CareerExplorer’s step-by-step guide on how to become a respiratory therapist.
Is becoming a respiratory therapist right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about: Still unsure if becoming a respiratory therapist is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a respiratory therapist or another similar career! Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
High School
To prepare for a career as a respiratory therapist, it's advisable to take a combination of high school classes that lay the foundation for the required skills and knowledge. Here are some high school classes that can be beneficial:
Associate Degree
An Associate Degree in Respiratory Care is a common educational pathway for individuals looking to become licensed respiratory therapists. This degree program prepares students with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide respiratory care to patients with various respiratory disorders.
Note: It's important to choose an associate degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Graduating from an accredited program is often a requirement for licensure and ensures that the education you receive meets industry standards.
Here's an overview of what you can expect from an associate degree program for respiratory therapists:
Program Duration
Associate degree programs in respiratory care typically take around two years to complete. Some programs might offer accelerated options or part-time study, which can affect the duration.
Curriculum
The curriculum of an associate degree program covers a variety of topics related to respiratory care, medical sciences, and patient interaction. Some common courses include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Assessment
- Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics
- Respiratory Care Procedures
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Critical Care Management
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Respiratory Care Ethics and Law
- Clinical Practicum
Clinical Experience
A significant portion of the program is dedicated to clinical rotations. During these rotations, students gain hands-on experience working with patients in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Clinical experience is essential for developing practical skills and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Licensure Preparation
Associate degree programs prepare students for the licensure exams required to become a certified respiratory therapist (CRT) and, optionally, a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). The curriculum is designed to align with the content covered in these exams.
Career Opportunities
After completing an associate degree program and obtaining licensure, you can work as a respiratory therapist in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home care. You'll be responsible for assessing patients, providing treatments, managing ventilators, and educating patients and their families about respiratory care.
Bachelor's Degree
A Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Care is an advanced educational pathway for individuals who want to further their knowledge and skills in the field of respiratory care. This degree option offers more in-depth coursework, additional clinical experience, and potential opportunities for specialization.
Note: It's important to choose a bachelor's degree program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) to ensure that you receive quality education and meet licensure requirements.
Here's an overview of what you can expect from a bachelor's degree program for respiratory therapists:
Program Duration
A Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Care typically takes about four years to complete, similar to most bachelor's degree programs. Some programs might offer accelerated options for those with an associate degree or prior college credits.
Curriculum
The curriculum of a bachelor's degree builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in an associate degree program. In addition to core respiratory therapy courses, students might take more advanced courses in areas such as:
- Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology
- Research Methods in Respiratory Care
- Healthcare Management and Leadership
- Critical Care Pathophysiology
- Evidence-Based Practice in Respiratory Therapy
- Advanced Pulmonary Function Testing
- Adult and Pediatric Critical Care Management
- Advanced Mechanical Ventilation
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Disease Management
- Clinical Education and Preceptorship
Clinical Experience
Bachelor's degree programs continue to include clinical rotations to provide students with extensive hands-on experience. These rotations might include specialized areas like neonatal and pediatric care, adult critical care, and pulmonary diagnostics.
Licensure Preparation
Just like with associate degree programs, bachelor's degree programs prepare students for the licensure exams required to become certified respiratory therapists (CRT) and registered respiratory therapists (RRT).
Advantages of a Bachelor's Degree
- Advanced Knowledge: A bachelor's degree program offers a deeper understanding of respiratory care principles, clinical practices, and patient management.
- Opportunities for Leadership: The additional coursework in healthcare management and leadership can prepare graduates for supervisory or management roles within respiratory therapy departments.
- Specialization: Some bachelor's degree programs allow students to specialize in areas such as critical care, sleep disorders, or pulmonary rehabilitation, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
- Research and Education: Graduates with a bachelor's degree might have opportunities to pursue roles in research, education, and teaching within the field of respiratory therapy.
- Career Advancement: A bachelor's degree can open doors to higher-level positions, advanced practice roles, and increased earning potential.
Licensure
Licensure is an important step for individuals who want to work as respiratory therapists. Licensure ensures that healthcare professionals meet the necessary educational and competency standards to provide safe and effective patient care. Note: Licensure requirements can vary significantly from state to state. Some states have specific requirements or unique application processes. Therefore, it's crucial to research and understand the specific requirements for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. Here's an overview of the typical licensure process for respiratory therapists in the US: Certification and Licensure: Licensure Process:
Specializations
Respiratory therapists can specialize in various areas within their field. Some potential specializations include:
Employment Opportunities
Here are some potential employment opportunities for respiratory therapists: