How do I become a respiratory therapist in Texas?

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Texas

Graduate from a Respiratory Therapist Degree Program.
Consider Obtaining an Optional Temporary Certificate in Respiratory Therapy.
Gain National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification.
Apply for Licensure with the Texas Department of State Health Practitioners.

Keeping this in consideration, how long does it take to become a respiratory therapist in Texas?

In addition to showing proof of completing high school, the state of Texas requires respiratory therapists have a minimum of a two year associate degree or preferably a four year baccalaureate degree.

Furthermore, how do I become a respiratory therapist? 5 Steps to Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

Step 1 Enroll in an accredited respiratory therapist program.
Step 2 Complete an associate or bachelor's degree.
Step 3 Complete a credentialing exam from the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Step 4 Earn state licensure.
Step 5 Maintain certification.

Also know, what kind of degree does a respiratory therapist need?

Respiratory therapists complete either 2-year associate's degree or 4-year bachelor's degree programs. Upon graduation, you can choose to sit for a national exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

How long is the respiratory therapy program?

When accepted into a respiratory program, it is two years of intensive classes, labs, and clinical rotations. It takes about 2.5-4 years to become an RT. Upon graduation, you can sit for the state board exam to become a certified RT.

27 Related Question Answers Found

Which is harder nursing or respiratory therapy?

Is nursing school harder than respiratory therapy school? As mentioned already, nurses are responsible for knowing and learning a broader scope or the entire body, while respiratory therapists are generally more focused on the heart and lungs.

What is the difference between RRT and RCP?

CRT and RRT are credentials provided by the NBRC to respiratory therapist that meet their requirements. RCP is a designation made by the state the therapist practices in when the CRT or RRT meets the state's requirements for licensure.

Do Respiratory therapists go to med school?

A respiratory therapist with a bachelor's degree may be able to enter medical school.

How much does respiratory therapist school cost?

The average annual out-of-state cost for a bachelor program in Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist is $34,875 with an estimated average four year degree total cost of $139,500. The most affordable bachelor program is offered by Weber State University at an annual $25,246 out of state total cost.

Can you become a respiratory therapist online?

There are many accredited online programs for respiratory therapy that you can take while you work. You can obtain an online associate's and bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy from many community and technical colleges across the nation.

What is the highest paying state for respiratory therapist?

Highest Paying States for Respiratory Therapists

California – $78,820.
Nevada – $72,630.
New Jersey – $71,940.
Alaska – $71,820.
New York – $71,100.

Where does a respiratory therapist work?

Acute care hospitals (where about 75% of respiratory therapists are employed) Diagnostic laboratories. Sleep disorder centers. Rehabilitation, long-term acute care and skilled nursing facilities.

What is the best school for respiratory therapy?

The Ohio State University. 4 Year. Columbus, OH.
Rutgers University - New Brunswick. 4 Year. Piscataway, NJ.
University of Cincinnati. 4 Year.
University of Kansas. 4 Year.
Baptist College of Health Sciences. 4 Year.
Stony Brook University, SUNY. 4 Year.
Nova Southeastern University. 4 Year.
North Dakota State University. 4 Year.

How much does a respiratory therapist make starting out?

An entry-level Respiratory Therapist with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $22.52 based on 353 salaries.

What is a RRT?

A registered respiratory therapist (RRT) is a certification for Respiratory Care Practitioners.

What are the duties of a respiratory therapist?

More specifically, some of the daily duties of a Respiratory Therapist include:

Examine and interview patients.
Consult with physicians to determine treatment plans.
Perform diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity.
Treat patients using a variety of methods, such as aerosol medications and chest physiotherapy.

Can you get a masters in respiratory therapy?

Masters Degree in Respiratory Therapy: Program Information. If your career goal is to provide treatment to patients with breathing problems, you can benefit from a master's degree in respiratory therapy. Learn what you can expect from these programs and what graduates are qualified to do with their degrees.

Why should I become a respiratory therapist?

Saving Lives. The greatest reward for most medical professionals is the opportunity to save lives. Patients in intensive care units and emergency rooms often develop breathing complications. Respiratory therapists provide the required medication, ventilators, and airways devices to keep the patients breathing.

Is a respiratory therapist a physician?

A respiratory therapist (RT) is a certified medical professional who specializes in providing healthcare for your lungs. They have advanced knowledge of high-tech equipment, such as mechanical ventilators. RTs work alongside doctors and nurses.

How much do respiratory therapist make in Canada?

Find out what is the average Respiratory therapist salary

The average Respiratory therapist salary in Canada is $64,925 per year or $33.30 per hour. Entry level positions start at $32,628 per year while most experienced workers make up to $102,297 per year.

What schools offer respiratory therapist?

Accredited Colleges Offering Respiratory Therapy Degrees

Partner Colleges	Annual Tuition
Ball State University Campuses: Muncie	$25,942
Baltimore City Community College Campuses: Baltimore	$7,154
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences Campuses: Memphis	$11,542
Bellarmine University Campuses: Louisville	$40,750

What is an associate degree?

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded after a course of post-secondary study lasting two or three years. It is a level of qualification between a high school diploma or GED and a bachelor's degree. In the United States, the associate degree may allow transfer into the third year of a bachelor's degree.