When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“What can we do but keep on breathing in and out, modest and willing, and in our places?”
Breathing is a subconscious part of everyday life and most people don’t give it a second thought unless they are meditating, in a yoga class, or are experiencing breathing difficulties. Thankfully for those struggling with their breath, there are educated and credentialed breathing therapists at the ready.
Respiratory therapy, which is the assessment and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction, became a recognized field in the late 1940s. Respiratory therapists utilize tools, medicine, and education to provide respiratory support to individuals. Patients can need a respiratory therapist because of acute conditions such as croup or pneumonia, or because of chronic conditions such as birth defects, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
As the population of the United States continues to age there has been a steady increase in the demand for respiratory therapists. Jobs in this field are expected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, far outpacing the national average for all fields (4 percent). Those wishing to pursue a career in this field can choose to obtain the certification of either a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
All states, except for Alaska, require certification and licensure in order to work as a respiratory therapist. As of December 2020, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) reports a growing list of states that require the more advanced RRT certification for state-level licensure including Arizona, California, Ohio, Oregon, New Jersey, and New Mexico. Both certifications require at least an associate degree. Once a professional certification is obtained, respiratory therapists can pursue specialty credentialing as a Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist, Adult Critical Care Specialist, or Sleep Disorders Specialist.
Check out a step-by-step guide to becoming a certified respiratory therapist.
Completing high school or a GED is the first step towards becoming a respiratory therapist. It demonstrates a commitment to completing a program as well as a basic level of education. High school courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, and advanced math are recommended. Students can also take AP courses and tests to receive college credit prior to graduating.
The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) maintains strict standards for respiratory therapy education programs. Programs are available in most states and vary in length from two to six years. Most programs require that the student complete an associate of science (AS) or associate of applied science (AAS) degree, while others require a four-year bachelor of science degree. Students wishing to pursue more advanced studies will find seven master’s degree programs available across the country.
Attending an accredited program will ensure students have a smooth path towards licensure. Programs within the accrediting association make it easier to apply for financial aid, transfer credits, and obtain higher degrees.
Throughout the course of study, students learn how to gather and interpret clinical data, how to communicate effectively with patients and families, and how to perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.