How to Become a Respiratory Therapist (Step-by-Step)

This video breaks down the required steps for becoming a respiratory therapist. Therefore, if you're interested in a career in respiratory care, you must watch this video.

A respiratory therapist (RT) is a medical professional who specializes in the treatment of diseases that affect the lungs. RTs work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly population. They provide care for those suffering from acute and chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and heart failure.

🟦 Steps for Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

➡️ 1. Have a Natural Desire to Help Others
This is an important quality for any medical professional, but it is especially important for respiratory therapists. That is because they work with patients who are often in a great deal of pain and discomfort.

➡️ 2. Graduate from High School
Those who want to enroll in respiratory therapy school must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent to be eligible.

➡️ 3. Take the Required Prerequisite Courses
These courses will vary depending on the respiratory therapy program you choose, but they typically include subjects such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- College algebra
- English composition

➡️ 4. Apply to Your Favorite Schools
There are many accredited respiratory therapy programs to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and select the one that’s the best fit for you.

➡️ 5. Enroll in the Program
This essentially locks in your position in the program and ensures that you’ll have a spot in the class.

➡️ 6. Complete the Required Coursework
Some examples of the most common respiratory therapy courses include:
- Fundamentals of Respiratory Care
- Cardiopulmonary A&P
- Patient Assessment
- Pharmacology
- Airway management
- Mechanical ventilation
- Neonatal and Pediatric Care
- Cardiopulmonary pathology

➡️ 7. Complete the Required Clinical Experience
This typically includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in a hospital or other medical setting.

➡️ 8. Graduate with an Associates Degree
This is the standard entry-level degree for this profession.

➡️ 9. Pass the NBRC Credentialing Exams
In order to earn the credentials needed to practice respiratory care, graduates must pass a series of exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

➡️ 10. Apply for a License
After earning credentials by passing the NBRC exams, the next step is to apply for a license in the state in which you plan to work. This allows you to legally practice respiratory care in that particular state.

➡️ 11. Apply for a Job

—————

📗 BEST STUDY GUIDES FOR YOU

💙MORE FROM RTZ

🌐FOLLOW US

🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

💡AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This description contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase a product through one of them, we receive a small commission at no cost to you.

—————

⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Have a Natural Desire to Help Others
1:38 - Graduate from High School
1:48 - Take the Required Prerequisite Courses
2:13 - Apply to Your Favorite Schools
2:31 - Enroll in the Program
2:46 - Complete the Required Coursework
3:24 - Complete the Required Clinical Experience
3:50 - Graduate with an Associates Degree
4:03 - Pass the NBRC Credentialing Exams
4:45 - Apply for a License
5:15 - Apply for a Job
5:51 - Advance Your Career
6:43 - Maintain Your Certification

—————

🖼CREDIT FOR MUSIC AND GRAPHICS:

#RespiratoryTherapy #RespiratoryTherapist #RespiratoryTherapySchool

[aamirrt]

Excellent video.... Plz one video for international respiratory therapist who want to work in USA

[kagutomnorthtv]

thank u for the tips for awarenes and cureness

[WhywhyWhywhy-ws]

What major do you recommend, For pre-req?!

[kenjychua]

Im a respiratory therapist in the Philippines and I want to be an RRT, how can I take the exam for that?

[johnguillen]

I have a bachelor's degree already, would I have to take the AA for respiratory? is that only an assistant or can I be working alone as a RT? Do I have to go to the BS program for RT? Which route is faster?

[shakeelkhan]

I m a respiratory therapist what should I do further?

[roedhunt]

First Step: Be prepared to LIE about the dangers of mask wearing!