How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Massachusetts

Respiratory therapists help evaluate and treat breathing problems in patients.

Respiratory therapists work with doctors and other healthcare professionals in creating care plans for patients with from respiratory or cardiopulmonary issues. Therapists perform diagnostics to assess breathing function and oxygen levels in the blood and breathing exercises and medications to facilitate proper respiratory function.To qualify for this position in Massachusetts, candidates typically possess a college degree, certification and licensing.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Associates degree
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) license and certification

Instructions

1. Complete the basic education requirements for admission to a college or vocational respiratory care program. To gain access to respiratory care programs at the college level, you will need a high school diploma or GED. You may also be required to take a college placement examination for consideration. Review all entrance requirements for any respiratory care program prior to the application process.

2. Attain training and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). As a school and career job requirement, you will be expected to learn and maintain certification in CPR. For many respiratory care academic programs in Massachusetts, this certification may be required for admission. CPR training and certification can be acquired through the American Heart Association (AHA). To find classes in Massachusetts, use the ECC Class Connector available on the AHA website.

3. Enter a respiratory care academic program. Once you have completed preliminary education requirements, you will need to gain an associates degree in respiratory care from a vocational school or college. Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers a respiratory care associates program for aspiring therapists. Typical programs run approximately two years and include coursework in physiology, anatomy, pharmacology and critical care. With schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon completion of all academic requirements you should be ready to complete the credentialing process.

4. Take the Respiratory Therapist certification (CRT) exam offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). With an associates degree in respiratory care you will be eligible to take the certification exam. You can apply to take the CRT exam by visiting the NBRC website: www.nbrc.org. Once you have been approved to take the exam, you may schedule your test online through the same website.

5. Apply for licensure with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. All respiratory therapists in Massachusetts must be state licensed to practice. Once you have passed the CRT exam through the NBRC, you can acquire your state license with the Department of Health's Board of Respiratory Care. To apply for this license you will need your college transcripts and proof of your current CRT certification. The application and instructions are available on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website: www.mass.gov.

Tips & Warnings

• In the application process for your academic program and licensing, you will be required to have a clear criminal background. Be sure you have a clear criminal background to avoid difficulty in entering this career.

References

• Bureau of Labor: Respiratory Therapists
• Quinsigamond Community College: Respiratory Care Program
• Mass.gov: Health and Human Services
• National Board for Respiratory Care: CRT Exam Requirements
• American Heart Association: ECC Class Connector