Everything You Should Know About Being A Respiratory Therapist In 2024

by

21 February 2024

Job & Career

how to become a respiratory therapist

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

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

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist: Overview

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

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

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?

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

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?

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?

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. 

Learn More About:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

welding as a career

Welding As A Career Choice

Professional choices are the hardest to make. As soon as a person completes his education, he starts a new journey. There are many professions that a person can choose depending upon his educational background and interests. If you have a passion for creating something unique from heavy metals, welding as a career is the best choice for you. Welding as a career choice or a profession doesn't require any specific degree. It is a profession that helps you learn a skill and earn parallel. Moreover, it is a thrilling and daring profession. Every profession has some pros and cons, so does welding. This article will highlight the pros and cons that a person will face after choosing welding as a profession.  4 Reason The Welding Profession In Demand Welding is a profession that is always in demand. Living in whichever state, a welder will never be out of a job. He will always find a job opportunity. For instance, during World War II, people were forced to change their professions. More soldiers were trained. However, the welder continued welding. Here are four reasons why you should choose welding as a career. 1. Easy To Climb Ladders Welding as a profession is very easy in its promotion terms. The more you weld, the more you gain experience and the more valuable your work becomes. It’s all in hand. So, it's easy to grow in the welding industry. The more you get experience, the more you get work.  Moreover, your price as a welder might be small at the start, but its chances to grow are wide. It allows you to earn a handsome amount of money. The heavy metal industry is growing, and welding as a career option is a good choice for passionate metal crafters. You may go through Things to Consider When Sourcing Employees for Manufacturing Plants 2. International Profession Welding work and techniques are the same in all the countries. You can travel from one country to another and still weld there. Thus giving you chances to live in multiple cultures and enjoy the beauty of diverse nations. From the international perspective, welding as a career is a good option among all the job options. 3. Enjoyable Profession This profession is quite fun to do. Witnessing the whole phenomenon of converting metal into a complete project makes this profession enjoyable. Moreover, people who like to accept challenges also find this profession fulfilling. The challenge of weaving a weld to a beautiful-looking sheet never lets you feel bored. After you choose welding as a career option every day, you can enjoy your creative day. 4. A Tough Job To Do Where a profession has its pros, it also has its cons. There is no denying that welding is a dangerous job to do. Not everyone can handle this hazardous job. However, the way the new welding tools are being designed like TIG Welders at Sydney Tools is making this job less dangerous. Taking help of face shields and gloves, etc., makes it less dangerous and safer to do. But welding as a career is entirely a safe career option. You only have to follow some special safety rules while working in the plant. It May Be Looked Down Upon By The Machinists Welding is a valuable profession but certain machinists/fitter and turners night look down upon the welders. A reason behind this might be the division between the welders and the machinists in larger firms. That's why most machinists who know welding prefer sticking to their machines. According to them, it is a more sophisticated job to do, and welding as a career is adventurous. This kind of discrimination has been witnessed by many welders. Conclusion: On The whole, welding is a noble profession earning you a handsome amount of money, especially if you are a thrill-loving person. While choosing welding as a career option, you always have to keep your energy level high, and your creative mind is always helping you to grow. Read Also: 5 Reasons Why a Marketing Degree Makes Sense in 2020 What are the Different Consulting Jobs?

READ MOREDetails
Recruiter

How To Impress A Recruiter If You Are Still A Student

Most human resources managers are looking for people with at least two years of working experience. It may frustrate student and fresh grad when they are applying for entry jobs. These days a lot of young people apply for unpaid internships in order to get some experience that they can add to their CVs. This system doesn’t care much about people in their 20s who have to pay bills and student loans. On top of that, there is no guarantee that an internship will provide you with valuable experience. And, that after completing it, you will get a real contract with all the perks. When you apply for a job, you should expect to learn everything from scratch anyway. So, why do you need to pay for your experience? You have the chance to find an entry-level job without years of experience and actually get paid for it. That’s how you can impress the HR manager during the first job interview in your life: Write A Powerful CV Your customized resume can help you stand out from the crowd. Usually, a recruiter has thousands of them in the email box. According to James Cook University Online, HR managers spend only seven seconds reviewing an individual resume. Don’t waste the time of your potential boss and make your CV look as professional as possible. One page of your resume should contain all the information: a summary on the top, highlights, accomplishments, experience, and education. If you send a digital copy of your CV, attach your cover letter and the link to your LinkedIn profile. Do this even if it is not required since it will show the HR manager that you are a very diligent and hard-working person. It is recommended to write a personalized cover letter - use the company name and describe yourself as a perfect candidate depending on the requirements. Indeed, writing a personalized cover letter and modifying your CV every time you are applying for a job might take a lot of time. On the other hand, this practice will give you a better chance to get a response from your potential employer. Students get lost when it comes to the ‘work experience’ section. You can include your summer/Saturday jobs, volunteering experience, school and university projects, work shadowing, and work placements. Feel free to treat your extra-curricular activities like jobs. If you don’t have any volunteering experience, maximize your education and list relevant skills and strengths. Also, you can ask your professor to give you a reference in case you are applying for a job that is somehow related to your degree. Before applying for a job, take care of your online presence. Delete party pictures and silly selfies since there is a high chance that your recruiter will do a little bit of online digging. Use your social media accounts to your benefit. For instance, you can show off some of your skills on a portfolio website, Instagram or Facebook. The most important rule is to keep it professional. Apply For The Right Job: Applying for a position related to your studies will increase your chances to get a job. If you find a job ad that sounds interesting, but you have no idea what the company is dealing with, don’t bother and keep looking for something that can match your qualifications. Do Your Research: You should prepare before going for a job interview. Learn more about the company and find people on LinkedIn who are already working there. That’s how you can get an insight into a job you will be doing. Most probably, the HR manager will ask you what you know about their company. It is the way they check how interested you are in this job. Besides telling your potential employer the basic facts that you will learn from the company website and social media channels, make sure to compliment a company. Behave Appropriately: If you really want to get that job, you should take the whole hiring process seriously. Learn the basic interview etiquette: Show on time and dress appropriately. Style your hair and don’t use strong perfume. Let the interviewer lead the conversation and don’t interrupt. You will have the chance to ask all your questions at the end of the meeting. Sit properly and use your body language to communicate better with HR. For instance, avoid crossing your arms and staring at the floor when you answer the question. The bottom line: Every student and fresh grad can get a well-paid job. To increase your chances of getting a job during or after college, write a powerful CV and cover letter. Also, make sure you have a positive online presence; delete photos and posts that paint you in a bad light. Apply to the job that is relevant to your qualifications and skills. Before going for your first interview, research a company and prepare to answer the most common job interview questions. The right attitude and behavior will help you find a job faster. Read Also: Is Polyester Stretchy? – Its Materials & Properties [Detailed Explanation] Top 6 Different Types Of Scarves Names And Its Benefits How to Thicken Chili – Tried and Tested

READ MOREDetails
Nursing Field

5 Biggest Challenges in The Nursing Field Aspirants Should Know

The healthcare profession is brimming with obstacles and challenges, and the recent pandemic has further added to them. Medical professionals work gruelingly long hours to ensure patient well-being and safety. However, most of these obstacles and challenges are typically seen in a particular sub-division of the healthcare field: the nursing field. Undoubtedly, the nursing profession is not for individuals who are faint of heart. Moreover, to succeed as a nurse and perform your duties with utmost efficiency, you must have the drive, passion, and knack for helping people in need. Some challenges plaguing the nursing field include difficulty acquiring further education, understaffing issues, and overtime work. Likewise, workplace stress and hazard are also growing concerns for medical workers. Whatever issues the nursing field faces, nurses remain a vital part of the world’s healthcare workforce. They put other’s needs first and dedicate their entire lives to helping their patients. For instance, the Covid-19 pandemic also made us realize how essential nurses are. However, before you start a career in the nursing field, knowing about all the challenges you'll face while working is vital. So, let’s determine some of the biggest challenges in the nursing field that aspirants should know. 1. Difficulty continuing education The healthcare industry requires individuals to remain up-to-date with the latest medical practices, techniques, and procedures. However, as nurses serve as the first point of physical contact for patients, these medical professionals also need to polish their soft skills. Therefore, expanding your knowledge base and honing soft skills are critical components of becoming a successful nurse in today’s competitive healthcare setting. And to do such a thing, they must invest time and money in continuing education and obtaining advanced nursing academic credentials. Unfortunately, acquiring further education while working as a nurse is no cakewalk. As these healthcare professionals work for long, grueling hours, sometimes 24-hour shifts, taking out time for studies can be challenging. However, if you’re a nurse striving to climb the ladder to success and seeking career advancement, eLearning can benefit you. You can enroll in masters of nursing online programs and study with ease while managing your workload. An online nursing degree will provide you with the flexibility and convenience of learning from home or even work. 2. Overtime issues Due to high employee turnover and understaffing, aspirants need to be aware of overtime before diving into the nursing profession. Many nurses state that healthcare facilities utilize overtime to counter the after-effects of understaffing. Unfortunately, this usually leads to overworked nurses, resulting in medical errors, treatment inaccuracies, inaccurate diagnoses, driving away aspiring candidates from the nursing field altogether. That said, medical facility owners and healthcare leaders must focus on overstaffing issues and try to solve them with a different approach. A viable way to do this is by hiring more competent nursing staff. In addition, they must encourage aspiring medical students to give nursing a go over other health-related careers. After all, nurses are frontline warriors, working at the heart and soul of every healthcare organization worldwide. 3. Understaffing issues Short staffing is amongst the most common issues in the nursing field. An AMN Healthcare survey shows that about seventy-two percent of healthcare leaders say that they are understaffed in the nursing department. Not to mention, this issue is growing with every passing day, especially since the pandemic struck. Furthermore, the BLS states that there will be a demand for one billion nurses around 2022 due to the rise in diseases and viruses, and most importantly, Covid-19. Staffing issues usually affect patient health and safety and drastically lower the quality of care at healthcare facilities. Moreover, it can also result in increased injury rates, fatigue, and work pressure. 4. Workplace stress Healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors face work-related stress and burnout, primarily stemming from the unpredictable nature of their work. It mainly affects nurses dealing with high-volume urban departments, senior care, acute psychiatric services, and more. Not to mention, excessive workload and fatigue are ever-present in every healthcare workplace. And nurses bear their fair share of burnout issues, as discussed above. That said, such a thing shouldn’t put off aspiring candidates. ANA, OSHA, and other government organizations work tirelessly to control workplace stress through education, guidelines, and regulations. After all, nursing staff shouldn’t have to deal with burnout, whether it is because of their workload or job nature. 5. Workplace hazards Every workplace in every field has its fair share of hazards. However, the nursing profession, in particular, faces more than usual. Some potential hazards include exposure to pathogens, injuries, contracting viruses, and other germs. Not to mention, these healthcare professionals are at constant risk of hazards from patients carrying the deadliest viruses. The Covid-19 pandemic serves as an unfortunate reminder of how working in the healthcare sector can prove fatal. Many nurses and frontline warriors lost their lives battling the virus and serving the ailing. However, it explains why nursing is one of the most prestigious professions of our era. Nurses devote endless hours and put their lives at stake to ensure the well-being of their community and people. Conclusion Recognizing the obstacles and the challenges that the nursing field contains is the first step. However, the second, and probably the most important, is overcoming these challenges to ensure you advance in your nursing career. After all, nurses are crucial to every healthcare facility out there. There is no better way to help humankind than to take up the nursing profession. That said, you might find it challenging to overcome these obstacles initially. But if you remain persistent and focus on your end goal, you’ll reap countless rewards. Read Also: American Healthcare and its Woes How To Prevent Burnout As A Travel Nurse With These Simple Self-care Strategies

READ MOREDetails