Licensing and Certification Requirements for Respiratory Therapists in the United States
Summary
- A respiratory therapist in the United States must obtain a license to practice in their respective state
- Certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care is also required for respiratory therapists
- Continuing Education is necessary to maintain licensure and certification as a respiratory therapist
Licensing and Certification Requirements for Respiratory Therapists in the United States
Licensing Requirements
In the United States, respiratory therapists are required to obtain a license to practice in their respective state. Each state has its own licensing requirements which may include:
- Graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy program
- Passing the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam
- Passing the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam
- Completion of a background check
- Submission of an application and fee
Certification Requirements
In addition to obtaining a state license, respiratory therapists in the United States are also required to obtain certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The NBRC offers two levels of certification:
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
To become certified, respiratory therapists must pass the appropriate exams administered by the NBRC. The CRT exam is the entry-level exam, while the RRT exam is an advanced level exam that requires additional education and experience.
Continuing Education Requirements
Once licensed and certified, respiratory therapists in the United States must complete Continuing Education requirements to maintain their credentials. Continuing Education helps respiratory therapists stay current on advances in the field and maintain their skills and knowledge. The NBRC requires respiratory therapists to complete a specified number of Continuing Education credits every few years to renew their certification.
In conclusion, becoming a licensed and certified respiratory therapist in the United States requires completing an accredited program, passing exams, obtaining a state license, and maintaining certification through Continuing Education. These requirements ensure that respiratory therapists have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care to patients.
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