How to become a registered respiratory therapist

Respiratory therapists, or RRTs, are essential to the health industry and cater to a highly specialized field. Trained in pulmonary medicine, their core focus is to treat respiratory conditions. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the recognition for this type of clinical educator grew considerably. According to Goodwin University, employment of RRTs is expected to increase by 21%, adding approximately 28,000 new jobs to the sector by 2028.

This positive growth is good news for individuals seeking to pursue a medical career in a niche sector. Below, we share steps on how you can become a registered respiratory therapist. But let’s first discuss the role to see if it's something you want to aspire to.

What does a registered respiratory therapist do?

Respiratory therapists work with all age groups from premature/neonatal and newborns to the elderly. The focus of care may look different depending on the setting you find yourself working in. Your duties may include:

• Treating patients who are having difficulty breathing, or respiratory distress, cardiopulmonary diseases, disorders, or complications
• Administering aerosol treatments and inhalants
• Performing chest physiotherapy
• Conducting, performing and analyzing diagnostic and function tests to access lung capacity and oxygen saturation
• Operating mechanical ventilators and other machines
• Assisting with intubation, airway care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Collaborating with physicians and nurses to create treatment plans
• Offering education to patient and family of continuation of treatments after discharge
• Performing routine home care

What is the difference between a registered respiratory therapist and certified respiratory therapist?

Certified respiratory therapists (CRTs) hold an entry-level degree certification, while registered respiratory therapists hold a more advanced degree. Both must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choise exam (TMC) exam to achieve CRT credential and the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) must be passed to receive your RRT credential.

Is the role of a respiratory therapist for you?

Have you stopped to ask yourself what type of role you’re suited to? If you’re a compassionate person, have exceptional communication and listening skills, are mechanically inclined, and can remain calm in a stressful situation, a respiratory therapist role could be for you.

Respiratory therapists can experience pressure to find the best outcomes for their patients. They are expected to treat acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions by investigating drugs, devices, and therapies and working closely with physicians and nurses to provide healthcare options for patients of all age groups.

However, this pressure is manageable and, overall, the role is greatly rewarding. From working with key healthcare professionals and the latest medical innovations the sales market has to offer, you will actively change the face of healthcare, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.

Here’s how you can become a medical gamechanger and navigate one of the industry’s most recognized careers:

Step 1: Obtain a degree.

RRTs must hold an associate's degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree from a respiratory therapy education program. This qualification must be supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

A bachelor’s degree is a good start but consider a master’s degree if you would like to strengthen your qualification and set yourself apart.

Once you’ve graduated from an accredited program, you have the option of challenging the TMC exemption. There are two outcomes:

• Receive a low-cut score and earn the CRT credential
• Receive a high-cut score and earnt the CRT credential and become eligible for the CSE examination to earn the RRT credential. The RRT credential is nationally recognized as the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals.

Step 2: Apply for and obtain a state license.

Every state in the US, barring Alaska, requires licensure for respiratory care practitioners.

This license confirms your registration as a practicing RRT and is needed to practice in the field.

To obtain this license, you must pass a test administered by The National Board of Respiratory Care. Your RRT credentials received from this test are used as the basis for the licensure in all 49 states.

The licensing process is as follows:

• Complete, sign, and notarize an application for RTT licensure.
• Request for your transcripts to be sent directly from your educational institution to your state’s licensing board.
• Complete the NBRC test.
• Send your verified qualification and NBRC credentials to your state’s licensing board.
• Complete a background check/fingerprinting.
• Submit your license application and pay the applicable fee.

Step 3: Find a company to work for.

Once you hold your degree and registered respiratory therapist license, you are ready to apply for respiratory therapist jobs. Interestingly, 90% of registered respiratory therapists in the US choose to work at private companies, even though the education sector is also a career option. What’s important is that you find a company that’s the right fit for you and your aspirations. You also want to find an RRT job that invests in your skills, providing you with opportunities to delve into interesting work and expand your career.

Find stimulating respiratory jobs at IQVIA

IQVIA is a leading provider to the global life sciences sector, and we invite professional respiratory therapists to join us as we drive healthcare forward. Our company is derived of a large network of colleagues spanning 100 countries, including the US. This allows us to provide our employees with unique opportunities and room for career expansion.

Browse our clinical nurse educator information to further explore what the registered respiratory therapist role entails, and apply for an RTT job today. Alternatively, sign up for job alerts and be the first to learn about new opportunities at IQVIA.