How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (2024)

HEALTHCARE

August 24, 2024

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (1)

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (2)

Written by: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC

Respiratory therapists (RT) are specially trained medical providers that assist medical doctors and registered nurses with the care of patients suffering from respiratory and cardiac illnesses. RTs are involved with the treatment, medical management, education, and wellness promotion of patients’ suffering from diseases related to the respiratory system.

The U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks respiratory therapists as one of the best jobs for individuals interested in the medical field. Currently, it is ranked #22 in Best Health Care Jobs and #57 in the 100 Best Jobs. This is a hot field and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory therapists are playing a vital role!

In this guide, we’ll explain what a Respiratory Therapist does, how to become one, how much they make, and more.

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A respiratory therapist is a certified medical professional who specializes in providing healthcare for a patient’s lungs.

Respiratory therapists help patients suffering from a number of breathing or airway problems including:

  1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
  2. Asthma
  3. Chronic bronchitis
  4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  5. Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
  6. Cystic Fibrous (CF)
  7. Emphysema
  8. Influenza
  9. Lung cancer
  10. Lung trauma
  11. Mesothelioma
  12. Parkinson’s disease
  13. Pertussis
  14. Pleural Effusion
  15. Pneumonia
  16. Pneumothorax
  17. Pulmonary fibrosis
  18. Pulmonary Hypertension
  19. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  20. Sarcoidosis
  21. Sleep Apnea
  22. Spinal muscular dystrophy
  23. Tuberculosis (TB)

Respiratory therapists perform a variety of duties in their day-to-day work. This will vary depending on the location of employment but essentially respiratory therapists are responsible for caring for the respiratory system of patients.

Specific job responsibilities may include performing arterial and venous blood gases, assisting with intubation of patients, performing pulmonary function tests, educating patients on asthma, smoking cessation, and other lung-related diseases.

Some duties of an RT include:

  1. Analyzing breath, tissue, and blood specimens to determine levels of oxygen and other gases.
  2. Assessing patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
  3. Caring for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
  4. Diagnosing lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods.
  5. Documenting care by updating charts and records
  6. Educating patients and families about lung disease.
  7. Interviewing patients and doing chest physical exams to determine what kind of therapy is best for their condition.
  8. Managing ventilators and artificial airway devices.
  9. Performing diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity.
  10. Teaching patients how to take medications and use equipment.

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median respiratory therapist salary in 2023 is $77,960per year or $37.48 per hour, but conditions in your area may vary.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,480.

Payscale.com reports an average annual salary of $62,498 or $30.21 per hour.

Respiratory Therapist Pay by Level of Experience

According to Payscale, respiratory therapists can earn a higher annual salary with increased years of experience.

  1. Less than 1 year of experience earn an average hourly wage of $25.12
  2. 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $27.28
  3. 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $29.89
  4. 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $32.14
  5. 20 years and higher years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $34.02

Highest Paying Cities for Respiratory Therapists

Currently, the highest average paid states for respiratory therapists that have reported salaries, according to ZipRecruiter are as follows:

  1. Federal Way, CA - $54.67/hour
  2. Stony Brook, NY - $53.82/hour
  3. Santa Clara, CA - $53.70/hour
  4. San Francisco, CA - $53.55/hour
  5. Culver City, CA - $53.26/hr

Step 1: Earn an Undergraduate Degree

Respiratory therapists must have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy education program by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care.

Most decide to earn a bachelor’s degree because it provides greater job opportunities and career opportunities. Bachelor’s programs should include specific coursework in clinical respiratory care, procedures, pharmacology, pathophysiology, mechanical ventilation, and advanced respiratory theory.

Step 2: Become Certified

The NBRC offers the following credentials that are considered to be the standards for licensure.

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

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

According to the National Board for Respiratory Care, individuals who earn the CRT credential have obtained sufficient clinical skills through the education program from which they graduated and sufficient knowledge mastery to provide competent respiratory care at entry into practice.

Most CRTs are employed in medical-practice settings such as inpatient hospitals; some CRTs are employed in outpatient clinics, free-standing diagnostic centers, and device manufacturing.

In order to become a CRT, you’ll need to take and pass a certification exam.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

CTRs and RRTs take the same exam, but RRTs have demonstrated a higher level of proficiency by achieving a higher score and through additional evaluation of knowledge about facilitating the care of patients with a variety of needs.

RRTs is the highest level of certification for respiratory therapists. Professionals who earn the RRT designation have obtained sufficient clinical skills through the education program from which they graduated and sufficient knowledge mastery to provide competent respiratory care.

Step 3: Apply for a State-Specific License

After passing national certification, it is essential to apply for a state-specific respiratory therapist license. Every state in the U.S. except for Alaska requires licensure for respiratory care practitioners. While a state-specific license is not required, individuals must still graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy program.

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How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (15)

The University of Scranton offers multiple online degrees in the growing healthcare industry. The comprehensive coursework is based on real-world scenarios and is equally rigorous and rewarding. The return on investment will be as big as the change you can make in a variety of healthcare leadership roles!

Accreditation

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (16) Multiple

Location

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (17) Online

Enrollment: Nationwide

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (19)

Ultimate Medical Academy is a nonprofit allied health school committed to helping students succeed in healthcare careers for the past 26 years. That’s why we offer students a connected support system from the start of their education to beyond graduation.

Accreditation

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (20) ABHES

Location

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (21) Online

Enrollment: Nationwide

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (23)

As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).

Accreditation

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (24) CCNE

Location

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (25) Online

Enrollment: Nationwide

As we mentioned earlier, at a minimum, respiratory therapists need to earn an associate’s degree. But a bachelor’s degree is also recommended. No matter which route you choose, you’ll want to make sure you pick an accredited respiratory therapy program.

Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that respiratory therapist programs prepare competent healthcare professionals for practice, education, research, and service.

The purpose of accreditation is to focus on the same standards and criteria across all nursing programs. This ensures that there is some level of sameness within the programs.

The accreditation process ultimately improves the quality of respiratory education and keeps the curriculum up to date on current trends in advances in nursing and healthcare. Accreditation continues to further the profession and enhances the overall care provided by respiratory therapists.

What You’ll Learn in a Respiratory Therapist Program

All accredited programs include specified respiratory care content to include curriculum that covers:

  • Care of the adult, pediatric, and newborn patient
  • Provision of healthcare services to patients with transmissible diseases
  • Community respiratory health
  • Fundamental principles of evaluating current scientific literature
  • Disease management
  • Health promotion
  • Legal and ethical aspects of respiratory care practice

Respiratory Therapists can work in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient healthcare environments. According to the Mayo Clinic, 75% of all respiratory therapists work in hospitals. More specifically, RTs can also work in the following locations,

  • Academia
  • Air transport
  • Ambulance programs
  • Asthma education program
  • Cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers
  • Community health centers
  • Correctional institutions
  • County health departments
  • Device Manufacturing
  • Government facilities
  • Insurance companies
  • International medical relief organizations
  • Medical offices
  • Nonprofit organization
  • Nurse-managed medical center
  • Nursing homes
  • Occupational health centers
  • Outpatient surgery centers
  • Outreach centers
  • Phone triage centers
  • Private duty
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Rural health centers
  • Sleep laboratories
  • Smoking cessation programs
  • Urgent care centers

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Respiratory therapists are in high demand, making it a great career to get into. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032. This is exceptionally faster than other professions. There is expected to be a need for an additional 16,700 RTs by 2032.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 16 million adults in the U.S. living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As of 2023, all baby boomers will be at least 58 and more susceptible to COPD, pneumonia, as well as other medical conditions that affect breathing.

Healthcare systems need RTs in order to function properly. Respiratory therapists will continue to be in great demand!

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RTs are required to renew their national certification and state licensure. Specific time and continuing education requirements will be dependent on the state.

The American Association for Respiratory Therapists has an excellent website with information regarding the renewal specifics for each state. Check it out here!

All continuing education hours must be earned through an approved provider. State licensing boards often recognize the following organizations:

  • Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine
  • American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • American College of Cardiology
  • American College of Chest Physicians
  • American Heart Association
  • American Lung Association
  • American Medical Association
  • American Nurses Association
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists
  • American Thoracic Society
  • National Society for Cardiopulmonary Technologists
  • NBRC Advanced certification (Adult Critical Care Specialist, Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist, Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, Sleep Disorders Testing and Therapeutic Intervention Respiratory Care)
  • Programs accredited by the American Association for Respiratory Care
  1. American Association for Respiratory Therapists
  2. American Lung Association
  3. American Respiratory Care Foundation
  4. American Thoracic Society
  5. Association of Asthma Educators
  6. Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
  7. The National Board for Respiratory Care
  • How much schooling do you need to be a respiratory therapist?

    • At a minimum, respiratory therapists are required to obtain an associate’s degree, which can be completed in as little as two years if done full-time. Obtaining the recommended bachelor’s degree will take roughly four years. It will take longer if an individual decides to complete their degree part-time.
  • Do respiratory therapists make good money?

    • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a respiratory therapist in 2023 is $77,960 per year or $37.48 per hour, but conditions in your area may vary.
  • Is a respiratory therapist a good career?

    • Being a respiratory therapist is a great job and also very in demand. RTs have the flexibility to work in a variety of locations full-time, party time, and/or per diem. Respiratory therapists are consistently ranked highly in the U.S. News & World Report for their best healthcare jobs. In 2021, it was reported as #22 on the list.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (2024)

FAQs

How do I pass the respiratory therapy exam? ›

Tips on how to pass the TMC exam
  1. Understand the format.
  2. Develop a study plan.
  3. Use study materials.
  4. Practice time management.
  5. Practice answering multiple-choice questions.
  6. Review anatomy and physiology.
  7. Understand respiratory therapy procedures.
  8. Understand pharmacology.
Mar 7, 2023

How many questions are on the respiratory therapy exam? ›

The TMC exam contains 160 multiple-choice questions, 20 of which are unscored, and you will be given a time limit of 3 hours.

How hard is the respiratory exam? ›

Generally, it hovers around 70-80%. But for repeated attempts, the percentage drops to about 45%. This means that nearly one-third of test-takers do not pass the exam on their subsequent attempt. The TMC exam is known for being comprehensive, and while the TMC exam is undoubtedly challenging, passing is possible.

What is the pass rate for the respiratory therapist exam? ›

Candidates who had earned a Bachelors degree from their respiratory therapy programs had a pass rate of 86.8% while those with an Associates degree had a pass rate of 79.2%.

How many times can you fail NBRC exam? ›

TMC Exam FAQs

As indicated in the table below, candidates may attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation Examinations three times, after which the candidate will be required to wait a minimum of 120 days between any subsequent attempt.

Is the NBRC exam hard? ›

Passing the NBRC RTT Exam. At the moment, the NBRC registered respiratory therapist exam is known as one of the hardest exams of all allied health fields. On average, about 61% of all candidates pass the exam.

Is there a lot of math in respiratory therapy? ›

Math Used by Respiratory Therapists

They also use math for counting pulse and breathing rates, calculating medication dosages, and determining things like minute ventilation and the patient's ideal body weight (IBW).

How do I prepare for a respiratory exam? ›

To prepare for your pulmonary function test, follow these instructions:
  1. No bronchodilator medication for four hours.
  2. No smoking for four hours before the test.
  3. No heavy meals.
  4. Do not wear any tight clothing.
  5. The complete pulmonary function test takes around one and a half hours.

What is the hardest part of being a respiratory therapist? ›

However, like with any profession, being a respiratory therapist comes with its unique set of challenges:
  • Managing the Expectations of Patients and Their Families Can Be Tough. ...
  • The Field Is Always Evolving. ...
  • You Will Need to Advance Your Degree If You Want To Climb Your Career. ...
  • You Can Experience Burnout.

Is becoming a respiratory therapist difficult? ›

Becoming a respiratory therapist requires time and effort. However, compared to many healthcare professions, it has a lower barrier to entry. You can qualify for certification and licensure after earning an associate degree in respiratory therapy, whereas many other career paths require at least a four-year degree.

What is the TEAS test for respiratory therapy? ›

The ATI TEAS is a standardized test covering a variety of areas relevant to healthcare education, including reading, mathematics, science, English and language usage. An applicant may take the TEAS a maximum of two times in a single application period.

How long is the RRT exam? ›

The exam includes 160 multiple-choice questions (140 scored items and 20 pretest items). You will have three hours to complete the exam. You must receive a “high cut” score (the higher-threshold minimum score) to be eligible for the Clinical Simulation Exam and the RRT credential.

What state pays respiratory therapists the most? ›

The top-paying states for respiratory therapists, by average yearly salary are:
  • California: $96,150.
  • New York: $91,140.
  • Alaska: $88,490.
  • District of Columbia: $86,250.
  • Washington: $86,130.

How to prepare for NBRC exam? ›

Review for the NBRC exam should start as soon as possible. Students should go through the NBRC detailed content outline (exam matrix) to highlight and focus on the topics that they know little or nothing about. Make a note card for each topic and include the pertinent info from your own research and reading.

What is the passing score for the RRT exam? ›

Respiratory therapists must score 66% to pass. If the second higher cut score of 72% is met, the NBRC awards a CRT certificate, and the therapist is eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Exam for RRT certification. The exam is scored electronically. Pass/Fail results are available immediately.

How do you pass a respiratory test? ›

To prepare for your pulmonary function test, follow these instructions:
  1. No bronchodilator medication for four hours.
  2. No smoking for four hours before the test.
  3. No heavy meals.
  4. Do not wear any tight clothing.
  5. The complete pulmonary function test takes around one and a half hours.

What do they look for in a respiratory exam? ›

Make a general observation of the patient. Check whether they are comfortable at rest, do they look tachypnoeic, are they using accessory muscles, are there any obvious abnormalities of the chest. Also check for any clues around the bed such as inhalers, oxygen masks, or cigarettes.

How to fail a PFT exam? ›

There's no such thing as failing a PFT. If it's abnormal, your provider will discuss additional work you may need to obtain a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Why can't I pass the TMC? ›

One of the most common reasons candidates do not pass an NBRC written exam is hasty or last-minute preparation. Do yourself a favor and follow a deliberate and unhurried process. Remember it was the turtle who won the race and not the hare!

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