Respiratory therapy is a vital healthcare profession that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in healthcare teams, working closely with physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals to provide high-quality patient care. To become a respiratory therapist, one must undergo rigorous schooling and training. Here are the 5 steps to respiratory therapist schooling:
Key Points
- Earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program
- Completing clinical training and gaining hands-on experience in respiratory care
- Passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam
- Obtaining state licensure and registering with the NBRC
- Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications for career advancement and specialization
Step 1: Earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy
Prospective respiratory therapists typically start by enrolling in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in respiratory therapy. These programs are usually offered at community colleges, universities, or vocational schools and are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The curriculum includes coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory care principles, as well as clinical training in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years to complete, while bachelor’s degree programs take four years.
Clinical Training and Hands-on Experience
Clinical training is an essential component of respiratory therapist schooling. Students gain hands-on experience in respiratory care by working with experienced therapists and healthcare teams in various clinical settings. This training helps students develop the skills and confidence they need to provide high-quality patient care. Clinical training may include rotations in intensive care units, emergency departments, and pulmonary function laboratories, among other settings.
| Degree Level | Duration | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Associate's Degree | 2 years | CoARC |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | CoARC |
Step 2: Complete Clinical Training and Gain Hands-on Experience
Clinical training is a critical component of respiratory therapist schooling. Students work closely with experienced therapists and healthcare teams to gain hands-on experience in respiratory care. This training helps students develop the skills and confidence they need to provide high-quality patient care. Clinical training may include rotations in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and pulmonary function laboratories.
Certification and Licensure
After completing their degree program and clinical training, aspiring respiratory therapists must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam to become certified respiratory therapists (CRTs) or registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). Certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to provide high-quality patient care. Additionally, many states require respiratory therapists to be licensed to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but often involve passing the NBRC certification exam and meeting other state-specific requirements.
Step 3: Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification Exam
The NBRC certification exam is a critical step in becoming a respiratory therapist. The exam assesses an individual’s knowledge, skills, and competencies in respiratory care and is required for certification and licensure in many states. There are two levels of certification: certified respiratory therapist (CRT) and registered respiratory therapist (RRT). The CRT exam is designed for entry-level therapists, while the RRT exam is designed for advanced practitioners.
| Certification Level | Exam | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CRT | NBRC CRT Exam | Associate's degree, clinical training |
| RRT | NBRC RRT Exam | Bachelor's degree, clinical training, CRT certification |
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure and Register with the NBRC
After passing the NBRC certification exam, respiratory therapists must obtain state licensure and register with the NBRC. Licensure requirements vary by state, but often involve passing the NBRC certification exam, completing continuing education requirements, and meeting other state-specific requirements. Registration with the NBRC is also required to maintain certification and licensure.
Advanced Degrees and Certifications
For respiratory therapists who want to advance their careers or specialize in a particular area, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications may be beneficial. A master’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field can provide advanced knowledge and skills, while specialized certifications, such as the neonatal pediatric specialty (NPS) or the adult critical care specialty (ACCS), demonstrate expertise in a specific area of practice.
Step 5: Pursue Advanced Degrees or Certifications (Optional)
Respiratory therapists who want to advance their careers or specialize in a particular area may choose to pursue advanced degrees or certifications. A master’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field can provide advanced knowledge and skills, while specialized certifications demonstrate expertise in a specific area of practice. Advanced degrees and certifications can lead to career advancement, increased earning potential, and greater job satisfaction.
What is the average salary for a respiratory therapist?
+The average salary for a respiratory therapist varies depending on factors like location, experience, and certification level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for respiratory therapists was $62,810 in May 2020.
What are the job prospects for respiratory therapists?
+Job prospects for respiratory therapists are excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 21% increase in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by an aging population, an increase in chronic respiratory diseases, and advances in medical technology.
What are the requirements for respiratory therapist certification?
+To become certified, respiratory therapists must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam and meet other requirements, such as completing an accredited degree program and gaining clinical experience. Certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to provide high-quality patient care.
In conclusion, becoming a respiratory therapist requires a combination of formal education, clinical training, and certification. By following these 5 steps, aspiring respiratory therapists can gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to provide high-quality patient care and succeed in this rewarding and challenging profession.
