How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

Now more than ever, people are considering accredited health care degrees and a career in respiratory therapy. This specialized health care field provides treatment, management, and evaluation of patients, specializing in conditions such as lung diseases, asthma, and even trauma. Respiratory therapists treat patients of all ages, as well as participating in community education and outreach. If you’re considering pursuing a career as a respiratory therapist, read on to learn the steps to success!

Steps to Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

Obtaining an Accredited Degree

The first step to becoming a respiratory therapist is obtaining an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree. Depending on the state in which you will practice, you may need an associate degree in respiratory care after completing all relevant coursework and receiving certification. For some states, a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy is necessary. In either case, the program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Certification

In order to become a licensed respiratory therapist, you must take and pass the certifying exam through the national Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). After passing the exam, you will become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) and be eligible for licensure in your state of practice. You may need to meet additional educational or experiential guidelines depending on the state in which you intend to practice.

Continuing Education

In order to remain a registered and licensed respiratory therapist, you must complete a certain number of continuing education credits every two years; these hours may be obtained through workshops, conferences, and other approved means. Additionally, states require that you apply for license renewal according to the guidelines in your state of practice.

The Impact of AI on Respiratory Therapy

As the health care industry continues to evolve and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more and more pervasive, the field of respiratory therapy will be increasingly impacted as well. AI enables the use of cloud-based portals, patient-specific methods of treatment, and access to large amounts of data to better inform staff decisions. As AI makes respiratory therapists job easier and more effective, the future of the industry looks promising.

Conclusion

The field of respiratory therapy serves to improve patient quality of life and optimize outcomes for people of all ages. If you are considering a career in respiratory therapy, be sure to obtain an accredited degree, seek certification, and stay up to date on continuing education credits. As the health care industry continues to evolve, you can trust that a career in respiratory therapy in continues to be a secure and rewarding one.