How to Become a Respiratory Therapist with an Associate Degree
Respiratory therapists serve an important function in healthcare, helping patients who have difficulty breathing due to illness, chronic conditions, or medical emergencies. If you’re researching how to become a respiratory therapist, understanding the required education, training, and licensing steps can help you determine whether this career aligns with your goals.
Many professionals begin by completing a respiratory therapy associate degree program, which provides the foundational knowledge and clinical experience needed to enter the field. (1) Some individuals may also choose to continue their education through a bachelor of science in respiratory therapy to further develop their skills and expand their knowledge.
What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
Respiratory therapists evaluate and care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary conditions. They work closely with physicians and healthcare teams to develop and carry out treatment plans. (1)
Common responsibilities include: (1)
- Assessing patients with breathing or lung disorders
- Performing diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity
- Administering oxygen therapy and medications
- Operating equipment like ventilators
- Monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatments
- Educating patients on how to manage respiratory conditions
Respiratory therapists may work with a wide range of patients, including premature infants, adults with chronic respiratory diseases, and individuals experiencing acute medical emergencies. (1)
Why Become a Respiratory Therapist?
Choosing a career in respiratory therapy may appeal to individuals who want to work in healthcare while combining technical skills with direct patient care. Respiratory therapists treat a wide range of conditions, making the role both dynamic and clinically focused.
This career may be a good fit for those who:
- Want to work closely with patients and healthcare teams
- Are interested in cardiopulmonary health and medical technology
- Prefer a hands-on role in clinical environments
- Are comfortable working in fast-paced or critical care settings
Respiratory therapists may work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home healthcare settings. (1) These varied environments can expose professionals to different patient populations and care needs.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist
Becoming a respiratory therapist typically involves completing an approved educational program, gaining clinical experience, and meeting certification and licensure requirements. (1)
Step 1: Earn an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy
Many respiratory therapists begin by earning an associate degree in respiratory therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). (3) These programs provide foundational knowledge in respiratory care, anatomy, and patient assessment.
Step 2: Complete Clinical Training
As part of an associate degree program, students participate in supervised clinical training. This hands-on experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings, working with patients and respiratory equipment. (1)
Step 3: Pass the NBRC Exams
The credentialing process is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and includes:
- Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination, required for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential
- Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), required (along with a high-cut score on the TMC) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential
These exams evaluate knowledge, clinical decision-making, and readiness for professional practice. (2)
Step 4: Obtain State Licensure
Respiratory therapists must be licensed in most states. Licensing requirements vary but generally include:
Carrington College offers Respiratory Therapy associate degree programs in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Prospective students should review specific requirements through their state licensing board.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
An associate degree program can often be completed in as few as 19 months, but the timeline varies depending on your educational path and pace of study.
After completing the program, graduates typically pursue certification exams and state licensure before entering the field. (1)
What Do You Learn in an Associate Degree Program?
Respiratory therapy programs are designed to prepare students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The respiratory therapy curriculum typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. (3)
Core Respiratory Courses
Coursework may include:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Cardiopulmonary pharmacology
- Respiratory care procedures
- Patient assessment and diagnostics
Clinical Experience
Students gain hands-on experience through clinical training, where they may:
- Work with respiratory equipment
- Assist in patient assessments
- Participate in treatment planning
- Practice real-world care techniques under supervision (3)
Respiratory Therapy Certifications
Programs are structured to help prepare students for certification exams offered by the NBRC, including the CRT and RRT credentials, which are commonly used as the basis for state licensure. (2)
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook
The job outlook for respiratory therapists is considered bright, supported by ongoing healthcare needs and the importance of respiratory care across a range of patient populations. Respiratory therapists may find opportunities in a variety of healthcare environments, depending on their training, credentials, and experience.
Where Do Respiratory Therapists Work?
Respiratory therapists can be found in a range of healthcare environments. While many are employed in hospitals, opportunities may also be available in (1):
- Intensive care units
- Emergency departments
- Neonatal and pediatric units
- Offices of physicians
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home healthcare settings
These environments allow respiratory therapists to work with diverse patient populations and conditions. (1)
Skills Needed to Succeed as a Respiratory Therapist
Understanding the skills needed to be a respiratory therapist can help you evaluate whether this career path is a good fit.
Technical skills may include:
- Operating ventilators and respiratory equipment
- Monitoring oxygen levels and lung function
- Administering respiratory treatments
Workplace skills may include:
- Communicating with patients and healthcare teams
- Applying critical thinking in clinical situations
- Maintaining attention to detail in patient care (4)
Is Respiratory Therapy a Good Career?
This field may appeal to individuals who are interested in healthcare, enjoy working directly with patients, and are comfortable in fast-paced clinical environments. The role combines technical responsibilities with patient interaction and may offer opportunities to work in a variety of medical settings.
Start Training for Your Career in Respiratory Therapy With Carrington College
As part of Carrington College’s medical programs, the Respiratory Therapy associate degree program at Carrington College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to pursue entry-level roles in respiratory care.
Students may learn foundational concepts in cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, respiratory care procedures, and patient assessment, while also participating in supervised clinical training to apply skills in real healthcare settings.
Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their program of study. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or become certified or licensed.
Respiratory Therapy Program FAQs
References:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Respiratory Therapists.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm
- National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). “Credentialing Examinations.” https://www.nbrc.org
- Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). “Accredited Respiratory Therapy Programs.” https://coarc.com
- O*NET OnLine. “Respiratory Therapists.” https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1126.00
Updated:
May 8th, 2026
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