How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

People suffering from chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema turn to trained respiratory therapists for help. Before respiratory therapists work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, and physician offices, they begin their careers by earning either an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. After graduation, respiratory therapists further their career prospects by obtaining state licensure or certifications.

Respiratory therapists primarily work in state, local, and private hospitals, where they examine patients and teach them how to use breathing equipment. The job also requires collaboration with physicians. Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in respiratory therapy to increase 21% between 2018 and 2028.

Keep reading to learn how to become a respiratory therapist. The following guide also includes information about educational requirements, specialties, and compensation.

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Career Basics

According to the BLS, about 81% of respiratory therapists work in state, local, and private hospitals. Job duties for respiratory therapists vary. Generally, they formulate treatment plans with nurses, doctors, and surgeons. Respiratory therapists also work in nursing care facilities and physician offices.

Additionally, respiratory therapists help patients of varying ages to conduct tests that measure lung capacity. Their responsibilities include inserting tracheas, performing blood tests, and teaching patients how to use ventilators and bronchodilators.

Career In-Depth

Respiratory therapists work full time, often spending long hours on their feet. They often work weekend or night shifts. Most respiratory therapists work 35-40 hours per week. The schedule for respiratory therapists usually consists of three 12-hour shifts per week.

The beginning of a respiratory therapist's shift often starts with a briefing on their patient's progress before they complete rounds to assess those on ventilators. Many respiratory therapists specialize in areas such as sleep disorders, neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, and adult critical care. Many individuals in respiratory therapy advance to product representative positions or teach college courses.

Preparing to Become a Respiratory Therapist: Schools and Programs

The top bachelor's in respiratory therapy degrees offer affordable, flexible, and quality programs. Prospective respiratory therapists pursue either an associate or bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy. Both suffice for employment.

Transfer students typically finish their respiratory therapy education in 1-4 years, depending on previous college credits. The University of Mary, which features one of the top online programs for registered respiratory therapists, allows transfer students to graduate in one year. The Oregon Institute of Technology's bachelor's in respiratory care degree prepares students to take the NBRC certification exam over four years. All programs involve clinical experiences.

Online bachelor's degrees in respiratory therapy care operate on a synchronous or asynchronous basis with optional hybrid formats. Self-paced classes allow students to complete degree requirements quickly. Alternatively, many students prefer to study in a cohort. Admissions policies vary with some schools offering rolling admissions and others requiring applicants to meet set deadlines.

Courses in Respiratory Therapy Programs

A respiratory therapist's education includes a broad curriculum that builds their critical thinking skills, argumentative and persuasive writing, and technical knowledge of respiratory care. Different factors impact the course load a student takes in a bachelor's in respiratory care program. Curriculum requirements differ by school. Additionally, a student's previous coursework impacts what classes they take. Undergraduates without prior college credits first take chemistry, human anatomy, and other general education units before taking the major courses.

Schooling for respiratory therapy provides students with practical skills in case management and leadership. Students also hone specific technical skills in conducting cardiopulmonary stress testing, assessing chest radiographs, and preparing artificial airways through intubation and endotracheal suctioning.

Before graduating, students complete rotations and clinical simulations to test out their skills in a clinical setting. See below for examples of courses that students often take in a respiratory therapy program.

Accreditation for a Respiratory Therapy Program

Accreditation assures quality and protects students and their investment. During the review process, third-party agencies evaluate schools and confer either regional or national accreditation. Vocational and career-focused colleges receive national accreditation. Academic schools receive regional accreditation. Many employers consider regionally accredited schools more reputable.

Accreditation matters for a student's future career, financial aid, and their ability to transfer schools. Employers typically prefer to hire graduates from accredited schools. Additionally, accredited schools receive federal financial aid and distribute those funds to students. Further, students often cannot transfer credits from nationally accredited schools as easily as credits from regionally accredited schools.

Online schools receive accreditation by the same regional accrediting agencies as brick-and- mortar colleges. Respiratory therapy degrees receive programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), which evaluates degree outcomes and curriculum.

Visit the Department of Education's database to find accredited schools and programs.

Respiratory Therapist Specialties

Earning a respiratory therapy degree gives students an opportunity to gain skills in niche areas. In addition to the core curriculum, a respiratory therapist's education offers specialized training.

Many students earn a specialty in subjects such as pulmonary diagnostics, long-term care, or neonatal pediatrics. The specific specialties available depends on the school and the program. Much like a minor, online learners must complete additional courses to earn a specialty. Pursuing a specialty does not typically delay graduation. However, specifications for specialties vary with every program.

Specialties give students the knowledge and practical skills to become polysomnographic technologists, adult critical care specialists, or sleep disorder specialists. These courses allow students to test out their interests and solidify their career goals. The specialized skills students gain impress employers, who often seek out multitalented registered respiratory therapists.

Components of a Successful Respiratory Therapist Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools, and Technology

Respiratory therapists who succeed in the field share common traits and characteristics. Most notably, successful registered respiratory therapists learn quickly, work well under pressure, and solve problems during emergencies. The hectic schedule of a respiratory therapist demands a highly organized, team-oriented, and adaptable worker. The job also requires effective communication skills to enable collaboration between patients and other medical professionals.

Employers commonly prefer respiratory therapists who hold NBRC credentials. Many students also boost their marketability and salary potential by becoming certified sleep disorder specialists, certified pulmonary function technologists, and adult critical care specialists.

Candidates with skills in clinical technology often improve their earnings. Clinical experience during college introduces students to equipment such as respiratory function analyzers and inhalation drug delivery devices.