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How to become a Respiratory Therapist?

Share your journey & guide aspiring Respiratory Therapists on their path!

Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.

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Rebecca’s Answer

I went to a community college and received an associates degree in respiratory care. After that I took the exam to be registered respiratory therapist(RRT). I got a job a month after I graduated. RT’s are very much in demand right now since many RT’s are retiring right now. There are many specialties credentials you can also get from passing more exams. I have my Pulmonary Function Technologist credential, as well as a Certified Asthma Educator credential. I work in an outpatient clinic doing pulmonary function testing (PFT) and educating patients on how to take medications and manage their lung issues. I also assist in Bronchoscopies. The Pulmonologist takes a long fiber optic camera and goes into the lungs through the mouth. While in there they look around for anything wrong and also take samples such as a washing. That is where they put fluid into the lung and suck it back out and send for testing. Other things they do are biopsies of the lung and even lymph nodes and lung masses to r/o cancer or stage cancer. I take all the samples and make slides for the pathologist, manage the samples taken set up the equipment and manage the bronchoscopes. My job is very different from your traditional respiratory therapist who works in the hospital inpatient area. Which is also very rewarding.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi there,

You need at least an associates degree (2 years), better a bachelors degree (4 years) in respiratory therapy.

You can then take an exam to become a certified respiratory therapist. And 2 more exams get you credentialled as registered respiratory therapist.

In most states you also need to be licensed to practice.

I hope this helps!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/specialties/respiratory-therapist-training-career-overview/
https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/specialties/respiratory-therapist-training-career-overview/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-with-respiratory-care-therapy/
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