About

Respiratory therapy is a healthcare profession focused on breathing and the heart–lung system. Respiratory therapists (RTs) assess patients, deliver inhaled medicines and oxygen, manage breathing support, and help people understand their lung conditions.

RTs care for people of all ages, from premature infants to older adults. They work alongside physicians, nurses, and other clinicians in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation programs, sleep labs, and home care. Their work combines hands-on patient care with the technology used to support breathing.

Start with a CoARC-accredited entry-to-practice respiratory therapy program, usually at the associate or bachelor's degree level. Courses, lab training, and supervised clinical rotations prepare you to assess and treat breathing problems. Prerequisites and total completion time vary by school.

After graduation, earn the appropriate NBRC credential and meet the licensing requirements where you plan to work. Before applying to a school, compare its accreditation, exam outcomes, clinical placements, and total cost. Our program finder can help you explore your options.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $82,280 for RTs in May 2025. It projects 9% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 8,600 openings a year, including replacement openings. These national figures suggest continued demand; local hiring and individual pay vary, and the median is not a starting salary.

Benefits depend on the employer and your employment status. For example, Mayo Clinic lists medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits for eligible RT positions. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement. Compare the full package and schedule: hospital roles may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Practicing RTs with an associate degree can complete a bachelor's degree through a degree-advancement program. A bachelor's or master's degree can support a move into education, leadership, or research; requirements depend on the role and employer. Check how your credits transfer before enrolling.

RT experience can count toward patient-care requirements for physician assistant (PA) programs, depending on the school. You still need its academic prerequisites, usually a bachelor's degree, and separate accredited PA training, typically a master's program, followed by certification and licensure.

Certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) programs require a bachelor's degree, premedical science preparation, and separate accredited graduate anesthesia training. Graduates pursue CAA certification and practice under a physician anesthesiologist. Practice authorization varies by jurisdiction, so check where you want to work. An RT credential alone does not qualify you for PA or CAA practice.

A shift usually begins with handoff: which patients need support, what changed overnight, and which treatments or tests are due. The RT reviews orders, assesses breathing, and checks oxygen devices, airways, and ventilators for assigned patients.

During the shift, RTs give inhaled treatments, manage oxygen and ventilator support, clear secretions, and assess blood gas results. They may join rounds, help with breathing trials and extubation, or respond to rapid-response calls and resuscitations. Treatment follows orders, approved protocols, and the therapist's scope of practice.

Patient teaching, reassessment, and charting continue throughout the day. Before leaving, the RT hands off changes and outstanding needs to the next therapist. The mix of routine treatments, critical care, and emergencies depends on the hospital and unit.

CoARC—the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care—accredits education programs. The NBRC—the National Board for Respiratory Care—awards professional credentials. CRT means Certified Respiratory Therapist; RRT means Registered Respiratory Therapist. State boards issue licenses to practice, where required; NBRC credentialing and state licensure are separate processes.

Through December 31, 2026, the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam has two passing thresholds. The lower earns the CRT credential; the higher also establishes eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), for qualified candidates. Passing the CSE then earns the RRT credential.

In January 2027, the NBRC replaces the TMC/CSE pathway for new candidates with one Respiratory Therapy Examination: the lower passing threshold earns CRT, and the higher earns RRT. Testing begins January 4. Eligible candidates who reached the higher TMC threshold before the transition may take the CSE through December 31, 2027.

Check your state board's current credential, application, and renewal requirements. Maintain your NBRC credential and state license separately, including any required continuing education.