How long does respiratory therapist go to school

Sources: U. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

Home » Specialties » Respiratory Therapist. What is it like going back to school as an adult? Respiratory Therapists.

Becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist is usually the next step on your journey in how to become a respiratory therapist. This multiple-choice test measures your general knowledge and offers pathways to entry-level and advanced-level credentialing:. While each of the above credentials can be used to demonstrate eligibility for licensure, the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential is clearly required for higher-level positions in the medical field. Every state in the U.

Students must have completed at least an associates degree to qualify for licensure in these 49 states. Most states require background checks for licensure applicants; some also offer trainee licenses for students in an accredited respiratory care program. While beginning the respiratory therapy job search may seem daunting, we have some tips to better prepare you to land your first job in the field.

Building your resume should be a top priority before you interview for any available positions. Be sure to include any accomplishments you received in school, clinical experience or volunteer work you have done in your community in your resume.

You should also practice interviewing so that you are prepared to answer any questions about your experience or knowledge about respiratory therapy. With the increase in knowledge about healthcare and the desire to prevent disease, it's no wonder why this field is in such demand. People are living longer than ever before and may require more breathing help as they age.

Issues regarding sleep, such as sleep apnea, are on the rise and need the assistance of respiratory therapists to manage and treat their conditions. The process of how to become a respiratory therapist takes a minimum of two years if you obtain your associates degree. Hands-on clinical experience is also required to become a licensed respiratory therapist.

After completing all respiratory therapist education requirements, including laboratory, simulation and clinical experiences in the hospitals, aspiring therapists must also pass a credentialing examination and acquire a license to practice in their home state.

So just how long does it take to be a respiratory therapist? The entire process may take up to four years from start to finish, including earning your Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care degree and becoming licensed. Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career with high demand in the health care field. Becoming a respiratory therapist provides opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those with breathing problems and enjoy the benefits of an in-demand career in the medical field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as a respiratory therapist you will provide a number of services for patients with breathing difficulties, including the following:. Respiratory therapy is a rewarding career, but you also need to understand that it is fast-paced, physically enduring, and often requires you to carry a beeper and respond to emergencies in the emergency department, ventilator alarms in the intensive care unit, or codes throughout the hospital.

There are various types of respiratory care degrees you can pursue depending on the career field of your choice. In order to get a job in respiratory therapy, there are certain education requirements and prerequisites you will have to fulfill to get your degree before you can begin your career.

Respiratory therapists need at minimum and associates degree in order to be considered for a position within the field, although more advanced degrees are strongly preferred.

The short answer is, at least two years — or, the amount of time it takes to meet the standard requirements set for modern RTs, including an associate degree and licensure. However, there are flexible and faster-pace programs available.

Respiratory Therapist careers nationwide, and across the state of Connecticut, are booming. Since patients of Respiratory Therapists are so diverse, working as an RT means you can take your pick from a variety of work settings, such as:.

But just how do you get there? To become a Respiratory Therapist today, you will need at least an associate degree in the field. Generally, this takes about two years to complete. At Goodwin College, students must complete 70 credits in the RT program to graduate, which is standard school to school. In addition to having a postsecondary degree, Respiratory Therapists are also required to be licensed in every state.