NPCC's Respiratory Therapy Program

Respiratory therapists (RT’s), also known as Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCP’s) – evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing problems (chronic asthma, emphysema, etc.) or other cardiopulmonary disorders (cardiac or respiratory arrest, trauma from an accident, stroke, or heart attack).   RT’s work under the supervision of a physician and assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures.  RT’s work primarily in hospitals but have many other opportunities to work outside a hospital setting.  In the hospital, they work in all areas from the emergency room to the ICU.  They draw and analyze arterial blood to determine the Ph, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.   An RT administers oxygen and breathing treatments with aerosol medication to help someone breathe better.    They perform CPR and assist in placing a patient on life support (i.e. ventilator) if needed.   They do diagnostic testing of pulmonary (lung) functions; perform chest physiotherapy and regularly assess patients and the equipment they are using to ensure proper operation and use.  The patients can be any age from a premature infant to an older adult.

How long does it take to become an RT?
An associate degree is the minimal educational requirement, but a bachelor’s or a master’s degree can be achieved.  The program of study includes the areas of human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology and mathematics.  Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, CPR; mechanical ventilation; critical care and the application of Clinical Practice Guidelines.  It depends on the particular educational program you attend, but most will require 45-55 credit hours in the actual coursework of Respiratory Care – approximately 20 months.  You will have to meet prerequisites coursework and other general education required of an Associate of Applied Science degree.   

Do I need a Certification or a License?
Yes, you need to be able to pass a background check and drug screen prior to being accepted into most RT Programs.  After graduation, you must pass the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).  Then you will apply for a license from the state in which you would like to practice with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii which are non-licensed states presently.  You must maintain a valid CPR certification at all times.  You must take the Registered Respiratory Therapy exam (RRT) within three (3) years from graduation or you will need to repeat the CRT exam.

Will I get a job?  How much can I earn?
Respiratory Therapists held about 122,000 jobs in 2006.  About 79% were in hospitals.  Faster-than-average employment growth is projected.  Employment of RT’s is expected to grow 19% from 2006 to 2016.  The demands will increase as our population ages and the role for RTs’ expand.  A new grads average starting pay in Arkansas is $18.00/hr.  Median and annual earnings for RT’s were between $40,840 and $56,160/yr.  Pay will vary by location, years of experience and additional skills.