Respiratory Therapist Programs & Licensure

Updated October 29, 2025 Table of Contents

Help patients breathe easier. Respiratory therapists diagnose and treat breathing disorders in patients of all ages, from premature infants to seniors. This 2025 guide explains how to become a licensed respiratory therapist through accredited programs and certification exams.

What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Respiratory therapists (RTs) specialize in cardiopulmonary care, providing treatment and support for patients with acute and chronic breathing issues.

Typical responsibilities include:

Assessing lung function and analyzing blood oxygen levels
Operating and maintaining ventilators and oxygen therapy equipment
Assisting with emergency airway management and life support
Educating patients on inhaler use and respiratory exercises
Monitoring treatment effectiveness and adjusting care plans
Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals

RTs work in hospitals, intensive care units, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare environments.

What You’ll Learn in Respiratory Therapy School

Respiratory therapy programs combine advanced science coursework with clinical training to prepare students for patient care and national licensure exams.

Core topics include:

Anatomy & Physiology: Focus on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
Pulmonary Diagnostics: Testing and evaluating lung performance
Respiratory Therapy Procedures: Ventilation management and oxygen delivery
Pharmacology: Medication types, dosage, and delivery systems
Critical Care: Managing emergency and intensive care situations
Microbiology & Pathophysiology: Understanding disease processes
Patient Assessment & Education: Communication and bedside techniques

Programs include extensive clinical rotations in hospital and acute care settings.

Education & Program Options

Most respiratory therapists earn an associate degree, though a bachelor’s degree can enhance job opportunities and specialization.

Common educational paths:

Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy (2 years): Entry-level path to licensure
Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care: Advanced coursework for leadership or education roles
Online RT-to-BSRT Programs: Designed for credentialed RTs seeking degree completion
Master’s Degree: For research, management, or advanced clinical practice

All programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for graduates to sit for national certification exams.

Skills You’ll Need to Succeed

Successful respiratory therapists combine technical skill, critical thinking, and compassion.

Top skills include:

Strong understanding of pulmonary physiology and ventilation principles
Ability to respond calmly during medical emergencies
Communication and empathy with patients and families
Detail-oriented assessment and documentation skills
Teamwork and leadership in clinical environments

These skills ensure safe, effective care for patients in critical and long-term treatment.

Certification & Licensure

Respiratory therapists must be licensed in all U.S. states except Alaska. Certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is required for licensure.

Certification process:

Complete an accredited respiratory therapy program
Pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential
Pass the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential
Apply for state licensure based on NBRC results
Maintain credentials through continuing education

Many employers prefer RRT-level professionals for hospital and acute care roles.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

Earn a high school diploma or GED with science and math coursework
Complete an accredited respiratory therapy associate or bachelor’s program
Pass the NBRC TMC and CSE exams for CRT or RRT certification
Apply for state licensure and complete any local requirements
Begin your career in hospital, clinical, or home healthcare settings

Experienced RTs may pursue advanced credentials in neonatal, critical care, or pulmonary diagnostics.

Median Pay (2024) $80,450 $38.68 per hour

Job Outlook (2024–2034) 12.0% +16,800 jobs (2024–2034) • 8,800 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$84,260 per year $40.51 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $61,900

$29.76 per hour

25th Percentile $68,410

$32.89 per hour

75th Percentile $95,530

$45.93 per hour

90th Percentile $108,820

$52.32 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 139,600

2034 156,400

Employment: 139,600 → 156,400 jobs by 2034 (12.0%)

8,800 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment: 0.1%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs: 0.88
Employment RSE: 1.3%
Projected Annual Openings: 8,800

The demand for respiratory therapists is projected to grow due to aging populations, increased rates of chronic lung disease, and expanded access to respiratory care services.

Professional Associations & Resources

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC): Education, advocacy, and CE resources
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC): Certification exams and credentialing
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC): Accredited program listings
American Lung Association (ALA): Public education and career support

Career Paths

Respiratory therapists can specialize or advance into:

Critical Care or ICU Respiratory Therapist
Pulmonary Function Technologist
Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)
Home Health Respiratory Care Provider
Clinical Educator or Department Manager

With additional education, RTs can move into leadership, education, or advanced practice roles.

Find Respiratory Therapist Programs Near You

Ready to start a rewarding career helping patients breathe easier?
Compare accredited respiratory therapist programs near you and take the first step toward national certification and licensure.

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