Choosing a respiratory therapist degree can open the door to a career where every breath you help a patient take is a win.
It’s one of those rare paths where science, compassion, and critical thinking all meet in real time.
I remember shadowing a respiratory therapist during a hospital internship.
One minute, she was calmly coaching a child through an asthma attack.
The next, she was assisting in a trauma unit, ensuring a crash victim’s airway stayed open.
The pace was fast. The stakes were high. But the purpose? Unshakable.
If you’re looking for a career that’s both impactful and in demand, this could be it.
And the journey starts with a respiratory therapist degree.
What Is a Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist (RT) is a licensed medical professional trained to assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
This includes premature infants with underdeveloped lungs, adults with chronic lung diseases like COPD, or patients recovering from surgery or trauma.
They don’t just manage ventilators.
They educate patients, interpret diagnostics, and assist doctors in emergencies.
It’s a hands-on role that makes a real difference—often within minutes.
The Journey to Becoming a Respiratory Therapist
To work in this field, you’ll need to complete an accredited respiratory therapy program.
Most students choose an associate degree in respiratory therapy, which can be completed in about two years.
Some go on to earn a bachelor’s to expand their career options in research, education, or leadership.
During your studies, you’ll cover topics like human anatomy, cardiopulmonary physiology, mechanical ventilation, and clinical pharmacology.
But it’s not all textbooks and labs—clinical rotations are where you’ll apply everything you’ve learned.
When I first stepped onto the hospital floor as a student, I was nervous.
But after assisting with my first nebulizer treatment and seeing a patient breathe easier—something clicked.
That moment made every late-night study session worth it.
Certification and Licensure
After earning your degree, you’ll need to pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam.
This exam is offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
A passing score earns you the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential.
For those looking to advance, a higher score lets you take the Clinical Simulation Exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Every state (except Alaska) requires licensure to practice.
This ensures therapists meet high standards of care and stay updated with continuing education.
Where Respiratory Therapists Work
Hospitals remain the largest employers of RTs, especially in ICUs, ERs, and neonatal units.
But you’ll also find them in:
- Pulmonary rehab clinics
- Home healthcare
- Sleep labs
- Air transport units
- Long-term care facilities
One of my classmates took a job at a children’s hospital, while another chose to work in a mobile critical care unit.
There’s variety, flexibility, and room to specialize—whether that’s in pediatrics, sleep disorders, or critical care.
Real-World Impact and Job Satisfaction
Respiratory therapists don’t just witness life-changing moments—they cause them.
Helping a newborn take their first breath.
Teaching a COPD patient how to breathe easier.
Extubating a patient after days on a ventilator.
You’re not in the background.
You’re in the room, part of the team, making split-second decisions.
And that level of purpose leads to deep career satisfaction.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average.
The aging population and rise in respiratory conditions like asthma and sleep apnea mean more patients need care.
Skills That Set You Apart
Beyond clinical training, respiratory therapists need soft skills that can’t be taught from a book:
- Empathy: Patients are scared. Your calm presence can ease that.
- Communication: You’ll explain treatments, coach breathing techniques, and relay critical info to doctors.
- Adaptability: No two days—or patients—are ever the same.
- Problem-solving: RTs must act quickly, especially in trauma or code blue situations.
I once saw a therapist spot a minor change in a patient’s oxygen saturation that prevented a major setback.
It’s this kind of attention to detail that can make you invaluable on a care team.
Career Growth and Beyond
Once you’ve established yourself, you can pursue specialties or supervisory roles.
Some RTs become:
- Clinical educators
- Pulmonary function technologists
- Case managers
- Sleep disorder specialists
- Respiratory therapy directors
There’s also room to transition into related fields like medical sales, respiratory research, or healthcare management.
One former colleague started in a NICU unit and now trains new RTs across the country.
Another opened a private clinic focused on managing chronic respiratory illness.
With experience and certification, the path is yours to shape.
Is This the Right Career for You?
If you’re drawn to healthcare but don’t want a traditional nursing or physician path, respiratory therapy is a compelling alternative.
It offers patient interaction, technical challenges, and room for advancement—all in under three years of training.
You’ll need to be resilient, alert, and compassionate.
You’ll deal with life-and-death situations.
But you’ll also leave work knowing you made a real difference.
In a world where people are literally struggling to breathe—your work becomes their lifeline.
And that’s a career worth building.
Let your next step be the one that changes lives—starting with your own.
Explore how a respiratory therapist degree can help you get there.
