How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with breathing disorders such as asthma, emphysema and cystic fibrosis using a variety of methods and equipment. Follow these simple steps to prepare for a career that literally helps people breathe easier.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Academic Counselings
• Career Counseling
• Financial Aid

1. Take as many courses as possible in biology, chemistry, physics, math and health science during your high school years.

2. Complete a two-year, post-secondary-level training program in respiratory therapy offered by a hospital, college, vocational-technical school, or branch of the military. These programs include both classroom and clinical components, culminating in an associate's degree.

3. Pass the licensing exam offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care to become a licensed respiratory therapist. Licensing is required to practice in all but ten states, and is strongly preferred everywhere.

4. Further your career by additional study to obtain a bachelor's degree. You'll also accumulate more clinical experience.

5. Maintain your license through required continuing education credits every two years.

Tips & Warnings

• Opportunities will be greatest for RTs with expertise in treating infants and/or the elderly.