How Long Does It Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
You can complete a Respiratory Therapy program in as few as 18 months, but there are many factors that can affect your timeline to become an RT. Where you live, how you learn, the school you attend, whether you go full- or part-time, and the certification requirements for your state’s licensure can all impact how long it takes to become a Respiratory Therapist. While some factors can’t be controlled, certain decisions you make can speed up the process and get you to work more quickly.
Respiratory Therapist Program Length
The first step toward a career in respiratory therapy is to enroll in a training program. You need to earn at least an associate degree to qualify for certification and employment. The length of your program depends on the type of program you choose. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, but an associate degree can take as few as 18 months to complete.
No matter which program you choose, your coursework provides you with the fundamental knowledge and skills to become an RT. You learn about respiratory ailments and their treatments, how the pulmonary system works, and the history of respiratory care. Your program also covers important topics like home respiratory rehabilitation, pediatric and neonatal patient care, and mechanical ventilation. Although some of your coursework consists of lectures and class assignments, your real training takes place in the laboratory and during your onsite practicum. Your Lab instructors demonstrate respiratory treatments and provide a safe place for you to practice these processes before you enter a medical facility. And your practicum is a critical part of your training to gain real-world experience.
Respiratory Therapist Practicum Length
Included in your training program are clinical practicums that place you at medical facilities where you get to practicum what you’ve learned in class. While the amount of clinical practicum hours required for you to become a Respiratory Therapists can vary by state, a good model would place you at different facilities five times for 160 hours each. These practicums are a critical component to your education. At a hospital or respiratory care center, you work under the supervision of professional Respiratory Therapists. You shadow them and practice providing care to real patients. These opportunities help you build practical skills and confidence at the same time. Depending on your quality of work and the circumstances of your practicum site, you may earn employment opportunities from your clinical.
How Long Does the National Respiratory Therapy Exam Take?
Once you graduate, you become eligible to sit for the national exam through the National Board for Respiratory Care. The Certified Respiratory Therapist exam consists of 160 multiple choice questions and is completed over a three-hour timeframe. It tests your knowledge of patient care procedures, respiratory care, therapeutic modalities, and equipment. After the exam, you receive two cut scores. If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT certification. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the CRT certification and become eligible to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist exam and potentially earn an additional industry credential. You receive your results at the testing center upon completion of your examination.
State Licensure for Respiratory Therapists
Licensure requirements vary by state. Some states require you to earn both the CRT and the RRT credentials, while others require only one. The State of Utah, for instance, only requires the CRT credential. You also have to pass a criminal background check. You can submit an application online with your transcripts and certifications. Within four to six weeks, your application is processed and your license will be sent to you. All states except Alaska require licensure for employment. If you reside in Alaska and plan to start a career in respiratory therapy, you can do so once you graduate from your training program. But the state does encourage certification and the credential helps you stand out from other job candidates.
Other Credentials and Education
The National Board of Respiratory Care outlines additional credentials you can pursue throughout your Respiratory Therapy career. Included are certifications in adult critical care, sleep disorders, neonatal and pediatric care, and pulmonary function technology. Many of these specialties are touched on in your training program, so pay attention to which areas interest you the most.
If you’re ready to begin a rewarding career in respiratory therapy, contact Charter College today. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy that can be completed in as few as 18 months. The program is offered online for convenience with in-person labs on the Salt Lake City campus and local clinical practicums. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form for more information.