How to Become a Respiratory Therapist: Education and Skills

Key Takeaways

• Respiratory therapists help patients with breathing problems using tests, oxygen treatments, and ventilator support.
• To become a respiratory therapist, you need an accredited degree, pass certification exams, and get a state license.
• Good communication, strong clinical thinking, and technical skills are important in this fast-paced job.
• The career offers great job opportunities, emotional rewards, and flexible work settings.

A respiratory therapist (RT) is a licensed medical professional who helps people who have trouble breathing. They care for patients of all ages—from newborn babies with underdeveloped lungs to older adults dealing with long-term conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. 

RTs are responsible for checking breathing problems, doing diagnostic tests, giving treatments, and teaching patients how to take care of their lungs. 

As more people develop breathing problems and awareness about lung health grows, the demand for RTs is also increasing. Older populations, rising chronic illness rates, and public health crises like COVID-19 have shown how vital respiratory care is. Because of this, RTs are needed in hospitals, rehab centers, and even in patients’ homes.

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Respiratory therapists do hands-on work that changes from day to day. They begin by assessing patients’ vital signs, examining their medical history, and determining how well they can breathe. 

To check the health of the lungs, they use devices such as blood gas machines, pulse oximeters, and spirometers. 

One of the most important tasks they do is manage ventilators, especially for patients in intensive care or during surgery. This position requires quick decision-making, strong technical skills, and continuous attention.  

RTs adjust ventilator settings based on test results and how the patient is responding, making sure they’re getting the right support. 

RTs also teach patients how to breathe better, use their medications, and make lifestyle changes. They help people with asthma create action plans, support smokers in quitting, and help surgical patients with breathing exercises. 

They work in many places—most often in hospitals (especially ERs, operating rooms,  and ICUs), but also in clinics, sleep centers, nursing homes, and even patients’ houses. They work closely with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to make sure the care is well-coordinated and focused on the patient. 

Steps to Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

Becoming an RT takes several steps, including education, hands-on training, certification, and a license. Although it might feel like a lot, each part helps prepare you to care for patients safely and confidently. 

Your journey usually starts with education and ends with your first job. Along the way, you’ll build up the knowledge and experience you need. Let’s walk through each step. 

Step 1: Complete the required education

You can begin preparing in high school. Taking science and math classes like biology, chemistry, anatomy, and algebra gives you a solid base. Physics is also helpful because it explains how air flows and how respiratory equipment works. 

After high school, you’ll need to join a program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Most people earn an associate degree, which takes about two years. 

These programs mix classroom lessons with real-world training and cover topics like how the lungs and heart work, medications, ventilators, and how to assess patients. 

Some students go on to earn a bachelor’s degree. While not always required, a bachelor’s degree can lead to more job options and higher pay. 

Step 2: Get certified

After you finish school, the next step is getting certified. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) gives two main credentials: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

You’ll first take the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam. If you pass at the lower level, you get the CRT certification, which many employers require. However, most now favor the higher-level RRT. 

To obtain that, you need to pass the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) and have a higher TMC score. The CSE assesses your ability to manage challenging circumstances, such as adjusting a ventilator or assisting someone experiencing respiratory distress.

Certification proves you’re ready for real clinical situations. It also helps you stand out when applying for jobs and prepares you for state licensing and ongoing education. 

Step 3: Obtain state licensure

Almost every state requires RTs to get a license to work. Having a license helps guarantee that patients receive care from qualified specialists.

Getting a license depends on the state you’re in, but most require you to have an NBRC certification, complete an accredited program, and pass a background check. Some states also have a test on local laws and rules about respiratory care. 

To stay on track, check your state’s licensing board to find out the exact steps, fees, and education requirements. 

Step 4: Develop key skills

Even with a license and certifications, your success depends on the skills you bring to the job. People skills—like kindness, patience, and good communication—are just as important as technical skills. You’ll often help patients during stressful times, so staying calm and supportive can make a big difference. 

On the technical side, you’ll need to use advanced machines, read test results, and fix problems with ventilators or oxygen tools. Good clinical judgment is critical, especially when quick decisions are needed. You’ll often need to adjust treatment plans as a patient’s condition changes. 

You’ll also keep learning throughout your career. Most states and employers require you to complete continuing education every year, which you can get through online courses, workshops, or training at work.

Step 5: Apply for jobs and start your career

Once you’ve finished school and passed your exams, you can start applying for jobs. RTs are needed in many places, with hospitals being the most common—especially ICUs, emergency rooms, and neonatal units. You can also work in outpatient centers, sleep clinics, nursing homes, rehab centers, and with home health services. 

You can find job openings on websites like Indeed, HealthcareSource, or the AARC job board. Your school might also host job fairs or connect you with local healthcare recruiters. 

When applying, highlight your clinical training, certifications, and any special areas you focused on, like pediatrics or ICU care. Customize your resume for each job and write a strong cover letter that shows your interest in helping people with breathing problems. 

As you gain experience, you can specialize in sleep medicine, transport therapy, diagnostics, or care management. With more training or education, you could become a supervisor, instructor, or researcher. 

Benefits of Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

Becoming a respiratory therapist has many excellent benefits. One is the range of locations where people can work. Whether you prefer the hectic atmosphere of a hospital or the more intimate setting of home care, there is a setting that suits your preferences. 

The schedule is often flexible. Many RTs work in shifts, allowing them to have several days off or work part-time while studying or taking care of family responsibilities. 

Most of all, it’s meaningful work. Whether you’re helping a baby take its first breath or supporting someone recovering from an illness, the care you give truly matters. RTs often build strong relationships with their patients and their families, which makes the job emotionally fulfilling. 

Salary expectations

Respiratory therapists earn good pay for their skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median yearly salary of about $80,450. New RTs may earn around $61,900, while those with experience or special skills can earn over $108,820 per year.

Your salary can vary based on where you live, your level of education, your job setting, and if you work nights or weekends. RTs in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts often earn more due to the higher cost of living and healthcare needs. Having the RRT credential or working in specialized areas can also lead to higher pay. 

Job outlook

The future looks very bright for respiratory therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 13% growth in jobs from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than average. 

An aging population, the long-term effects of COVID-19, and an increase in the prevalence of chronic respiratory disorders are the main causes of this growth. RTs are essential in modern healthcare, and their services will continue to be needed. 

Conclusion

Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career that lets you combine medical skills with personal care. With strong job demand, good salaries, and different work settings to choose from, it’s a stable and fulfilling path. 

If you enjoy helping others and are thinking about healthcare, this could be the right choice for you. At AUAMED, we help future healthcare workers build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Learn more about how AUAMED’s MD program can support your journey to becoming a respiratory therapist—and take your first step toward a bright future. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does a respiratory therapist treat?

Respiratory therapists treat conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema, sleep apnea, and breathing problems caused by injuries or surgery. 

How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist?

It usually takes two to four years, depending on whether you get an associate or bachelor’s degree.