Show me the money...

What are typical respiratory therapist salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

What is the average annual salary for an RRT in the new york area?

Try doing some searches on the Indeed Salary Search (www.indeed.com/salary). Here's one I did for Respiratory Therapist in New York:
www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Respiratory+Therapist&l1=&tm=1

I am in Austin but I work in College Station where I make 45k before shift diffs and overtime.

I am a recruiter employed by St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, CO. We are the largest hospital between Denver and Salt Lake City. Grand Junction gets about 300 days of sunshine per year, and surrounded by a variety of equally stunning landscapes. Right now I'm looking for 2 RRTs with critical care experience. I am an employee of St. Mary's Hospital and can say that it is the best organization I've ever worked for. I'd love to meet anybody out there, even if you aren't in one of the areas I'm currently recruiting for.
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Stacey Humphrey said: What is the average annual salary for an RRT in the new york area?

About $55,000 a year before any shift diff

am student from another country. so am trying to study Respiratory Therapist and i dont no who much they pay. please i want too know before i start

Joe Giauque in Grand Junction, Colorado said: I am a recruiter employed by St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, CO. We are the largest hospital between Denver and Salt Lake City. Grand Junction gets about 300 days of sunshine per year, and surrounded by a variety of equally stunning landscapes. Right now I'm looking for 2 RRTs with critical care experience. I am an employee of St. Mary's Hospital and can say that it is the best organization I've ever worked for. I'd love to meet anybody out there, even if you aren't in one of the areas I'm currently recruiting for.
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Joe,
Considering the current nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals how difficult is it as a recruiter to find qualified Respiratory Therapists to fill open positions in your facility? I have worked in a Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab as a Respiratory Therapist with Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA for the past 7 years and our open positions usually remain unfilled for a few months due to the lack of qualified candidates. Our full time position was recently filled by a Respiratory Therapist relocating from Michigan with over 30 years experience, of which 5 earlier years were in a Pulmonary Function Lab and should be easily trained. Another full time position was opened due to an increase in the number of test procedures, physician demand and patient need. It was filled by a Respiratory Therapist with a few years experience working as a Flight Therapist and EMT and none in Pulmonary Function testing. I expect with her background, she should learn quickly during training.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Joe,
Considering the current nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals how difficult is it as a recruiter to find qualified Respiratory Therapists to fill open positions in your facility? I have worked in a Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab as a Respiratory Therapist with Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA for the past 7 years and our open positions usually remain unfilled for a few months due to the lack of qualified candidates. Our full time position was recently filled by a Respiratory Therapist relocating from Michigan with over 30 years experience, of which 5 earlier years were in a Pulmonary Function Lab and should be easily trained. Another full time position was opened due to an increase in the number of test procedures, physician demand and patient need. It was filled by a Respiratory Therapist with a few years experience working as a Flight Therapist and EMT and none in Pulmonary Function testing. I expect with her background, she should learn quickly during training.

Rolinda,

It can be quite challenging to find solid Respiratory Therapists these days. We kept two positions open for a few months before recently being able to fill 2 of 3 open positions. We went weeks without getting any candidates until finally we ran ads in Advance for Respiratory and AARC times and they worked like a charm. Given the shortage, it sounds like you guys are recruiting pretty well out there in La Jolla. Do you know how your new Therapists found out about your opening?

Joe Giauque in Grand Junction, Colorado said: Rolinda,

It can be quite challenging to find solid Respiratory Therapists these days. We kept two positions open for a few months before recently being able to fill 2 of 3 open positions. We went weeks without getting any candidates until finally we ran ads in Advance for Respiratory and AARC times and they worked like a charm. Given the shortage, it sounds like you guys are recruiting pretty well out there in La Jolla. Do you know how your new Therapists found out about your opening?

Joe,
One of our new Respiratory Therapists found our open full time position while browsing yahoo hot jobs via the internet. And our second new hire was notified about the position by a close friend who while waiting for her friend to finish with her doctor's appointment at our Scripps facility picked up a list of open positions from human resources as part of her reading material. Originally we only had one full time position available. Then another full time position was created to accommodate increased test volume, physician demand and patient need which was filled by the second new Respiratory Therapist.

mohamed mohamed in Chula Vista, California said: am student from another country. so am trying to study Respiratory Therapist and i dont no who much they pay. please i want too know before i start

Mohamed,
Thoroughly research all occupations you are interested in and don't limit yourself; always keep your options open. Try payscale.com or salary wizard to find out what the salaries are before making your decision. For Respiratory Therapists working in Chula Vista, your area it is about $47,000/year. I recommend Nursing. The salary and opportunity for advancement is greater. And there is a higher demand for Nurses.
I hope this helps. Good luck.

I would be more than happy to assist any facilities or individuals looking for an RT, full time position. I specialize in only Respiratory Therapist placements nationwide with an extensive database to help both sides of the equation.

Ranah in West Palm Beach, Florida said: About $55,000 a year before any shift diff

Hi, I'm moving to the WPB area- don't know where for sure yet, possibly Wellington, and I was wondering about RT pay. Is the $55,000. base w/o OT ? Or NICU exp.? Does it change with RRT status? Do you know the avg. per hour pay or agency pay there? I apologize for all the questions, but it's been real hard to pin down an accurate pay rate about the area. Any response would be appreciated. Thanks alot.

Ranah:

The pay is usually per hour, range of $19-$25 as a CRT; range of $23-$28 as a RRT. Pay can be higher depending on NICU experience, other certifications, night shifts, and hospital policy on overtime. The pay will be less in if your looking for a homecare position and I would always take into consideration the benefits if the pay doesn't match what you thought you would get.

I hope this helps.

-Sean Bantner
Healthcare Scouts

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Joe,
Considering the current nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals how difficult is it as a recruiter to find qualified Respiratory Therapists to fill open positions in your facility? I have worked in a Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab as a Respiratory Therapist with Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA for the past 7 years and our open positions usually remain unfilled for a few months due to the lack of qualified candidates. Our full time position was recently filled by a Respiratory Therapist relocating from Michigan with over 30 years experience, of which 5 earlier years were in a Pulmonary Function Lab and should be easily trained. Another full time position was opened due to an increase in the number of test procedures, physician demand and patient need. It was filled by a Respiratory Therapist with a few years experience working as a Flight Therapist and EMT and none in Pulmonary Function testing. I expect with her background, she should learn quickly during training.

cC

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Joe,
Considering the current nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals how difficult is it as a recruiter to find qualified Respiratory Therapists to fill open positions in your facility? I have worked in a Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab as a Respiratory Therapist with Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA for the past 7 years and our open positions usually remain unfilled for a few months due to the lack of qualified candidates. Our full time position was recently filled by a Respiratory Therapist relocating from Michigan with over 30 years experience, of which 5 earlier years were in a Pulmonary Function Lab and should be easily trained. Another full time position was opened due to an increase in the number of test procedures, physician demand and patient need. It was filled by a Respiratory Therapist with a few years experience working as a Flight Therapist and EMT and none in Pulmonary Function testing. I expect with her background, she should learn quickly during training.

When I Worked,as,an,agency therapist,many many years ago,There was an Ida and cecil Scripps Hospital,which was one of the best hospitals,that I ever worked in,"down the hill" was a 'red' scripts hospital not to be confused .

Qualified candidates are out there. They are usually the Passive, hard workers who are happy with their current position. That's why it is important for me to keep a detailed database of RTs nationwide. This allows me to contact quality RTs that aren't on the Monster's and Careerbuilder websites. If not for the database, skills and knowledge that I have working for an executive recruitment firm, then yes...it would be hard to find qualified RTs with good experience. However, those hospitals and companies that don't use recruitment firms, they do have a hard time filling their positions and it would not be hard to a quality RT to negotiate a great salary. However, as a quality RT...using a recruitment firm is a great way to find the best possible positions with companies looking to invest in their future employee, not to mention we help to push the candidates into the highest paying bracket with our knowledge and understanding of the hiring process. We will coach our candidates so they are prepared, we will make sure their resumes match the needs...this will lead to more interviews, and we will make act as a buffer for those hard questions that neither side want to ask...and we will get the answers for you.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Mohamed,
Thoroughly research all occupations you are interested in and don't limit yourself; always keep your options open. Try payscale.com or salary wizard to find out what the salaries are before making your decision. For Respiratory Therapists working in Chula Vista, your area it is about $47,000/year. I recommend Nursing. The salary and opportunity for advancement is greater. And there is a higher demand for Nurses.
I hope this helps. Good luck.

Mohammed your an idiot!
nurses clean DUTY all day, plus nothing is beyond their job description..shaving patients, brushing thier teeth etc.
Respiratory goes into a room..patients ok wash hands get out! i made 79,000 thats not bad for not having to clean crap! dont listen to mohammed here he knows nothing!

sorry mohammed that nasty comment was for
Rolinda in Chula Vista, California

Norman in Brooklyn, New York said: Mohammed your an idiot!
nurses clean DUTY all day, plus nothing is beyond their job description..shaving patients, brushing thier teeth etc.
Respiratory goes into a room..patients ok wash hands get out! i made 79,000 thats not bad for not having to clean crap! dont listen to mohammed here he knows nothing!

Norman, That is a sad statement to make. You are minimizing our job. I know I do more than just walk into a room and if my patient is okay, wash my hands and walk out. That is not what patient care is all about. I speak with my patients, assess their condition, ascultate their lungs, take their pulse, SaO2, respiratory rate, perform suctioning and administer bronchodilators when ordered,
....etc. And if my patient tosses his/her cookies due to nausea while in my care you bet I'll help clean him/her up. If that seems wrong, you are in the wrong profession. Without our patients we would not have a job. They are the reason we're in the healthcare business.

Respiratory Therapy is a wonderful profession, with many different areas and levels of patient contact. It also presents a unique opportunity to make as much money as you would like. I started my own PFT lab and I grossed well over $250,000 in one year.

I am an RRT and an RPFT and I think becoming a RCP was the most rewarding career decision that I've made. The money is there you just need to know how to tap into a niche in the field to make the big money. Check out this site and you'll see what I'm talking about www.respiratoryentrepreneur.com

Good Luck

Brenda,what is RPFT and RCP? also what is
PFT lab, I live in Maryland and I am starting a class this spring to study RT.I did not know that RT it is good career ,MY friends all said go to nursing school.

Hi,

An RPFT or Registered Pulmonary Technologist is a person who performs pulmonary diagnostic tests, (which are also known as PFTs or Pulmonary Function Tests), in hospitals, labs, clinics and private physicians offices. RCP is simply the abbreviation for a Respiratory Care Practitioner, which is simply a Respiratory therapist.

As far as Respiratory school verses Nursing school I feel it is a matter of personal preference. Personally I have found the Respiratory field extremely diverse, fulfilling and profitable. In retrospect I am pleased with my decision to become an RCP.

Whatever you decide I'm sure you'll do fine.

Brenda

To Everyone ,

I'm a dental hygienist and I like what I do but I don't enjoy the political side of it (who does). I get paid $28 an hour but I can't find jobs for nothing. I faxed over 200 resumes within the past months and nothing!!!! I'm currently working one day and my heart skip 3 beats everytime I think about the future. It just not worth it. The demand is NOT there for dental hygienist. For example , one position open and 100 resumes will get faxed it.

My question is this:

1.WHAT EXACTLY DO RESPIRATORY THEARAPIST DO?
2.DO YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH TB PATIENTS OFTEN AND HOW DO YOU HANDEL THOSE TYPE OF PTS?

THANK YOU

I JUST WANT TO HEAR IT STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH . I DON'T WANT TO ASK THE PROFESSOR OR GO ON LINE FOR THE INFO BECAUSE ALL THEY DO IS "PAINT NICE PIC."

Hi Cavitron, Respiratory Therapists/Respiratory Care Practitioners while practicing under physician direction assume primary resposibility for all respiratory care, therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures. Evalutes and cares for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geratric patient populations with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders in the hospital intensive care, non-critical care areas, in the emergency room and in home care. Consults with physicians and other healthcare staff to help develop and modify individual patient care plans. Provides complex therapy requiring considerable independent judgment, such as caring for patients on life support in hospital intensive care units. Applies and maintains life support systems including oxygen, CPR and mechanical ventilator support devices to critically ill and long term ventilator and oxygen dependent patients. Evaluates patients by interviewing them, performs limited physical examinations, conducts diagnostic tests such as breathing capacity and determining concentration of oxygen and other gases in patient's blood. Measures patient's PH, which indicates acidity or alkalinity level of the blood. Performs direct and indirect calorimetry, trancutaneous and oximetry measurements, evaluates cardiac monitors and indwelling catheters. Performs diagnostic evaluations including the performance and interpretation of pulmonary function studies to test a patient's lung capacity by having patient breathe into an instrument that measures the volume and flow of oxygen during inhalation and exhalation and comparing results with the norm for patient's age, height, weight amd sex to help determine whether the patient has any lung deficiencies. Draws arterial blood samples and places it in a blood gas analyzer to analyze oxygen, carbon dioxide and PH levels and relays results to a physician. Physicians rely on data provided by Respiratory Therapists to make treatment decisions.

(continued)
Cavitron,
Respiratory Therapists/respiratory Care Practitioners treat all types of patients ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people whose lungs are diseased. Provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning or shock.....etc. And the list goes on and on. As far as TB patients go, they are placed in isolation. Take precautions whenever caring for them. Always wear a N95 mask. Protect yourself/lungs. Respiratory Therapists are an essential part of the healthcare team. If you like variety and excitement then Respiratory Therapy is for you. I like meeting new people and each day is an adventure, always different. I am in a growing, exciting field which continues to expand into the other areas, such as sleep studies. I enjoy what I do and I like helping people. I wish you well. Good Journey.

THank You.

Two more questions.

1. Cons
2. Pros

Have a Good Thanksgiving

Cavitron

Very through answer...I truly appreciated that.

cavitron in miami, Florida said: THank You.

Two more questions.

1. Cons
2. Pros

Have a Good Thanksgiving

Cavitron

Hi Cavitron,
Cons:
1. Respiratory Therapists do not have as many advancement opportunities as Nurses, such as Manager of the Respiratory Department(our Respiratory Department Manager is a Nurse), Emergency Department...etc.
2. Nor do we have as much job diversity as Nurses, such as working in Neurology, Gastroenterology, Oncology...etc.
3. And due to the shortage of Healthcare Professionals our job is very stressful.

Pros:
1. Due to the shortage of Healthcare Professionals, Respiratory Therapists are in high demand and our salaries continue to increase with demand.
2. High demand for Respiratory Therapists and increased salaries will attract new Healthcare Professionals which will relieve the shortage and alleviate the stress.
3. Our field is exciting and continues to grow, expanding into other areas such as Research, Home Care, Sleep Studies, Travel Therapist, Flight Therapist...etc.
4. We have the privilege and opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to help other people.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!. have a Great Turkey Day!. Good journey!

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!. have a Great Turkey Day!. Good journey!

hi rolinda,

what is NICU experience?

ibflossing1 in hollywood, Florida said: hi rolinda,

what is NICU experience?

Hi ibflossing1, NICU experience means having experience working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In this environment a Respiratory Therapist cares for infants afflicted with various illnesses and lung deficiencies. For example, premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed and have difficulty breathing on their own are intubated(insert a small tube into their trachea/throat)with a small tube which is connected to a ventilator/respirator that helps them breathe until they are able to do so on their own. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Good Journey.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Hi ibflossing1, NICU experience means having experience working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In this environment a Respiratory Therapist cares for infants afflicted with various illnesses and lung deficiencies. For example, premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed and have difficulty breathing on their own are intubated(insert a small tube into their trachea/throat)with a small tube which is connected to a ventilator/respirator that helps them breathe until they are able to do so on their own. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Good Journey.

thankyou

ibflossing1 in hollywood, Florida said: thankyou

Hi ibflossing1, You are welcome. May I ask if you are researching occupations to help you decide which profession interests you?. Are you interested in a Healthcare career as a Respiratory Therapist?. Which ever path you choose, I wish you well. Good Journey.

Hello Rolinda,

Yes, I am researching occupations to help me decide which profession interests me. What was clinical like when you were in school? And for example , say, if you to move to another state, what would you have to do to be license? Would you have to take the written exam and do clinical exam for that state? Thank you

ibflossing1 in hollywood, Florida said: Hello Rolinda,

Yes, I am researching occupations to help me decide which profession interests me. What was clinical like when you were in school? And for example , say, if you to move to another state, what would you have to do to be license? Would you have to take the written exam and do clinical exam for that state? Thank you

Hi ibflossing1, As Respiratory Therapy students, we rotated through 3 different hospitals each semester. While supervised by seasoned Respiratory Therapists we administered chestphysiotherapy(percuss patient's chest/lung areas)to loosen built up phlegm from our patient's airways, used sterile technique and placed a catheter down trachea/windpipe to suction loosened phlegm from airways to clear them, administered brochodilators to help our patients breathe easier, learned how to care for ventilator patients in the ICU(intensive care unit)using various airway pressure settings to meet their oxygen needs, changed ventilator settings following physician's order, in NICU(neonatal intensive care unit)we learned how to care for infants on ventilators(they are set at smaller volumes and faster rates than adults), in Pediatrics I learned how to administer bronchodilators using blow by technique since most will not tolerate a mask or a mouthpiece and set up a humidifier tent for the little ones afflicted with croup, in Labor and Delivery I learned how to clear meconium from a newborn's mouth and airway, dry and warm them under a heat lamp, and administer oxygen using blow by or if critical bag-mask with shallow quick breaths, in the ER/ED(emergency room/department)we interviewed our patients to obtain information/medical history, took vitals using pulse oximeter to obtain SaO2(oxygen saturation level in blood)and pulse/heart rate, observed and noted respiratory rate, auscultated(listen to lung air movement sounds)their lungs, administered bronchodilators as ordered by physician...(continued)

(continued)
ibflossing1, And administered oxygen as ordered by physician using nasal cannula or if critical non-rebreather. There is so much to Respiratory Therapy. I enjoyed my clinical rotations. Each one was exciting, always a good experience and offered something new to learn. As far as licensing requirements goes, once you graduate from an Accredited Respiratory Therapy program with an Associate's Degree which is the minimum required by the NBRC(National Board for Respiratory Care)to sit for the CRT and RRT exams and pass your Respiratory Therapist Board Exams you will be a Licensed Respiratory Therapist and need only apply for a Respiratory Therapy License in the state you move to. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Good Journey.

Hi ibflossing1, I want to add that during clinical rotations we also met with our instructors for report at the end of the day to relay information about our patients as case study presentations. And to turn in pathophysiology charts which we filled out following our patients' disease processes from start to finish. An excellent way to learn. I attended a great Respiratory Therapy program. It gave me a strong knowledge base/foundation which I continue to build upon. I am on my ninth year working as a Respiratory Therapist. I enjoy what I do. I like helping people and I feel I make a difference. I hope you find what you're looking for and what makes you happy. Good Journey.

"need only apply for a Respiratory Therapy License in the state you move to."

You don't need to take any test to move from one state to another? Correct ? All you would be require to do is apply for a RT license in that state. Thank you

Rolinda,
I plan on going to RT school and I have just a few more questions. Can you take the RRT exam right after you take the CRT? Also, I plan on moving to California after I get all of my licenses. From what I see, all I need is verification sent to California's respiratory board showing that I have my RRT. Do you recommend getting a practioner license in Texas and having proof of that license sent to California?

Thank you for your time and consideration so far! :)

to " apply for a license " is to pay the amount of fee they are asking for? Sorry for asking so many questions, I want to know exactly how it works. Thanks again.

As a dental hygienist living in the state of FL (independent state)if I decided to move to New Mexico, I would have to take a clinical exam and law exam which would cost around $700-900. The clinical exam would require me to bring a qualify patient for a cleaning and pass and I would have to pass a law exam. Which doesn't quite make sense to me , it's like I have to prove to them that I know how to clean teeth.

Carolina in Irving, Texas said: Rolinda,
I plan on going to RT school and I have just a few more questions. Can you take the RRT exam right after you take the CRT? Also, I plan on moving to California after I get all of my licenses. From what I see, all I need is verification sent to California's respiratory board showing that I have my RRT. Do you recommend getting a practioner license in Texas and having proof of that license sent to California?

Thank you for your time and consideration so far! :)

Hi,
A CRT is Certify Respiratory?
An RRT is Register Respiratory Thearapy?

Thank u

ibflossing1 in hollywood, Florida said: "need only apply for a Respiratory Therapy License in the state you move to."

You don't need to take any test to move from one state to another? Correct ? All you would be require to do is apply for a RT license in that state. Thank you

Hi ibflossing1, Correct; you need only apply for your Respiratory Therapy License in the state you move to. The CRT/RRT test is a NATIONAL Respiratory Therapy Board Exam. A Respiratory Therapist can have multiple state Licenses. For example, Travel Therapists must have current Respiratory Therapy Licenses in all states they travel to and work in. I hope this helps. Good Journey.

Carolina in Irving, Texas said: Rolinda,
I plan on going to RT school and I have just a few more questions. Can you take the RRT exam right after you take the CRT? Also, I plan on moving to California after I get all of my licenses. From what I see, all I need is verification sent to California's respiratory board showing that I have my RRT. Do you recommend getting a practioner license in Texas and having proof of that license sent to California?

Thank you for your time and consideration so far! :)

Hi Carolina, Since I am not sure of your educational background I advise going to the (NBRC)National Board for Respiratory Care's website at www.nbrc.org to confirm which category of the RRT Admission Requirements you fit into. The minimum requirement is to be a CRT with two years of full-time clinical experience in respiratory therapy under licensed medical supervision following Certification and prior to applying for the Registry Examination and hold a minimum of an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited entry level respiratory therapy education program. In addition, the applicant shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. **Clinical experience in respiratory care under licensed medical supervision is interpreted as a minimum of 21 hours per week. Clinical experience must be completed before the candidate applies for this examination. As far as you getting your Respiratory Therapy (practioner)License in Texas, a current state Respiratory Therapy License is required in order to practice in any state. If you plan to work as a Respiratory Therapist in Texas you will need to apply for your state License there. You can always send proof of your Respiratory Therapy License to California when you're ready to move. And in the mean time gain experience working in the field. I hope this helps. Good Journey.

ibflossing1 in hollywood, Florida said: Hi,
A CRT is Certify Respiratory?
An RRT is Register Respiratory Thearapy?

Thank u

Hi ibflossing1, I can help answer your questions. Yes, a CRT is a Certified Respiratory Therapist and an RRT is a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Good Journey.

ibflossing1 in hollywood, Florida said: to " apply for a license " is to pay the amount of fee they are asking for? Sorry for asking so many questions, I want to know exactly how it works. Thanks again.

As a dental hygienist living in the state of FL (independent state)if I decided to move to New Mexico, I would have to take a clinical exam and law exam which would cost around $700-900. The clinical exam would require me to bring a qualify patient for a cleaning and pass and I would have to pass a law exam. Which doesn't quite make sense to me , it's like I have to prove to them that I know how to clean teeth.

Hi ibflossing1, Yes, you pay a fee and you also have to provide more information, such as proof of your Board Exam score, school transcripts, if Licensed in multiple states, proof of all state Respiratory Therapy Licenses....etc. Each state has their own Licensure application form. The form will list everything that is required. All requirements must be completed in order for the state board to consider your request for Licensure to practice Respiratory Therapy in their state. I wish you well. Good Journey.

Brenda,Thanks so much for the information.
How to I become a RPFT?.After graduating from
RT school,do I need to do a specialist program
to be a RPFT?

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Hi ibflossing1, Yes, you pay a fee and you also have to provide more information, such as proof of your Board Exam score, school transcripts, if Licensed in multiple states, proof of all state Respiratory Therapy Licenses....etc. Each state has their own Licensure application form. The form will list everything that is required. All requirements must be completed in order for the state board to consider your request for Licensure to practice Respiratory Therapy in their state. I wish you well. Good Journey.

Hi Rolinda,

Okay, I see, I thought one would have to take more test for the state in which they want to practice in.

Thank you very much for taking your time to answer all my questions.

Rolinda in Chula Vista, California said: Hi Carolina, Since I am not sure of your educational background I advise going to the (NBRC)National Board for Respiratory Care's website at www.nbrc.org to confirm which category of the RRT Admission Requirements you fit into. The minimum requirement is to be a CRT with two years of full-time clinical experience in respiratory therapy under licensed medical supervision following Certification and prior to applying for the Registry Examination and hold a minimum of an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited entry level respiratory therapy education program. In addition, the applicant shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. **Clinical experience in respiratory care under licensed medical supervision is interpreted as a minimum of 21 hours per week. Clinical experience must be completed before the candidate applies for this examination. As far as you getting your Respiratory Therapy (practioner)License in Texas, a current state Respiratory Therapy License is required in order to practice in any state. If you plan to work as a Respiratory Therapist in Texas you will need to apply for your state License there. You can always send proof of your Respiratory Therapy License to California when you're ready to move. And in the mean time gain experience working in the field. I hope this helps. Good Journey.

Hi Rolinda,

Wow, I thought that an individual can immediately apply for RRT after they become an CRT. But one can't become RRT without some clincial experience under their belt.
I also went on the www.nbrc.org and took the sample test, very interesting,do you have to be very good in math? Thank you