10 FAQs About a Respiratory Therapist Career

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If you’re thinking about a career as a Respiratory Therapist, you probably have some questions. Like what kind of training you need, how long it takes to get credentialed, and what your daily responsibilities might be like. Check out these 10 frequently asked questions to find out what the career is all about and see if it’s right for you.

1. What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

As a Respiratory Therapist, you evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. This can include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, sleep apnea, or respiratory distress caused by trauma or illness. On any given day, you might administer oxygen, manage ventilators, perform breathing treatments, monitor lung function, and educate patients on how to manage chronic respiratory conditions. You work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver critical care.

2. What Skills Will Help You Succeed as a Respiratory Therapist?

To be a successful Respiratory Therapist, you need a combination of strong technical and soft skills . You need a foundational understanding of respiratory equipment, patient monitoring, and emergency procedures. Equally important are communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. RTs often work with patients who are frightened, in pain, or struggling to breathe, so empathy and clear communication are essential. Time management and teamwork also help you manage a fast-paced clinical environment.

3. What Training Do You Need to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

To become a Respiratory Therapist, you need the right training, experience, and credentials. Employers generally require an associate degree from an accredited program that includes a clinical component. Your training covers topics such as respiratory care procedures, pharmacology, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, pulmonary function, respiratory disease and critical care. Clinical rotations allow you to apply what you learn in real healthcare settings under professional supervision.

4. How Long Does It Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

An Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program takes about two years to complete. This timeframe includes coursework and clinical practicum requirements. After completing your education, you also need time to prepare for and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams. Depending on your pace and testing schedule, you could begin working in the field shortly after graduation.

5. What’s the Difference Between the Certified and Registered Respiratory Therapy Credentials?

When you take the Therapist Multiple-Choice Exam (TMC) from the National Board for Respiratory Care, there are two cut scores that help determine your credentialing. The low cut score allows you to earn your Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, which is the entry level. If you obtain a high cut score, you get your CRT credential and are eligible for the Clinical Simulation (CSE) Examination, where you can earn your Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. The RRT is considered to be the standard of excellence for respiratory care professionals and can lead to more advanced positions.

6. What Does a Typical Respiratory Therapist Day Look Like?

A day in the life of a Respiratory Therapist can vary depending on where you work. In a hospital setting, you might start your shift by reviewing patient charts, checking ventilators, and responding to physician orders. Throughout the day, you might perform breathing treatments, assess lung sounds, adjust oxygen levels, and respond to emergency calls. In outpatient or long-term care settings, your work may focus more on patient education, routine treatments, and chronic disease management. Because no two patients are alike, no two days are exactly the same, which many RTs find rewarding.

7. Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work?

Most Respiratory Therapists work in hospitals, which can include emergency departments, intensive care units, and neonatal units. But hospitals aren’t your only option. As an RT, you might also work in outpatient clinics, pulmonary rehabilitation centers, sleep labs, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, and physician offices. You could potentially even find work in medical equipment sales, education, or clinical research.

8. What Is the Typical Schedule for a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory Therapists often work full-time, and schedules can vary widely. In hospitals, you might work eight or 12-hour shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays. This can provide more days off during the week. Clinic setting schedules are likely to be more consistent with physicians’ office hours, such as 8-4, Monday through Friday. Part-time positions are also available in some cases, offering flexibility depending on your lifestyle and career goals.

9. Are There RT Specializations?

As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize in a specific area of respiratory care. Specialties include neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy, critical care, pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep medicine, and asthma education. Specializations can allow you to focus on patient populations or settings that interest you most and could also lead to advanced responsibilities or leadership opportunities.

10. Can You Advance Your Career in Respiratory Therapy?

Respiratory therapy offers multiple pathways for career growth. With experience and additional education, you may advance into supervisory or management roles, such as lead Respiratory Therapist or a department manager.

Is a Respiratory Therapy Career Right for You?

If you enjoy hands-on patient care, thrive in fast-paced environments, and want a career where your work makes an immediate impact, respiratory therapy may be a great fit. It’s a rewarding profession that plays a critical role in patient outcomes. Are you ready to begin a career as Respiratory Therapist? Charter College can help you get started. Our Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy program is designed to help you gain the skills and confidence you need to succeed in this important healthcare field. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.

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