BrainWaveTrail.com

Menu
Menu

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist: Degrees, Licensing, and More

Posted on |

How to become a respiratory therapist

Respiratory therapists play a huge role in patient care, especially for people dealing with asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or any condition that affects breathing. The demand is growing, and so are the opportunities. In fact, job openings for respiratory therapists are expected to grow 13% through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s faster than most other healthcare careers.

If you’re interested in healthcare but not sure about going to med school or becoming a nurse, this path offers a faster, hands-on alternative with real impact.

Here’s a clear breakdown of how to become a respiratory therapist, with 10 steps that walk you through education, training, certification, and more.

1. Choose an Associate or Bachelor’s Respiratory Therapist Degree

First step? You’ll need to enroll in either an associate or bachelor’s degree program in respiratory care. Most people start with an associate degree because it’s quicker, around two years, and gets you working faster. But if you’re thinking long-term, a bachelor’s gives you more room to grow and can make you more competitive when job hunting.

Whatever you choose, make sure the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). That’s the standard employers and licensing boards are looking for.

The coursework isn’t light, but it’s all relevant. You’ll cover subjects like:

You’ll also get hands-on respiratory therapist training through clinical rotations, where you’ll work with real patients in hospital settings.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to become a respiratory therapist, the short answer is about 2–4 years, depending on the degree you go for.

2. Work on Your Soft Skills

While technical skills are key, don’t overlook the soft stuff. You’ll be working directly with patients, so your ability to communicate, stay calm, and act quickly matters just as much as knowing how to operate a ventilator.

Here are a few must-have soft skills for any respiratory therapist:

  • Critical thinking: You’ll be making decisions fast, often with incomplete information. The ability to analyze and act is vital.
  • Compassion: Many of your patients will be scared or struggling to breathe. A calm, kind presence can make all the difference.
  • Attention to detail: Tiny adjustments in oxygen levels or medications can have major effects. No room for guesswork.
  • Active listening: Whether it’s patients, families, or your healthcare team, being a good listener helps prevent mistakes.

You can start building these during school. Clinical rotations are a great place to practice these skills in real-world situations.

3. Pass the NBRC Certification Exams

Once you graduate, the next step is certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). You’ll take the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam first. Based on your score, you’ll either earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential or qualify to move on to the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Most employers today expect you to be an RRT, so aim for that higher score. It shows you’ve got the full set of skills and knowledge to handle anything from basic care to high-pressure emergencies.

4. Apply for Your State License

Getting certified is a big step, but you still need a state license to practice. Every state except Alaska requires one, and the process varies depending on where you live.

Usually, you’ll need to:

  • Submit your exam results and transcripts
  • Pass a background check
  • Pay a licensing fee
  • Complete any required continuing education

Some states also require you to renew your license every year or two, so keep an eye on those deadlines.

5. Put Together a Solid Resume and Cover Letter

Before applying for jobs, take time to put together a resume that really highlights your strengths. Focus on your education, certifications, respiratory therapist training, and any hands-on experience you’ve picked up.

If you completed a clinical rotation in ICU or pediatrics, mention it. Employers want to see that you’re not just book-smart but also ready for real patient care.

Also, tailor your resume and cover letter to each job. Look at the job post, see what they want, and show how you match it. A generic resume won’t cut it, especially in healthcare.

6. Start Applying for Jobs

Now the real fun begins: job hunting. Most new grads start out in hospitals, working in areas like ER, ICU, or general respiratory care. But there are also jobs in outpatient clinics, sleep labs, home care, and even air transport teams.

Don’t just stick to one job board. Look at hospital websites, healthcare staffing agencies, and even local job fairs. Your instructors and clinical supervisors can also be great sources of job leads or references.

7. Keep Learning Through Continuing Education

One thing you’ll learn quickly: medicine is always changing. To keep your state license and NBRC credentials current, you’ll need to complete continuing education regularly. Some states require a few hours a year, others up to 30 hours every two years.

This could be through workshops, online courses, hospital in-services, or industry conferences. The goal is to keep your knowledge fresh and stay up to date on best practices and new tech.

8. Earn Extra Certifications (Optional but Useful)

While not required, you can take your career up a notch by earning additional certifications through the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). These are especially helpful if you want to work in a specialized setting.

Here are a few options:

  • Neonatal-pediatric specialist: For working with premature infants and children with lung conditions
  • Long-term care specialist: Focused on managing chronic respiratory conditions in older adults or rehab patients
  • Transport respiratory therapist: For handling critical care patients in ambulances or helicopters

These aren’t entry-level credentials, but once you’ve got some experience, they can open new doors and possibly increase your pay.

9. Stay on Top of Respiratory Therapist Requirements

The requirements to become a respiratory therapist can vary a little by state, but generally, here’s what you need:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Accredited respiratory therapist degree
  • Completion of clinical training
  • Passing scores on NBRC exams (CRT and/or RRT)
  • Active state license
  • Ongoing continuing education

It might seem like a lot at first, but when you break it down into steps, it’s very manageable, especially if you stay organized.

10. Think About Career Growth

Once you’re working and comfortable in your role, you can start thinking about the future. Respiratory therapy has lots of paths for advancement.

You could move into:

  • Leadership roles, like shift supervisor or department manager
  • Education, teaching students at community colleges or universities
  • Research, helping develop new treatments and protocols
  • Sales or consulting, especially if you’re interested in medical devices or equipment

If you’re aiming high, going back for a bachelor’s or even master’s degree can help. But plenty of growth happens on the job too, just by building experience and keeping your skills sharp.

What You’re Signing Up For as a Respiratory Therapist

Becoming a respiratory therapist means more than ticking boxes. You’re stepping into a role where you actually help people in real, life-changing ways. You’re not sitting behind a desk all day. You’re helping people breathe easier, sometimes in the scariest moments of their lives. That’s powerful.

If you’re looking for meaningful work that’s hands-on, fast-paced, and in demand, this path might be a solid fit. It’s not easy, but it’s doable, and worth it.

Author

Scroll to Top