Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Requirements in the United States

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Respiratory therapists in the United States are required to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy or a related field.
  • Most states also require respiratory therapists to be licensed, which involves passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.
  • Certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is often required for job opportunities and career advancement.

Introduction

Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in healthcare settings, especially in hospitals where they provide care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. In the United States, there are specific certifications and qualifications that respiratory therapists must possess in order to practice. This article will explore the necessary certifications and qualifications required to work as a respiratory therapist in the United States.

Educational Requirements

One of the primary requirements to work as a respiratory therapist in the United States is to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy, although many therapists opt to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree for career advancement. These programs typically include courses in anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, diagnostic procedures, and treatment protocols related to respiratory care.

Accreditation

It is important to ensure that the educational program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Graduating from an accredited program not only ensures that you have received a quality education but also makes you eligible to sit for the required certification exams.

Licensure

Most states require respiratory therapists to be licensed in order to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically involve passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam. This exam consists of two parts: the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam and the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). Once you have passed these exams, you can apply for licensure in your state.

Continuing Education

After obtaining licensure, respiratory therapists must maintain their credentials by completing Continuing Education requirements. These requirements ensure that therapists stay current with advances in the field and provide the best possible care to their patients.

Certification

While licensure is mandatory for respiratory therapists, certification is often preferred by employers and can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers two levels of certification for respiratory therapists: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

  1. The CRT credential is obtained by passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam.
  2. This certification demonstrates that the therapist has the knowledge and skills required to practice as a respiratory therapist.
  3. While CRT certification is sufficient for entry-level positions, many therapists choose to pursue the RRT credential for career advancement.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

  1. The RRT credential is obtained by passing both the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam and the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE).
  2. This certification signifies that the therapist has a higher level of knowledge and expertise in respiratory care.
  3. RRT certification is often required for supervisory roles, advanced practice positions, and specialty areas within respiratory therapy.

Conclusion

Working as a respiratory therapist in the United States requires a combination of education, licensure, and certification. By obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications, respiratory therapists can provide high-quality care to patients with respiratory or cardiopulmonary disorders and advance their careers in the healthcare field.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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