Respiratory Therapist Career Guide
Respiratory therapists care for people with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They assess patients, manage breathing equipment, deliver prescribed therapies, and perform relevant tests. They also respond to emergencies and teach patients and families how to use equipment. The role involves close work with other clinicians and careful records. Hospital shifts may include nights, weekends, or on-call duty.
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What skills does a Respiratory Therapist need?
How do I become a Respiratory Therapist?
Research and Choose an Accredited Program
Select a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)-accredited associate or bachelor program. Consider clinical rotation sites, pass rates, and program length. Confirm state licensure and NBRC eligibility requirements.
Complete Coursework and Clinical Rotations
Finish required coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, cardiopulmonary pathology, and respiratory care techniques while completing hands-on clinical rotations to build patient-care experience and practical skills.
Pass Credentialing Exams and Obtain Licensure
Prepare for and pass NBRC exams: the Therapist Multiple-Choice (CRT) and, if pursuing advanced practice, the Clinical Simulation Exam (RRT). Apply for state licensure where required and obtain ACLS/BLS certifications.
Gain Entry-Level Experience
Seek positions in hospitals, acute care, pulmonary clinics, or home respiratory services. Focus on mastering ventilator management, emergency response, and diagnostic testing. Use mentorship and continuing education to expand skills.
Specialize and Advance
Pursue specialty certifications (neonatal/pediatric, critical care), a bachelor’s degree if desired, or supervisor/manager roles. Build expertise for roles in education, disease management programs, or research.
What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist?
Most employers hire RTs with an accredited Associate of Science in Respiratory Care (2-year) as the minimum. A Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (4-year) improves advancement and specialty opportunities. Alternatives include accredited certificate programs for those with related healthcare degrees or military training that meet NBRC eligibility. Clinical externships/clinical hours required by programs are essential. State licensure is required in many states; check local requirements.
Recommended Certifications for Respiratory Therapists
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) — NBRC
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) — NBRC (advanced credential)
- Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) — NBRC
- Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) — NBRC
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook & Demand
Employment for Respiratory Therapists is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade due to an aging population, rising rates of chronic respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma), and ongoing need for critical care services and pulmonary rehabilitation. Growth will vary by region and care setting; acute care hospitals, home care, and outpatient pulmonary clinics will continue to be major employers. Ongoing technological advances in ventilators and pulmonary diagnostics will drive demand for skilled practitioners.
Turn this Respiratory Therapist roadmap into a plan
Find a few current jobs where you want to work. Compare their duties, skills, and entry requirements with this guide. Note which needs come up often and which belong to just one employer. Use the guide to plan, then check each job for what its hiring team needs now.
Review the skills listed above. Write down what you can already show and what needs practice. Choose one gap and a way to work on it. A project, course, or supervised task can help you build evidence. Be clear about your part in the work. Keep private employer information out of public examples.
Before choosing training, check who runs it and who can join. Do your target employers ask for that credential? For regulated work, check the rules with the local authority. Add new experience to your resume as you gain it. Prepare short examples of how you used each skill. Update your plan as you learn more about the work.
Compare the roadmap with current job listingsFrequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Respiratory Therapist
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist?
Most entry pathways take 2 years (associate degree) plus exam preparation; a bachelor's degree takes 4 years. Additional time for clinical hours and credential exams can add several months.
What certification do I need to work as a Respiratory Therapist?
Complete an accredited respiratory therapy program and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) entry exam (CRT) and typically the advanced Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam; state licensure may also be required.
What does a Respiratory Therapist do day-to-day?
RTs assess and treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary conditions, manage ventilators, administer therapies (O2, inhaled meds), perform diagnostics (ABGs, PFTs), and collaborate with clinical teams.
Is Respiratory Therapy a growing field with job security?
Yes. Demand is driven by aging populations, chronic respiratory disease prevalence, and critical care needs; employment is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
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