How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Overview of the Profession
A respiratory therapist (RT) is a specialized healthcare professional trained to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. RTs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home care.
Their responsibilities include:
- Administering oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary Hygiene: breathing treatments, breathing exercises
- Assisting in emergency care and airway management
- Managing ventilators and life-support equipment
- Performing pulmonary function tests
- Educating patients about lung diseases and breathing techniques
Career Paths
Respiratory therapists can pursue various career paths based on their interests and expertise:
- Acute Care/Hospital-Based RT – Works in emergency rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), and general wards treating critically ill patients.
- Pulmonary Function Technologist – Specializes in diagnostic testing of lung function and capacity.
- Home Care RT – Provides respiratory care services in a patient’s home, managing chronic conditions like COPD and sleep apnea.
- Neonatal/Pediatric RT – Works in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, helping premature infants and children with breathing issues.
- Sleep Medicine – Specializes in sleep studies and managing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
- Education & Research – Works in academia or research settings, training future RTs or contributing to advancements in pulmonary medicine.
- Management & Administration – Leads respiratory departments in hospitals, overseeing clinical staff and departmental operations.
Required Education
To become a respiratory therapist, individuals must complete the following steps:
- Earn a Degree – A minimum of an Associate’s Degree from a CoARC-accredited program is required, but many employers prefer a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Complete Clinical Training – Programs include hands-on clinical rotations in various hospital settings.
- Pass the NBRC Credentialing Exams – To obtain licensure, candidates must pass the TMC (Therapist Multiple-Choice) Exam and, if eligible, the CSE (Clinical Simulation Exam).
- Obtain State Licensure – Most states require licensure to practice as an RT.
- Consider Specialization & Continuing Education – Advanced certifications like Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS), Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT), or Registered Sleep Technologist (RRT-SDS) can enhance career opportunities.
Study Guides & Resources
NBRC Exam Prep
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers credentialing exams for respiratory therapists. The primary exams are:
- Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam – Determines eligibility for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. A high-cut score allows candidates to take the CSE.
- Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) – Required for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Kettering Review
Kettering National Seminars is one of the most popular NBRC exam prep resources. It provides comprehensive review courses and study materials for the TMC and CSE exams, as well as the specialty certification exams.
Key Features:
- Multiple Board Exam Review – CRT, RRT, ACCS, NPS, PFT, AE-C, and SDS.
- Comprehensive Review Materials – Covers all NBRC exam topics, including respiratory pharmacology, mechanical ventilation, and diagnostics.
- Self-Assessment Exams – Helps identify weak areas.
- Flashcards & Quick Reference Guides – Useful for last-minute review.
- Audio & Video Lectures – Great for auditory learners.
- Live & Online Courses – Options for online or in-person seminars.
- Money-Back Guarantee – 1-year money-back Guarantee from the date of purchase. In the unlikely event that you do not pass your exam, you have the option to return the material, cancel our assistance, and receive a full refund, excluding shipping.
- Free Tutor Support – available until you successfully pass your exam!
- HomeStudy Course – Some HomeStudy courses are approved by the AARC for Category 1 “Non-traditional” Continuing Education (CE) credit.
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Pros & Cons:
✅ Pros: Highly detailed, structured approach, high success rate among students.
❌ Cons: Expensive compared to other resources, but many find it worth the investment.
Gary Persing
Gary Persing is a well-known author and educator in the field of respiratory therapy. His book, Respiratory Care Exam Review: Review for the Entry-Level and Advanced-Level Exams, is a widely used resource for NBRC exam prep.
Key Features of Persing’s Book:
- Covers both CRT and RRT exams.
- Organized by topic areas, making it easy to follow.
- Comprehensive Workbook – Includes explanations and practice problems.
- Includes rationales for correct and incorrect answers.
- Features practice questions modeled after the NBRC format.
- Live & Online Courses – Options for online or in-person seminars.
- Home Study Exam Workshop – three home study exam review programs available through Respiratory Associates. Ideal for those who prefer self-paced studying without attending a formal review course.
- Continuing Education Units (CEU): Both the live virtual and in-person workshops have been approved by the AARC for 10.5 continuing education credits
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Pros & Cons:
✅ Pros: Comprehensive, easy to follow, great for self-study.
❌ Cons: Less study material provided
LindseyJones
LindseyJones is another well-respected NBRC exam prep provider. Their study materials focus on simplifying complex respiratory concepts and breaking them down into easy-to-understand modules.
Key Features:
- Step-by-Step Approach – Designed to gradually build knowledge.
- Audio & Online Lectures – Great for those who prefer auditory learning.
- Comprehensive Workbook – Includes explanations and practice problems.
- Flashcards & Quick Reference Guides – Useful for last-minute review.
- Mock Exams – Simulates the actual NBRC testing environment.
- Focus on Test-Taking Strategies – Helps students identify question patterns and eliminate incorrect choices.
- Live & Online Courses – Options for in-person or online seminars.
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Pros & Cons:
✅ Pros: Well-organized, great for different learning styles, strong emphasis on strategy.
❌ Cons: Less detailed than Kettering, but easier to digest.
Test-Taking Strategies
1. Understand Exam Format
The TMC exam has 160 multiple-choice questions, and the CSE involves patient case simulations.
2. Develop a Study Plan
Allocate time for reviewing each topic, focusing on weak areas.
3. Use Mnemonics & Flashcards
Helps in memorizing critical information such as normal lab values and treatment protocols.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
Take multiple timed practice tests to get comfortable with the exam format.
5. Master ABG Interpretation & Ventilator Management
These are commonly tested concepts in both exams.