How to Become a Respiratory Therapist: Is It the Right Career for You?

Respiratory Therapist Career Video

Introduction

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping patients breathe more effectively. From newborns with underdeveloped lungs to elderly individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), RTs play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and managing respiratory conditions.

If you are considering a healthcare career that combines technical skills, patient care, and teamwork, respiratory therapy may be an excellent choice. But is it the right fit for you? This guide explores everything you need to know about becoming a Respiratory Therapist—from job responsibilities and working conditions to salary expectations, career outlook, and self-assessment strategies.

Is a Career as a Respiratory Therapist Right for You? Take Our Career Test

Our career test, also known as a career aptitude test, can help you determine if becoming a Respiratory Therapist aligns with your strengths, skills, and passions.

The Career Fit Test™ includes three powerful career assessments:
✅ A career test to explore your best job matches
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✅ A personality trait quiz to understand your work style

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What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in assessing, treating, and caring for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. They provide both emergency and long-term care for patients ranging from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly individuals with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, emphysema, or COPD. While they often work under a physician’s supervision, Respiratory Therapists exercise independent clinical judgment and play a vital role in patient care teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Patient Assessment: Measure lung capacity, oxygen levels, and overall pulmonary function using diagnostic equipment and physical exams.
  • Treatment Administration: Deliver oxygen therapy, administer aerosol medications, and perform chest physiotherapy to clear airways.
  • Ventilator Management: Set up, operate, and monitor mechanical ventilators in critical care units to ensure patients receive proper breathing support.
  • Emergency Response: Provide lifesaving interventions, including CPR, airway management, and advanced life support, during medical emergencies.
  • Patient Education: Instruct patients and families on using inhalers, breathing devices, and home oxygen therapy, and guide them in managing chronic respiratory illnesses.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust individualized treatment plans.
  • Diagnostic Testing: Conduct sleep studies, blood gas analyses, and pulmonary function tests to support accurate diagnoses.

Respiratory Therapists play an essential role in helping patients breathe easier and recover from illness, injury, or surgery.

👉 Learn more on O*NET: Respiratory Therapists (29-1126.00)

What Is the Working Environment for a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory Therapists can work in a variety of settings, each offering different challenges and opportunities.

Common Work Settings

  • Hospitals – Most RTs work in hospitals, particularly in critical care units, emergency rooms, and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
  • Outpatient Clinics – RTs may provide pulmonary rehabilitation, diagnostic testing, and education in community health centers.
  • Home Health Services – Some RTs help patients manage home respiratory equipment.
  • Long-Term Care Facilities – Provide ongoing support for patients with chronic illnesses.

Work Schedule

  • RTs often work full-time, and because breathing emergencies can occur at any time, many work nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • The work can be physically demanding and emotionally intense, especially in life-or-death situations.

How Do You Become a Respiratory Therapist?

Education Requirements

  • Most Respiratory Therapists earn at least an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy, though some pursue bachelor’s degrees.
  • Coursework typically includes anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and clinical practice.

Licensing and Certification

  • All U.S. states except Alaska require state licensure.
  • Licensure usually requires passing exams from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC):
    • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
    • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Career Pathway

  1. Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.
  2. Pass the NBRC exams (CRT and/or RRT).
  3. Apply for state licensure.
  4. Gain clinical experience through hospital or specialty work.

👉 Explore educational requirements on BLS Respiratory Therapists Profile

What Is the Salary of a Respiratory Therapist?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Respiratory Therapists was $70,540 in May 2023. The lowest 10% earned less than $53,000, while the top 10% earned more than $100,000.

  • Hospitals generally pay the highest wages.
  • Outpatient clinics and home health services may pay slightly less.

For comparison, related roles include:

This demonstrates that respiratory therapy is a relatively well-paying allied health career.

What Is the Labor Market for a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory therapy is considered a high-demand career with strong growth projections.

  • Employment growth (2022–2032): 13% (much faster than average).
  • Job openings: About 9,400 openings projected each year (BLS).

This demand is fueled by:

  • An aging population with higher rates of respiratory illnesses.
  • Increased rates of asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.
  • The long-term impact of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

👉 Source: BLS Occupational Outlook – Respiratory Therapists

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Respiratory Therapist?

Pros

  • High demand and job security.
  • Competitive salary and benefits.
  • Opportunity to make a life-saving impact.
  • Diverse work settings (hospitals, clinics, home care).
  • Respect and collaboration within healthcare teams.

Cons

  • Physically and emotionally demanding.
  • Irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
  • Exposure to infectious diseases.
  • Stress from critical care and emergencies.

Here’s the Holland Code–style career path summary for Respiratory Therapist:

Respiratory Therapist – A Social Career Path

A Respiratory Therapist aligns with the Social–Investigative–Conventional personality types in the Holland Code (RIASEC) system. This framework helps connect your personality traits with careers that are the best fit. You can discover your personal three-letter Holland Code by taking the Free Career Fit Test™.

People with Social traits thrive in this career because it centers on caring for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory Therapists provide treatment, educate patients and families, and offer compassionate support during stressful times.

Investigative individuals succeed in this field because the role requires problem-solving, analyzing test results, and working with advanced medical technology to assess and improve lung function.

Conventional qualities are also important, as Respiratory Therapists must follow established medical protocols, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with healthcare standards.

This career is ideal for individuals who want to combine technical expertise with direct patient care, playing a vital role in saving lives and improving the quality of health for those with respiratory conditions.

List of Holland Social Careers

Below are many more social careers. Also, see our article, Finding the Right Career for Your Social Personality.

Holland Social Careers

To explore which ones match your passions and skills, take the Career Fit Test™.

What Are the Careers Related to Being a Respiratory Therapist?

If you’re interested in respiratory therapy, you might also explore related healthcare careers:

What Types of Jobs Can a Respiratory Therapist Pursue?

Respiratory Therapists can specialize in different roles, including:

  • Critical Care RT – Work in ICUs managing ventilators.
  • Neonatal/Pediatric RT – Care for premature infants and children.
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist – Help patients manage chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Sleep Disorder Specialist – Assist with diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
  • Home Care RT – Provide respiratory support for patients outside hospitals.

What Websites Are Best for Finding Respiratory Therapist Jobs?

Here are some trusted job boards for finding respiratory therapy positions:

How Do I Know if I Should Be a Respiratory Therapist?

Deciding whether to pursue a career as a Respiratory Therapist requires honest reflection, research, and self-assessment. Since this role combines patient care, medical technology, and high-pressure decision-making, it’s important to ensure your skills, personality, and interests align with the demands of the profession.

Take a Career Aptitude Test

One of the most effective first steps is taking a career aptitude test such as the Free Career Fit Test™. This comprehensive tool includes three assessments designed to give you clarity:

  • Career Test – Aligns your interests with potential career paths, including healthcare roles like Respiratory Therapy.
  • Career Aptitude Assessment – Evaluates your natural abilities, problem-solving skills, and capacity for technical and patient-centered work.
  • Personality Trait Quiz – Helps you understand your communication style, stress tolerance, and teamwork approach.

The Career Fit Test™ Premium Report provides a personalized roadmap to help you:

  • Discover your strengths and transferable skills.
  • Identify your best career match from over 900 options.
  • Build confidence and clarity in pursuing a career you’ll find meaningful.

👉 Start here: Take the Free Career Fit Test™

Conduct Informational Interviews

Speaking directly with Respiratory Therapists is another powerful way to gain insights. Consider reaching out to professionals working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Ask them questions such as:

  • What do you enjoy most about your daily work?
  • What are the toughest challenges you face?
  • How do you manage the emotional demands of patient care?
  • What career advancement opportunities exist in your setting?
  • How does work-life balance differ in critical care, outpatient, or home health environments?

These conversations can help you set realistic expectations and envision your future in the field.

Assess Your Skills and Interests

You may be well-suited for a career as a Respiratory Therapist if you:

  • Have strong science knowledge and enjoy applying it to solve real-world problems.
  • Stay calm under pressure, especially in emergency or intensive care settings.
  • Enjoy working directly with patients and supporting their recovery.
  • Are curious about medical technology, such as ventilators and diagnostic testing equipment.
  • Value being part of a healthcare team that makes a direct impact on saving lives.

If these qualities resonate with you, Respiratory Therapy could be a strong fit for your future career path.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Respiratory Therapist?

Here are some excellent resources for further research:

Conclusion

Respiratory Therapy is more than just a career—it’s a calling that blends patient care, advanced medical technology, and life-saving interventions. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and multiple opportunities for specialization, it offers a rewarding path for individuals drawn to healthcare.

That said, the profession also comes with challenges. Respiratory Therapists must demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and emotional strength while working in fast-paced and often high-stakes environments.

Before making your decision, take time to reflect on your skills, interests, and long-term goals. Tools like the Free Career Fit Test™ can help you assess whether this path aligns with your natural strengths and personality.

If you are passionate about helping others breathe easier, thrive in a collaborative healthcare team, and want to make a direct, tangible difference in patients’ lives, then a career as a Respiratory Therapist may be the perfect choice for you.

👉 Take the Free Career Fit Test™ today and explore whether Respiratory Therapy is your best-fit career.