- In order to become a certified respiratory therapist, you must first graduate from a 2-year associate's degree program that is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education (JRCRTE) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- According to the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), those who are enrolled in an accredited respiratory therapy program in a school that offers a baccalaureate degree may apply for the CRT examination with a special certificate of completion issued by that school.
- Although only an associate's degree program or the alternative schooling described above is required to become a certified respiratory therapist, a bachelor's or master's degree is highly recommended.
- You must be at least 18 years old to become a certified respiratory therapist.
- In order to become a successful certified respiratory therapist, you must be a thoughtful person with the ability to work patiently with those who are in pain. You must be a team player, work well under pressure, follow orders and operate complicated computer equipment.
- After fulfilling the educational requirements, you must apply for a certification exam offered by the NBRC. This can either be done online on the official NBRC website or through the mail.
- After being approved to take a certification exam, you must receive a passing grade on the exam in order to become a fully certified respiratory therapist.
