Everything You Should Know About Being A Respiratory Therapist In 2024

21 February 2024

When thinking about a career in respiratory care, one of the first things that comes to mind is: What kind of training and certification are necessary to work as a respiratory therapist?

The quick response is that a bachelor’s degree is preferred, but an associate’s degree is necessary. The National Board for Respiratory Care refers to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential as the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals. To obtain it, you must also pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam. A master’s degree is something many accomplished respiratory therapists eventually obtain to broaden their expertise, abilities, and professional options.

There is, of course, much more to it than that. So, let’s take a moment to breathe deeply before we get into all the specifics of how to become a respiratory therapist.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist: Overview

One of the fundamental necessities of life is the ability to breathe. Patients rely on respiratory therapists to enhance their quality of life and assist in their recovery due to the multitude of types and causes of breathing problems.

Respiratory therapists collaborate with physicians and nurses as experts in breathing support and monitoring to assess, identify, and manage a wide range of respiratory disorders.

They assist patients with respiratory infections, chronic lung diseases like emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and more as part of their work. Patients who have had a major accident or who have suffered a heart attack or stroke may also receive emergency care from them. Patients range in age from elderly people to premature babies.

A respiratory therapist’s workday can be both rewarding and difficult. Most therapists have some basic duties regardless of whether they work in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or home care setting. An average day for a respiratory therapist could include:

Obtain patient medical histories and conduct baseline chest exams.
Examine gas and oxygen levels in the blood
Recognize lung conditions and choose appropriate treatments
Inform patients and their families about therapeutic activities and regimens.

Conduct patient assessments and suggest modifications to treatment plans to attending physicians.
Respond to calls for emergency care in case of sudden cardiac arrest or other crises.

The field of respiratory care is very significant, and it may be the best fit for kindhearted people who want to work in lung-related healthcare.

Education and Credentialing on How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

According to the American Association of Respiratory Therapists (AARC), the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the body that accredits respiratory therapy schools, and respiratory therapists are required to hold at least an associate degree from a recognized respiratory therapy education program.

Still asking how to become a respiratory therapist? A bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy opens the door to more employment and career opportunities. However, most practicing respiratory therapists pursue this degree further.

These courses are meant to get students ready for certification in respiratory therapy from the National Board for Respiratory Care. The following qualifications are provided by the NBRC and are thought to be prerequisites for licensure.

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

A license to practice respiratory therapy is a prerequisite for becoming a certified respiratory therapist (CRT) in every state. Nonetheless, there is a growing national movement to mandate that all respiratory therapists with licenses possess the RRT certification. Additionally, the NBRC grants specialized credentials in several fields, such as:

Adult critical care
Pediatric and neonatal respiratory care
Technology for pulmonary function
Testing for sleep disorders

Many experienced respiratory therapists pursue a master’s degree in respiratory therapy, and according to the AARC, “earning an advanced degree in respiratory therapy has many personal and professional benefits.” According to the AARC, advanced degrees can prepare respiratory therapists for positions as clinical specialists, disease managers, or case managers. They can also serve as a basis for careers as managers, formal educators, or researchers.

Many employers may cover the cost of tuition for staff members who want to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in respiratory therapy. The AARC also provides information on loans and scholarships related to respiratory therapy.

The AARC offers additional career and networking strategies, such as:

Join your state society to network as well as meet other professionals in the field. Opportunities to volunteer with the RTs, who may be regional or state decision-makers, are one example of this.
For an informational interview, give your dream job’s HR department a call. This will allow you to introduce yourself and find out more about the company and the qualities they are seeking in a candidate.
Attending conferences on respiratory therapy. These regional, state, and national conferences for respiratory therapists can offer you a chance to network as well as refresh your knowledge.
Participate in health fairs as a volunteer or attend events specific to your profession, such as Drive4COPD.

Become a Respiratory Therapist: Prospects for Employment

The need for licensed respiratory therapists is currently in high demand in the United States, mostly because of aging populations and poor air quality. Respiratory therapist employment is predicted to grow by 23% by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all industries. Additionally, according to the BLS, the typical compensation for respiratory therapists is $60,280.

The following are some recent job titles for respiratory therapy that can be found on the American Association for Respiratory Care Job Board:

Respiratory Therapist
Health and Medical Services Manager
Respiratory Therapy Technician
Respiratory Function Technologist
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Manager
Respiratory Services Site Manager
Respiratory Care Practitioner
Life Flight Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapy Supervisor
Assistant Professor – Respiratory Care

Director of Clinical Education, Respiratory Therapy

A bachelor’s or master’s degree is required for some of these positions. In fact, by 2020, 80% of RTs should either have earned or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree, according to AARC, which also notes that graduate degrees are necessary for upper-level management and teaching positions. “How to become a respiratory therapist” is a question more complicated to answer than ask.

Benefits of an Online Degree in Respiratory Therapy

For those employed as respiratory therapists and those who want to work in this industry, online degree programs can be a great choice. For instance, the online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program offered by the University of Cincinnati equips qualified Registered and Certified Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) and CRTs for advanced clinical practice, graduate school, and management opportunities.

The program is intended to help you advance your clinical skills and gain a deeper understanding of advanced healthcare operations, logistics, technology, leadership, ethics, and project management. It has a robust curriculum that focuses on advancing respiratory therapy practice and research.

How To Become a Respiratory Therapist?

To become a respiratory therapist, one must fulfill several requirements as a qualified medical practitioner. Read below for information on the training, experience, certification, as well as license needed to work as a respiratory therapist.

Obtain a Degree in Respiratory Therapy

A minimum associate degree in respiratory therapy is required to work as a respiratory therapist. Human anatomy, physiology, and respiratory care procedures and tests are all covered in a typical respiratory therapy education program. Students studying respiratory therapy typically complete clinical hours in addition to their coursework, which gives them practical experience working with patients.

For full-time students, an associate degree typically takes two years to complete. Certain respiratory therapy programs provide expedited pathways that enable students to complete their degrees faster. Naturally, students who study part-time take longer to complete their degrees.

Nonetheless, a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy can make you stand out from the competition because some employers might favor hiring respiratory therapists with a higher level of education. For full-time students, most bachelor’s programs require four years.

Select a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), regardless of the degree level you intend to pursue. CoARC’s program directory allows you to determine if the program you are considering is accredited.

Finish Internship

An internship offers more practical experience in respiratory therapy. Even though clinical experiences are completed as part of the degree program. Internships help you build your professional network as well as find mentors. They can also help you land a job once you graduate.

Acquire Certification

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers professional certification applications that you can submit after receiving your degree in respiratory therapy. The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials are the two most widely held certifications in the field. Your concentration may determine whether you need to pursue a more specialized certification. Here is more information about the certification procedure.

Request a License

Alaska is not among the 49 states where practicing respiratory therapy requires a license. The CRT or RRT are the two primary certifications for respiratory therapists. Possession of either one is a prerequisite for licensure in every state that regulates respiratory therapy. States may have different additional licensing requirements, so find out more by contacting the health board in your state.

Salary and Jobs for Respiratory Therapists

As a respiratory therapist, your pay will vary based on your position, employer, level of education as well as experience. As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the median yearly salary for respiratory therapists was $70,540.

There ought to be a lot of available jobs in this industry. According to BLS projections, employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 13% between 2022 and 2032, which is significantly faster than average. Salary thus becomes a very crucial part of the discourse when asking “how to become a respiratory therapist.”

How Long Does It Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

A common question among students considering respiratory therapy careers is how long it takes to become a respiratory therapist. For professionals pursuing an associate’s degree, becoming a respiratory therapist in the US requires at least two years of training. But the time it takes you to become a respiratory therapist is up to you! If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, then it could take up to four years to become a respiratory therapist.

The learning process does not end there.

Respiratory therapists can continue their education to become more specialized in areas such as management even after they receive their accreditation. Furthermore, advanced degrees in respiratory therapy provide excellent learning opportunities in addition to professional advancement.

The knowledge underlying respiratory care is always changing. This is much like many other subfields in healthcare. Obtaining more education is one way to stay “up to date” on the latest developments.

Is Nursing Easier Than Respiratory Therapy?

Comparing a respiratory therapist to a nurse is like comparing apples to oranges in many aspects.

However, some contend that respiratory therapy may not be as difficult as nursing. In addition to supporting the patient’s entire body, nurses offer general education. In the meantime, respiratory therapists focus exclusively on the heart and lungs. Consequently, the autonomy that comes with being a respiratory therapist may not be present in nursing.

Despite their differences, respiratory therapists and nurses face similar difficulties in their line of work. Whether they are helping those on life support or tending to patients with breathing difficulties, they are on the front lines of patient care.

In addition to the potential for infectious diseases and occasionally demanding work schedules, a career in respiratory therapy can be both fulfilling and taxing.

Wrapping Up

Those who want to work on the front lines of patient care as well as change the healthcare system should consider a career as a respiratory therapist.

The path to becoming a respiratory therapist can be challenging. It will require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in addition to NBRC-recognized certification. Respiratory therapy is not for the faint of heart, especially when combined with the occasionally long hours and stress of the job.

But aside from the bright prospects for employment and the attractive pay, it’s tremendously fulfilling to know that your skill and attention can save a patient’s life.

If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a respiratory therapist, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! If you want more career options, click here.

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They handle substances like tar and chemicals, which can harm health. Roofers work with flames and hot asphalt, risking burns and accidents. Carrying heavy materials like shingles and tools is part of the job, and it strains their bodies. Moreover, they work with saws, nail guns, and other tools that are essential but also pose risks. Additionally, roofers brave rain, wind, and extreme heat. Imagine working on a slippery roof during a storm! 5. Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector Talk about unsung heroes, and these people will be the first in line. Being a Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector might not seem hazardous at first glance, but it's actually quite risky, with their fatality rate as high as 44.3 deaths per 100,000 workers. These workers handle hefty garbage bins and recyclables daily. Lifting and tossing these loads can strain muscles and cause injuries. The refuse truck itself is a major hazard. Workers jump on and off it, and accidents involving the truck are common. Imagine getting hit by your own workplace! Refuse collectors are at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. When they stand on the truck or work near traffic, accidents can happen. Additionally, garbage contains sharp objects, broken glass, and even toxic chemicals. Exposure to these materials poses health risks. Employers should use safer equipment, like automated side loader trucks, and ensure trucks have alarms. Workers must stay alert and wear high-visibility vests near roads. 6. Structural Iron and Steel Workers If you have something to thank the structural iron and steelworkers for, you must do it for the cities they built for us. They place and join the steel girders and other essential pieces to make the structural framework of any/all building. Now, you might be wondering why I am saying that their job is dangerous. Apart from the fact that their fatality rate is about 37.0 deaths per 100,000 workers, let me tell you what makes their jobs risky. These workers install and connect steel beams for buildings and bridges. Imagine working at dizzying heights, where falls are a constant threat. Carrying hefty steel components is part of the job. The strain on muscles and joints can lead to injuries. These workers brave rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Harsh weather conditions increase the danger. Ironworkers use welding equipment overhead. Burns and eye injuries are real risks. Additionally, safety gear is crucial. Helmets, harnesses, and caution are their lifelines. 7. Delivery and Truck Drivers A blue-collar job for both women and men, delivery and truck drivers' jobs are considered among the most dangerous because they spend a lot of time on the road, which increases their risk of being in an accident. They often drive in unfamiliar areas, adding to this risk. Additionally, they face threats from criminals who may attack them, steal their cargo, or even their vehicles. The rise in crimes targeting delivery drivers has made this job increasingly perilous. They also risk injury from other hazards like tripping while delivering packages or being attacked by animals. 8. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers Next on the list of the most dangerous jobs in the world is that of the farmers and agricultural workers. And you might be thinking, “Why so?” Let me tell you why! You see, Farm life isn't all sunsets and hayrides. You might not know this, but the fatality rate of people working in agriculture is somewhere around 24.7 deaths per 100,000 workers. They work with heavy machinery like tractors, which can cause serious injuries. They also deal with unpredictable animals and harsh weather, which can be risky. Plus, they use harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. The injury rate for these workers is much higher than the average for all jobs, making it one of the riskiest professions. 9. First-line Supervisors of Construction Trades First-line supervisors of construction trades have a dangerous job because they work on construction sites, which are places with many risks. Falling debris, electrical mishaps, and heavy equipment— these are some of the things that they have to work with! They oversee the work and ensure everyone's safety, but accidents can happen. Workers might fall from high places, be hit by falling objects, or be injured by machines. They also have to make quick decisions, which can be stressful and lead to mistakes if they are not careful. Plus, they work outdoors, so bad weather can make the job even more risky. All these factors make their job one of the most dangerous. 10. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers This is not supposed to be a surprise, right? We all know how dangerous the work of people working in this field can be. However, just knowing how to be an electrician does not mean that you will be able to do this job. They work with high-voltage electricity and often at great heights. If they touch the wrong wire or if a tool slips, they could get a severe electric shock or fall. That is not all! Apart from the technical dangers of the work, they also do physically tough work, which can lead to injuries. Plus, they have to be outside in all kinds of weather, which can make their job even harder and more risky. One wrong move, and they can literally be dead. 11. Miner Last but not least, the job of a miner is definitely going to be on this list. Just imagine the site: dark tunnels and headlamps. This is what the office of a miner looks like. And considering the fact that their fatality rate is nearly 35 deaths per 100,000 workers, it is only natural that a lot of people think twice about people actually becoming one! They work deep underground where cave-ins can happen. They face toxic air, extreme temperatures, and the risk of explosions. Miners use heavy machinery in tight spaces, which is risky. The earth can be unpredictable, with sudden tremors causing landslides. Despite safety improvements, mining still has a high rate of fatal accidents. It's a tough job with many hazards that can cause both immediate harm and long-term health problems. Wrapping It Up! Apart from these, there are several jobs that are among the most dangerous ones in the world. And yes, for most of the people who are actually working in these sectors, it is time that we salute them for their hard work. However, there is one thing that you must keep in mind. While it is true that these jobs are dangerous, they offer a lot of security. This means even if something unfortunate happens to you, be rest assured that the family will be taken care of. In case you were searching for the most dangerous jobs in the world, I hope that this blog has been helpful to you. If you have any other queries related to this, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down until you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Learn More Also: Best Blue Collar Jobs For Women In 2024! Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs 51 Blue Collar Jobs/Career Options To Pursue If You Get Laid Off From Big Tech In 2024

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