The Path To Becoming A Respiratory Therapist Starts With The Right Program

Wellness
Written by Arnab Dey
August 6, 2025

Choosing a respiratory therapy program is where it all kicks off. It’s the first real step toward what could be a pretty incredible journey in healthcare.

But, how to become a respiratory therapist? One with the correct skills and efficient practical knowledge? Well, that’s the real question.

And honestly? It’s not just about memorizing stuff from books or acing exams. Well, then what’s it about? Let me explain.

When you’re going for an experimental degree, you need to remember that your ultimate goal is to be right there in the moment, helping someone breathe when they need it most.

I can still picture the first time I shadowed a respiratory therapist. It was during my second year at community college, part of a hospital internship.

There was this tiny newborn in the NICU—barely the size of a loaf of bread—struggling to breathe.

The therapist walked in, totally calm. She checked the baby’s vitals and made a few quick adjustments on the ventilator. And guess what? Within minutes, the numbers started stabilizing.

Now, the doctor has arrived. However, the situation wa already under control. Yes! That whole scene stuck with me.

Well, I dont believe it is just because the baby pulled through. It is more so because of how steady and skilled the therapist was under pressure.

If you’re someone who stays cool in chaotic situations and wants to make a hands-on difference in people’s lives, this career path might be right up your alley.

But here’s the thing: picking the right program early on is huge. I’ve seen the difference it makes firsthand.

Every hospital I’ve been in has had therapists with all kinds of backgrounds. Some came from really solid programs that emphasized real-world practice.

However, this was not the same for everyone. There were such therapists who, when you saw them, well, you could tell they didn’t get the same kind of training.

So yeah, that’s why choosing the right respiratory therapy program early on can set you apart.

How To Become A Respiratory Therapist?

If you are wondering how to become a respiratory therapist, the first step is to earn an associate’s degree. Although pursuing a bachelor’s degree can be more beneficial.

Moreover, you also have to get certified. You have to pass exams like the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Furthermore, many respiratory therapists opt to obtain a master’s degree to further advance their careers.

What Is A Respiratory Therapy Program?

So, what exactly does a respiratory therapy program involve? At its core, it’s designed to teach you how to help people who are struggling to breathe.

You’ll learn how to use ventilators. Additionally, you will also be able to run pulmonary function tests and jump into emergency situations. Yes, and all that good stuff.

The coursework covers a lot. You can think of anatomy, cardiopulmonary physiology, and pharmacology.

Additionally, there are hands-on clinical rotations. It’s not easy, but it’s the kind of hard that pays off.

I remember during one of my ER rotations, a guy came in mid-asthma attack. I’d practiced the steps a dozen times in the lab, but suddenly, it was real.

Everything clicked into place. That experience made me realize just how crucial the training really is—it’s not just about passing tests; it’s about being ready when someone’s life is on the line.

Why Accreditation Matters?

This part’s non-negotiable: make sure the program you choose is accredited by CoARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care).

Why? Because without that stamp of approval, your degree might not mean much when it comes time to get certified.

One of my coworkers learned that the hard way. Their school wasn’t accredited—something they didn’t catch until after graduating.

They ended up retaking classes at a different school, wasting both time and money. Total nightmare. So yeah, Lesson learned—check the credentials first.

How To Become A Respiratory Therapist With The Right Degree?

Of course, the right egress will matter a lot. But how do you choose one? Hm, tricky!!

Well, when you are wondering how to become a respiratory therapist with the correct associate degree, you can keep these facts in mind while you choose one.

1. Online Vs. On-Campus Options

These days, there are more ways than ever to get your training. Suppose you’re working. Or maybe you have a family, or just need some flexibility.

What can you do in such cases? Not to worry at all. You will have the option to look into hybrid or fully online programs.

Most of them offer lectures online and then schedule the labs or clinicals in person.

I took some of my classes online while holding down a night shift. It wasn’t exactly easy, but the ability to watch recorded lectures and use virtual labs made it doable.

Tech in healthcare education has come a long way—don’t underestimate how helpful that can be.

2. Real Skills, Real Scenarios

The programs that really prepare you? They throw you into real-life scenarios early on. Reading about lung mechanics is one thing—being the one handling a BiPAP machine at 2 in the morning during an emergency is something else entirely.

One of our simulation labs was a mock “code blue.” We had to intubate a high-fidelity mannequin, set up oxygen, and document everything—the whole drill.

It was intense. But honestly, those simulations made a massive difference. When I faced actual emergencies later, I didn’t freeze—I knew what to do.

3. Certification And Licensing

Once you’ve wrapped up the program, next stop: certification. You’ll need to take the NBRC’s TMC exam.

Score high enough, and you can move on to the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). That’s how you get your RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credential.

Most states also require you to be licensed. Luckily, most schools walk you through that process step by step. Just make sure you’re clear on your state’s specific requirements.

4. Career Outlook And Growth

Here’s the good news: respiratory therapists are in demand—and that trend’s not slowing down anytime soon.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster-than-average job growth in this field, which is always nice to hear when you’re thinking about long-term career stability.

There’s a wide range of places you can work, too—hospitals, clinics, home care setups, sleep labs, even emergency transport teams.

Some of my classmates ended up in pediatric units, while others now focus on rehab for elderly patients. It’s a pretty versatile path.

5. Soft Skills Matter Too

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always show up on a syllabus: people skills. Technical know-how is obviously key, but your ability to communicate and show compassion? That’s what really sticks with patients.

I once spent close to an hour helping an older woman get comfortable with her CPAP machine. She was anxious, overwhelmed, and kind of resistant.

But I kept things calm, explained it step by step, and a week later, she called back—just to say thanks.

Said she finally got a full night’s sleep for the first time in years. Moments like that… they really remind you why you do this.

What Are The Tips For Prospective Students?

Here’s some straight-up advice if you’re thinking about applying:

Talk to people currently in the program. They’ll give you the no-filter version of what it’s really like.
Visit the campus—or do a virtual tour. You want to get a sense of the vibe, the labs, and how supportive the faculty is.
Ask detailed questions about clinicals. Where are you going? What kind of patients will you see? It all matters.
Look at the graduation and job placement stats. They’re usually a solid clue about how well the program prepares you.

Summing Up: How To Become A Respiratory Therapist In 2025?

Well, I suppose now, you can stop all your confusion about hw to become a respiratory therapist, and start taking action!

Choosing a respiratory therapy program isn’t just about picking a school off a list. It’s about setting yourself up to make a difference.

Like, a real one. You’ll be the person helping someone breathe again. That’s not something you take lightly.

If you can get the right training and resources, this career can be insanely rewarding. What impact do you have? It’s real. It’s lasting. And it’s deeply human.

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