Certification and Licensure of a Respiratory Therapist

In most states, respiratory therapists must be licensed to practice. Of those states requiring licensure, most recognize the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) as the acceptable credentials for respiratory therapists. Both the CRT and RRT are credentials offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). To qualify for the CRT credential, graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy program is required. Upon successful completion of a respiratory therapy program, CRT candidates must take an examination. The credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist is awarded to candidates after completion of the examination. Certified Respiratory Therapists are qualified for entry-level positions in respiratory therapy.

Though respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages, some choose to specialize in the area of pediatrics. For these respiratory therapists, the National Board for Respiratory Care offers the Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialty Examination. This examination is open to CRT’s with one year of experience in neonatal/pediatric respiratory care and to all RRT’s. Successful completion of this examination awards the Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist (NPS) credential. Respiratory therapists interested in becoming pulmonary function technicians should complete the National Board for Respiratory Care examination to become a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT). This credential is available to RRT’s and CRT’s and offers respiratory therapists expanded career options.

Respiratory care therapists provide services to patients with abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system under the direction of a licensed physician and as part of a health care team. Respiratory care therapists administer therapeutic or diagnostic drugs to patients as part of a physician-prescribed treatment plan, implement a physician’s orders for respiratory treatments, observe and monitor patient symptoms, and assist with administering medical gases (including hyperbaric or standard oxygen, vapor therapies and ventilation support).

Respiratory therapists provide specialized care for people with breathing difficulties, such as those with chronic lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. But they also provide care to heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS. Any use of the title “Respiratory Therapist” or “Respiratory Therapy Technician” within New York State requires licensure. To be licensed as a Respiratory Therapist or Respiratory Therapy Technician in New York State you must be of good moral character; be at least 18 years of age; and meet education and examination requirements.

You must submit an application for licensure and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. It is your responsibility to follow up with anyone you have asked to send us material. In addition to these certifications, most states require that respiratory therapists and other registered respiratory professionals maintain current CPR certifications. These certifications can be renewed in a short amount of time, often by taking a quick refresher course.

Many states require that licensed respiratory therapists renew their licensure through continuing education credits. State requirements vary, but most require renewal every three years by obtaining at least 30 hours of continuing education credit. Continuing education credit can be obtained by taking respiratory therapy courses, participating in professional associations, and attending professional seminars and conferences.