therapist, individuals typically need at least an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. Some schools have even started Master’s Degree programs.

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Associate Degree: A two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Respiratory Care is the most common entry point into the field. These programs provide a foundation in respiratory health and respiratory care techniques, along with hands-on clinical experiences. For example, St. Johns River State College and Indian River State College offer accredited A.S. Degree Respiratory Care programs. TCC’s Respiratory Care A.A.S. program centers on patient care, particularly in emergency situations.
Bachelor's Degree: A four-year bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy may be preferred by some employers and can lead to advanced career opportunities. Some professions require both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours.

Respiratory therapy programs typically include courses in:

Human Anatomy and Physiology
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Procedures and Tests
Pharmacology
Respiratory Care Techniques

Accreditation

Receiving a degree from an accredited institution is crucial. The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. CoARC program number 200539, located at the St. Augustine Campus of St. Johns River State College, is accredited by CoARC. Similarly, the Respiratory Care Program at TCC, CoARC program number 200146, Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Care, Metro Campus 909 S. Boston Ave. Tulsa Oklahoma 74119 is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Accreditation ensures that programs meet specific standards for quality and curriculum, preparing graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Certification and Licensure

After completing an accredited respiratory therapy program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). There are two main levels of certification:

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT): Candidates typically sit for the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Exam. Achieving the low cut score on the RT Examination earns the CRT credential. All states require licensed respiratory therapists to earn the CRT.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): After successful completion of the CRT exam, candidates may take an additional exam, the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), to earn RRT certification. The NBRC calls the RRT credential the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals. There is nationwide momentum toward requiring all licensed respiratory therapists to hold the RRT credential.

Examination Details

TMC Examination: This exam evaluates the abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice and determines eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Two cut scores determine whether you will receive a credential as a CRT and eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination. If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT credential.
CSE Examination: The CSE consists of 22 problems (20 scored items and 2 pretest items). The clinical setting and patient situation for each problem are designed to simulate reality and be relevant to the clinical practice of respiratory care.

Candidates may attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation Examinations three times, after which the candidate will be required to wait a minimum of 120 days between any subsequent attempt.

Licensure

Respiratory therapists are required to be licensed in all states except Alaska, where national certification is recommended. Licensure requirements vary but usually include passing a state or professional certification exam. For specific requirements, contact a state’s health board. After passing one or both national exams, you will be eligible to apply for a respiratory care license from the state of Florida. Please keep in mind that the Florida license needs to be renewed every two years (on the odd year). To renew the license, you must accumulate continuing education units (CEU). Twenty-four are required every two years.

Skills and Qualities of a Successful Respiratory Therapist

In addition to education and certification, certain skills and qualities are essential for success as a respiratory therapist:

Compassion: Respiratory therapists should be able to provide emotional support to patients undergoing treatment.
Detail Oriented: Respiratory therapists must stay focused to ensure that a patient receives appropriate treatments and medications.
Interpersonal Skills: Respiratory therapists interact and build relationships with patients.
Patience: Respiratory therapists need patience to work with patients who may be struggling with breathing difficulties.
Problem-Solving Skills: Respiratory therapists must be able to analyze patient conditions and determine the best course of treatment.
Communication Skills: Respiratory therapists need strong communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and manage emotions is crucial when dealing with patients in distress.
Technical Proficiency: Respiratory therapists must be able to use technical tools with confidence.

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook

Graduates of respiratory care programs are well-prepared to work in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care, providing critical care to patients. Demand for skilled respiratory therapists is high and is expected to continue to grow, providing strong job prospects for RRTs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the rate of employment for respiratory therapists is expected to grow 13% by 2033, much faster than the overall average for all industries. Growth in the older adult population will lead to an increased prevalence of respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other disorders that restrict lung function.

The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $80,450 in May 2024.

Career Advancement

The field offers many opportunities for professional growth-from working in hospitals and clinics to pursuing advanced degrees and specializing in specific areas (like critical care or pulmonary function testing). Some of these jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Specialty Certifications: Respiratory therapists can enhance their expertise through specialty certifications.
Advanced Degrees: Many employers may provide tuition assistance for employees looking to earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree in respiratory therapy.
Leadership Roles: With experience and advanced education, respiratory therapists can pursue leadership roles within healthcare organizations.

Additional Information for Prospective Students

Program Prerequisites: Some respiratory therapy programs require applicants to fulfill prerequisites, such as courses in human anatomy and physiology.
Clinical Rotations: Respiratory care programs include hands-on clinical experiences in various settings, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Background Checks and Drug Screening: All Health Sciences students doing clinicals must complete background checks, immunizations, and a drug screening test by the deadline set by the School of Health Sciences office before their first clinical rotation.
English Language Proficiency: If English is your second language and you're an international student applying for any health sciences program, you'll need to show your English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

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