Breathing comes naturally to so many of us that it is only when we have difficulties doing it that we realize its role in our health. Chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or sleep apnea, injuries and aging can all impact how we breathe and, in turn, can have major negative effects in other areas of our lives like rest, stress, blood pressure and physical activity.
A comprehensive treatment plan must consider respiratory issues and may require a dedicated service provider devoted to the issue, such as a respiratory therapist (RT). As a valued member of any healthcare team, the demand for respiratory therapists is growing nationwide and opening up opportunities for those interested in a meaningful patient-centered career.
This article offers a broad overview of what a respiratory therapist does, the education and training required to become one, and more information on career advancement. If you are curious about this rewarding healthcare profession, keep reading to learn more.
A respiratory therapist is a certified healthcare professional trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients who have problems breathing due to chronic illness or other medical issues. They are usually part of a healthcare team and work collaboratively with physicians and other practitioners to create an individualized treatment plan.
Some of their duties include performing diagnostic tests, analyzing results, delivering therapy and educating patients on their treatment and tracking their progress. Respiratory therapists also have the technical skills to manage medical equipment like ventilators and apply other technological instruments to patients.
As they advance their career, many respiratory therapists choose to specialize in adult critical care, neonatal/pediatrics and sleep disorders or as registered pulmonary function technologists or asthma educator specialists. Specializations can pave the way to expanded career opportunities and increased earning potential.
To work as a respiratory therapist, you must complete either a two-year associate’s degree program or a four-year bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution and pass the national exam to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).
Receiving a degree from an accredited institution is crucial. Not only does it signal that the college or university provides rigorous academic preparation, but it also means they can offer you federal financial aid to offset the cost of your education. You can transfer credits to and from accredited programs and pursue graduate education in the future as well.
More importantly, a degree from an accredited program is necessary to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam. At a minimum, you need to obtain the certified respiratory therapy credential to practice.
More and more states and employees, however, also require candidates to pass the Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentials. Additionally, different specializations also require successfully completing additional exams.
If you are interested in management positions or becoming an educator, there are a handful of master’s programs in respiratory therapy that provide the leadership skills for these roles.
Respiratory therapists work one-on-one with patients, often through hands-on, individualized care. Therefore, practitioners need to feel confident that they have the high-level technical training and soft skills to help patients effectively.
Gaining practical experience during their studies prepares students to face the challenges of their role. With the guidance of experienced faculty, students can apply their newfound skills in a safe, controlled environment. Internships can also help to boost a student's résumé and allow them to explore different areas of specialization before embarking on their first job.
Clinical experience is crucial and highly beneficial for aspiring respiratory therapists. All entry-level respiratory therapy programs require clinical hours to ensure students gain hands-on experience. At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU), for example, students in the respiratory therapy bachelor’s degree program complete 21 credit hours of clinical practice where they can evaluate patients, administer care and rotate through different medical specialties.
Becoming a successful respiratory therapist requires a combination of technical abilities, communication skills and emotional intelligence. Shifts are usually physically demanding since they entail moving patients and heavy equipment, and RTs have to use and monitor technical tools with confidence. Often, practitioners work with people in vulnerable situations and must navigate the challenges of treating and educating patients.
Different healthcare settings also demand unique qualities in healthcare professionals. Hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, nursing homes, in-patient care, home healthcare services and other institutions employ RTs who must adapt to the needs of the patients in each unique setting.
Some of the essential skills respiratory therapists must develop include:
Compassion and patience
Cultural sensitivity
Organization
Physical stamina and strength
Problem-solving and critical- thinking
Teamwork and collaboration
Technical knowledge and scientific analysis
There are two main national certification exams for aspiring respiratory therapists: the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam and the Clinical Simulation exam for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
The TMC exam is a multiple-choice exam that covers the basic concepts and skills any qualified respiratory therapist should have when they practice. If you pass at the low cut score, you earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. If you pass at the high cut score, you are eligible to sit for the Clinical Simulation exam to earn the RRT credential.
**Passing the CRT exam is required for state licensure in all states except Alaska.
The RRT exam includes a clinical simulation component in addition to the TMC exam. Achieving the RRT credential is often viewed as achieving the "standard of excellence" for respiratory therapists and is more attractive to employers. Both the CRT and RRT credentials qualify individuals to sit for specialty examinations in the field.
Candidates should expect to spend a great deal of time preparing for the exam. Here are some helpful tips for successful exam preparation:
Take the free practice exams on the National Board for Respiratory Care’s website.
Create a study schedule over several weeks to avoid cramming.
Join a study group that can hold you accountable and offer support throughout your preparation.
There are plenty of opportunities to advance your career as a respiratory therapist through specialty certifications. It is also important to keep up with the latest medical technology and therapies to stay competitive in the job market.
Earning additional certifications or master’s degrees can strengthen your skills for leadership roles. A master’s degree is also helpful for those who want to teach in higher education or clinical settings.
Respiratory therapists are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting employment to grow 13% over the next decade — much faster than the average for all occupations.
Respiratory therapists work in a wide variety of healthcare settings all over the country, giving candidates flexibility and increased earning potential. Healthcare networks that focus on the older population are especially interested in increasing the number of respiratory therapists on staff.
A career as a respiratory therapist offers the chance to work one-on-one with patients and tailor their treatment plans to their unique needs to improve their quality of life. They serve as an important part of patients’ support network at a very vulnerable time in their lives, making it an immensely rewarding profession for those who want to make a tangible, positive impact on others.
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy at FranU provides a personalized, affordable, rigorous education centered on Franciscan values. Students gain hands-on experience through our state-of-the-art Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH) and clinical practice in a variety of partner sites. Experienced faculty offer one-on-one guidance and preparation for the certification exam.
Take the next step towards your future at FranU by learning more about our RT bachelor’s degree program.
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