Respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) or respiratory therapists (RTs) are licensed health professionals who evaluate, treat and help manage patients with acute to chronic pulmonary disorders. These essential healthcare workers provide important, life-saving treatments such as oxygen therapy, airway management and mechanical ventilation to patients.
RCPs are crucial in helping patients with breathing disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma by providing diagnostic testing, administering breathing assistance and responding to emergencies to support patient recovery. If you’re considering a healthcare career, understanding the role of a respiratory care practitioner can help you decide whether this path is right for you. This guide explores what respiratory care practitioners do, where they work and how programs like Northern Kentucky University’s online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) program support professional development in respiratory care.
What Does a Respiratory Care Practitioner Do?
RCPs perform pulmonary function tests and stress tests and collect and analyze arterial blood gas samples to diagnose lung and breathing disorders. They also develop and administer specific patient treatment plans, including medical gases, aerosol medications, chest physiotherapy and breathing treatments.
Typical daily tasks may include administering breathing treatments, managing ventilators, monitoring oxygen levels and conducting diagnostic tests. These healthcare professionals serve a broad patient population that ranges from premature infants to the elderly and those with acute and chronic conditions. RCPs collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses and healthcare teams to support positive patient outcomes.
Where Do Respiratory Care Practitioners Work?
Respiratory care practitioners work in a variety of roles and settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, clinics and emergency departments or intensive care units (ICUs). They may also work in nursing homes, provide home healthcare or work in sleep disorders centers. Specialty areas include:
- Neonatal and pediatric care: These practitioners focus on supporting infants with underdeveloped lungs and children with acute conditions, such as bronchiolitis or chronic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis.
- Adult critical care: In this specialized role, RCPs manage mechanical ventilators, airway support and respiratory treatments in emergency departments and ICUs.
- Diagnostics: This specialty involves conducting pulmonary function tests, stress testing and arterial blood gas analysis to evaluate and monitor lung function.
- Sleep disorders: Some RCPs specialize in polysomnography to diagnose and treat sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitative care focuses on managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, tuberculosis or COPD to improve long-term lung function and quality of life.
- Home care: Practitioners who provide in-home care manage respiratory equipment such as ventilators and oxygen systems for patients.
Work shifts and schedules for RCPs vary, but many work in eight to 12-hour shifts and in hospital settings. Because hospitals provide 24/7 care, this role often includes nights, weekends and holidays, making schedule flexibility an important part of the profession.
How Much Do Respiratory Care Practitioners Earn?
The median annual salary for respiratory therapists is approximately $80,450, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), however top earners may bring home as much as $108,800 per year. Several factors may affect an RCPs’ total salary including experience, geographic location, work setting and specialization. Understanding these salary ranges helps prospective students determine whether a career in respiratory care aligns with their desired income and professional goals.
Those providing specialized care usually earn more than those in entry-level positions. RCPs working for state, local or private hospitals also tend to earn more, while those working for nursing care facilities and physicians’ offices typically earn slightly less.
Earning a bachelor’s degree can increase earning potential and opportunities for advancement for RCPs. Management and leadership roles, like shift supervisor, department manager or charge therapist, are commonly available to experienced practitioners with advanced education.
Respiratory Care Jobs
Jobs available to respiratory care practitioners vary. Most RCPs start in entry-level positions as respiratory therapists in hospitals and clinics. More advanced roles, such as critical care specialist and neonatal respiratory therapist, come with more experience.
Leadership opportunities are also available to experienced RCPs, including department supervisor, clinical coordinator and respiratory care educator. Examples of specialized career paths include sleep disorder specialists, medical device clinical specialists and pulmonary rehabilitation coordinators.
How Do You Become a Respiratory Care Practitioner?
If you’re interested in becoming a respiratory care practitioner, the pathway usually begins with high school preparation and prerequisite coursework, with a strong focus on science and math. The next step is to enroll in and complete a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), which leads to either an associate degree (typically two years) or a bachelor’s degree (four years).
Many respiratory therapists begin their careers with an associate degree, then pursue a bachelor’s degree later to expand leadership opportunities or specialize in advanced areas of care. Online degree programs provide flexible pathways and work-life balance for current respiratory professionals who want to continue their education while working.
In most cases, at least two years of formal education are required to qualify for state licensure and National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification. Aside from educational experience, clinical training and hands-on experience are essential. This training usually includes clinical rotations in hospitals, nursing care facilities or other healthcare settings, where students gain experience using equipment such as ventilators, blood gas analyzers and flowmeters.
What Certifications Do Respiratory Care Practitioners Need?
RCPs must earn specific certifications and, in most states, obtain state licensure to practice. The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential is the entry-level credential required for licensure. This credential indicates that RCPs have completed an accredited program and passed the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam.
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) advanced certification is awarded after passing the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). This exam is becoming increasingly prevalent for state licensure and is widely preferred by employers.
Licensure is required in 49 states, except Alaska. Each state has its own specific requirements, but they typically require graduation from an accredited program, passing the NBRC, CRT or RRT exam and passing a criminal background check. Licenses must also be renewed periodically and may require a set number of continuing education hours.
To maintain certification, RCPs must complete 20 to 30 hours of continuing education every two to three years. They may be required to complete at least one hour of education on specific topics, such as ethics. The NBRC requires working RCPs to maintain their credentials by either retaking the examination, completing a combination of assessments or earning a new credential.
Prepare for a Rewarding Career in Respiratory Care With an Online BSRC From NKU
Respiratory care can be a fulfilling path for individuals who enjoy science, problem-solving and helping patients during critical moments in their healthcare journey. Strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure environments are all important traits for professionals working in this field.
If you’re exploring healthcare careers, respiratory care is an in-demand area of specialty that offers strong earning potential, growth opportunities and a meaningful opportunity to support patients with breathing conditions.
Education plays an important role in advancing within the field. Programs like NKU’s online BSRC program help respiratory professionals expand their knowledge, build leadership skills and pursue new opportunities within the profession.
Learn more about NKU‘s online BSRC program.
