FAQ
Respiratory Therapist FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a respiratory therapist.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a respiratory therapist: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about respiratory therapists
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist?
Most people complete a two-year associate degree, then pass NBRC exams and get licensed.
What’s the difference between a CRT and an RRT?
The CRT is the entry-level credential. The RRT requires a higher score and the Clinical Simulation exam, and most hospitals prefer it.
Do respiratory therapists work in the ICU?
Yes. Critical care is a major part of the job, along with ER, NICU, floors, sleep labs and rehab.
How much does a respiratory therapist make?
The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $82,280 ($39.56 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $63,660 and the highest 10% earned more than $118,050.
How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist?
Most people need about 2 years of training. Respiratory therapists need at least an associate degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Bachelor’s degree programs are increasingly common. Graduates take the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and, for the RRT, the Clinical Simulation exam.
Do you need a degree to be a respiratory therapist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
Is respiratory therapist a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +8.5% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 8,600 openings each year. Upsides include associate degree leads to strong pay; a common challenge is that high-stress emergencies and codes.
What skills does a respiratory therapist need?
Key technical skills include mechanical ventilation management, arterial blood gas sampling and interpretation, aerosol and oxygen therapy, and airway management. Employers also value calm under pressure, teamwork, and critical thinking.
What certifications are available for respiratory therapists?
Common credentials include Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), ACLS, PALS and NRP, and Specialty credentials. Every state except Alaska licenses respiratory therapists, usually requiring graduation from an accredited program and an NBRC credential.
Still deciding?
Try the Respiratory Therapist fit quiz, compare with Registered Nurse, or explore Respiratory Therapist training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1126 (Respiratory therapists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Respiratory therapists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.