How to Become a Respiratory Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide

a man in scrubs holding a stethoscope

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Respiratory Therapist

Before committing to a career as a respiratory therapist, it’s important to understand what the job entails.

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Respiratory therapists specialize in treating patients with breathing problems caused by chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other respiratory disorders. Their duties include:

  • Assessing and treating patients with respiratory conditions
  • Managing ventilators and oxygen therapy
  • Administering medications to improve lung function
  • Conducting diagnostic tests like pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
  • Educating patients on breathing exercises and disease management
  • Responding to emergency situations such as cardiac arrests and trauma cases

Work Environment

Respiratory therapists work in various healthcare settings, including:

  • Hospitals (ICUs, emergency rooms, general wards)
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation centers
  • Sleep labs
  • Home healthcare services
  • Long-term care facilities

Now that you know what an RT does, let’s move on to how you can become one.


Step 2: Meet the Basic Educational Requirements

To become a respiratory therapist, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. High school students interested in this career should focus on subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Courses in health sciences and anatomy can also be helpful.

Recommended High School Courses:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics)
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Health Sciences

If you’ve completed high school or have a GED, you’re ready for the next step.


Step 3: Enroll in an Accredited Respiratory Therapy Program

To become a licensed respiratory therapist, you must complete a formal education program in respiratory therapy. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and universities.

Types of Respiratory Therapy Degrees

  1. Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy (2 Years)
    • The most common pathway to becoming a respiratory therapist.
    • Takes about two years to complete.
    • Covers coursework in anatomy, physiology, cardiopulmonary care, and mechanical ventilation.
    • Includes clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience.
  2. Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy (4 Years)
    • Provides more in-depth knowledge and opens doors to leadership or teaching roles.
    • May be required for certain hospital positions or research roles.
    • Some universities offer bridge programs for those who already have an associate degree.

Accreditation Matters

Make sure the program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Attending an accredited program is necessary to qualify for licensure and certification exams.


Step 4: Complete Clinical Training

Clinical rotations are an essential part of respiratory therapy education. During your program, you’ll spend time in hospitals and healthcare settings, working under experienced respiratory therapists.

What to Expect During Clinical Rotations:

  • Learning to operate ventilators and other respiratory equipment.
  • Interacting with patients and providing bedside care.
  • Assisting in emergency situations such as cardiac arrests.
  • Performing diagnostic procedures like arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and pulmonary function tests.

Clinical training helps build confidence and prepares you for real-world patient care.


Step 5: Obtain National Certification

After completing your degree, the next step is to become certified by passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams.

NBRC Certification Exams:

  1. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
    • The entry-level certification required to work as a respiratory therapist.
    • Must be passed before applying for state licensure.
  2. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
    • A more advanced certification.
    • Many employers require RRT certification for career advancement.
    • Requires passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam at the high-cut score and completing the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE).

Step 6: Apply for State Licensure

Most states require respiratory therapists to be licensed. The licensing requirements vary by state, but they generally include:

  • Graduating from an accredited respiratory therapy program.
  • Passing the NBRC CRT exam.
  • Submitting an application and fees to the state licensing board.

Check your state’s specific licensure requirements on the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) website.


Step 7: Find Your First Job as a Respiratory Therapist

Once licensed, you can start applying for respiratory therapy jobs. Consider gaining experience in a hospital setting first, as it provides exposure to various respiratory conditions and treatments.

Where to Look for Jobs:

  • Hospital job boards
  • Healthcare staffing agencies
  • AARC’s career center
  • Networking with instructors and clinical preceptors

Tips for Landing Your First Job:

  • Highlight clinical experience in your resume.
  • Obtain extra certifications (e.g., Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program) to stand out.
  • Prepare for interviews by reviewing common RT-related questions.

Step 8: Continue Education & Advance Your Career

Respiratory therapy offers multiple career advancement opportunities. Here’s how you can grow in the field:

  1. Pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
    • Opens doors to supervisory, research, or teaching positions.
  2. Specialize in a Niche Area
    • Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
    • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
    • Sleep Disorders (Polysomnography)
  3. Obtain Additional NBRC Credentials
    • Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS)
    • Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)
    • Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS)
  4. Consider Teaching or Research
    • Respiratory therapists can become clinical educators, researchers, or work in academic settings.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a respiratory therapist is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, education, and hands-on training. By following these steps—earning a degree, obtaining certification, securing licensure, and gaining experience—you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in respiratory therapy.

About Damon Wiseley, RRT-CPFT, B.H.S.c 22 Articles
Lead writer at Respiratory Cram RRT-CPFT B.H.S.c. Nova Southeastern University