Top 10 Registered Respiratory Therapist Certifications

Certifications for registered respiratory therapists are important for a number of reasons. First, they provide evidence of the therapist’s knowledge and proficiency in the field. This helps employers determine a therapist’s qualifications and experience level. In addition, certifications can help set apart a therapist from other applicants who may not have them. Finally, many employers and state licensing boards require certain certifications in order to practice as a registered respiratory therapist, so having these certifications can be essential for gaining employment or advancing professionally.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the most beneficial certifications for Registered Respiratory Therapists and explain how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Registered Respiratory Therapist Certifications?

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification is a professional credential awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). It signifies that an individual has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills to practice respiratory care safely and effectively. The RRT certification serves as a benchmark of the highest level of clinical competency in respiratory care, and it is required in many states for licensure.

The RRT certification can help individuals establish their qualifications and credentials in the field of respiratory care. Having an RRT credential demonstrates to potential employers that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in their profession, which can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, having an RRT certification may qualify individuals to work in more specialized roles or teach at universities or colleges. In addition to providing evidence of qualifications, the RRT certification also provides access to continuing education resources, such as seminars and webinars, which help ensure that practitioners stay up-to-date with best practices and current developments in the field.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of the many online resources available to help you prepare for your Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification exam. These include practice tests, study guides, and other materials that can help you get a better understanding of the material covered on the exam.

Related: What does a Registered Respiratory Therapist do?

Top 10 Registered Respiratory Therapist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Registered Respiratory Therapists today.

1. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is a health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with breathing problems. The CRT is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with cardiopulmonary conditions such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases. They also provide emergency care to those suffering from acute respiratory distress or failure.

The process of becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist typically takes between one to three years depending on the program you choose. To become certified, individuals must complete an accredited education program in respiratory therapy and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam. After completing the program and passing the exam, individuals must then obtain their state license before they can practice as a Certified Respiratory Therapist.

The cost of becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist varies depending on the type of program chosen. Most programs require tuition fees which range from $3,000 - $10,000 per year depending on the school and program chosen. In addition to tuition fees there may be additional costs such as textbooks or study materials that are required for certification exams.

2. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of breathing disorders. They are responsible for providing care to patients with a variety of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and sleep apnea. RRTs also provide emergency care for those suffering from acute respiratory distress.

It typically takes two to three years to become an RRT. The first step is to earn an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited college or university. After completing the degree program, you must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to become certified as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Once you have passed the NBRC exam, you can apply for licensure in your state. Requirements vary by state but typically include passing another examination and completing continuing education courses.

The cost of becoming an RRT varies depending on the school you attend and other factors such as living expenses and materials needed for the program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $10,000-$20,000 to complete the program and take the NBRC exam. Additional costs may be incurred if you need to retake any exams or if you need to pay for continuing education courses.

3. Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (NPS)

A Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (NPS) is a medical professional who specializes in the care of infants and children with respiratory disorders. They are responsible for providing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of respiratory disorders. This includes monitoring vital signs, administering oxygen therapy, performing chest physiotherapy and aerosol treatments, and providing education to families about the condition and its management.

To become an NPS, you must complete an accredited program in respiratory care. Most programs require a minimum of an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Care or a related field. It typically takes two years to complete this degree program. After completing the degree program, you must pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam to become certified as an NPS.

The cost of becoming an NPS varies depending on the school and program chosen. Tuition costs range from $10,000-$20,000 per year depending on the school and location. Additional costs may include books and supplies as well as fees for taking the NBRC exam.

4. Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT)

Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT) is a medical professional who specializes in the evaluation and testing of pulmonary function. The technologist administers tests to measure lung capacity, breathing patterns, and other respiratory functions. These tests are used to diagnose and treat various conditions such as asthma, COPD, and other respiratory diseases.

The length of time it takes to get a PFT depends on the type of test being done. Some tests can take up to an hour while others may only take a few minutes. The cost of a PFT will vary depending on the type of test being done and the facility where it is being performed. Generally speaking, PFTs range from $50-$500 depending on the complexity of the test.

To get a PFT, you must first make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider. They will then refer you to a Pulmonary Function Technologist for further testing and evaluation. You should also be prepared to provide any relevant medical history or information related to your condition prior to your visit.

5. Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)

Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of individuals who are responsible for performing pulmonary function tests. This certification is offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

To become certified as a CPFT, an individual must pass the NBRC's Pulmonary Function Technologist Certification Examination. The examination consists of two parts: a written component and a practical component. The written component covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, instrumentation, test procedures, and data analysis. The practical component involves performing actual pulmonary function tests on patients.

The cost of taking the CPFT exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $200 to $300. Additionally, there may be additional fees for study materials or other related costs.

In order to be eligible to take the CPFT exam, an individual must have completed an accredited respiratory care program or have at least one year of full-time experience in pulmonary function testing within the last three years.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete your studies and prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to become certified as a CPFT.

6. Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C)

A Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) is a healthcare professional who has been certified by the National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB). The AE-C certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in asthma education. This certification is for healthcare professionals who provide asthma education services to patients, families, and communities.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the AE-C certification. To become an AE-C, you must first complete a minimum of six hours of continuing education in asthma management and/or related topics. After completing the required continuing education, you must pass an exam administered by the NAECB. Once certified, you must maintain your certification through continuing education and recertification every five years.

The cost of becoming an AE-C varies depending on the type of training program or courses that are taken to meet the requirements for certification. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$500 to become certified as an AE-C.

7. Certified Sleep Disorders Specialist (CSDS)

A Certified Sleep Disorders Specialist (CSDS) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. They are certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM). The CSDS credential requires that the individual has completed an accredited sleep medicine fellowship program, passed a rigorous examination, and met other requirements as set forth by the ABSM.

The process to become a CSDS typically takes two years or more. During this time, individuals must complete a one-year fellowship in sleep medicine at an accredited institution, pass the ABSM examination, and meet all other requirements.

To become certified as a CSDS, individuals must first complete an accredited sleep medicine fellowship program. This includes completing coursework in areas such as physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical assessment and management of sleep disorders, research methods, and statistics. Individuals must also complete rotations in various clinical settings related to sleep medicine. After completing their fellowship program, individuals may apply for certification with the ABSM by submitting an application along with documentation of their training and experience.

The cost for certification varies depending on the individual’s particular circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on fees associated with the application process and examination fees.

8. Certified Pulmonary Diagnostic Technologist (CPDT)

A Certified Pulmonary Diagnostic Technologist (CPDT) is a specialized healthcare professional who has been trained to perform pulmonary diagnostic tests and procedures. These tests are used to diagnose and monitor various lung diseases, such as asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease. The CPDT is responsible for performing pulmonary function tests (PFTs), bronchoscopies, pleural biopsies, and other related procedures.

It typically takes two years of full-time study to become certified as a CPDT. This includes completing an accredited program in respiratory care technology, passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam, and obtaining a state license. In addition to formal education, many employers require that CPDTs have at least one year of clinical experience in respiratory care before they can be hired.

To become certified as a CPDT, you must first complete an accredited program in respiratory care technology. After completing the program, you must pass the NBRC exam and obtain a state license in order to practice as a certified technologist. You should also consider joining professional organizations such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) or the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). These organizations provide resources and continuing education opportunities that can help you stay up-to-date on new developments in your field.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPDT varies depending on your educational institution and the type of certification you pursue. The cost of tuition alone can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on where you attend school. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking the NBRC exam and obtaining your state license.

9. Advanced Practice Registered Respiratory Therapist (APRRT)

Advanced Practice Registered Respiratory Therapist (APRRT) is a specialized type of respiratory therapist who provides advanced care to patients with complex respiratory conditions. APRRTs are certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and must have a minimum of two years of experience as a registered respiratory therapist.

To become an APRRT, candidates must first complete a minimum of an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. After graduating, they must pass the NBRC’s Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam and then the Advanced Practitioner in Respiratory Care (APRC) exam. The APRC exam consists of both written and clinical components and covers topics such as cardiopulmonary physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, patient assessment and management, critical care, neonatal/pediatric care, pulmonary function testing, ventilation management and more.

The cost for taking the CRT exam is $200 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. The cost for taking the APRC exam is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Both exams must be taken within five years of completing your degree program in order to maintain eligibility for certification as an APRRT.

Once certified as an APRRT, you may be eligible to receive additional certifications such as Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS), Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS), or Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT). These certifications require additional coursework and exams that may incur additional costs.

10. Certified Home Care Respiratory Therapist (CHCRT)

Certified Home Care Respiratory Therapist (CHCRT) is a certification program designed to recognize respiratory therapists who have achieved the highest level of competency in the home care setting. The CHCRT certification is offered through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This certification is intended to demonstrate a mastery of knowledge and skills necessary for providing safe, effective, and quality respiratory care in the home environment.

To become certified as a CHCRT, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being a graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy program, having at least two years of experience in home care respiratory therapy, and passing the CHCRT exam administered by NBRC.

The CHCRT exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient assessment, airway management, oxygen delivery systems, ventilator management, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $375 USD.

Do You Really Need a Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate?

Yes, if you want to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), then you need to obtain a Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate. This certificate is issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care, and it allows you to practice as an RRT in most states. The certificate also serves as proof that you have completed the necessary educational requirements and passed the national exam.

In order to become certified as an RRT, you must complete an accredited respiratory therapy program and pass a certification exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. The certification exam consists of both written and practical components, testing your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, cardiopulmonary assessment, therapeutic interventions and more. Once you have completed this exam and passed with a passing score, you will receive your RRT certificate.

The RRT certificate is important because it demonstrates that you have met the standards set forth by the National Board for Respiratory Care. It also shows employers that you are knowledgeable about respiratory care and can provide quality care to patients. In addition, some states may require RRTs to hold a current certification in order to practice in their state.

Overall, obtaining an RRT certificate is essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career as an RRT. It demonstrates your competence in respiratory care and shows employers that you are qualified for the job. As such, it is important to make sure that you complete all of the necessary steps in order to obtain your certificate so that you can become successful as an RRT.

Related: Registered Respiratory Therapist Resume Examples

FAQs About Registered Respiratory Therapist Certifications

1. What is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Certification?

Answer: A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification is a specialized certification for respiratory therapists who have completed an accredited program and passed the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam. The RRT credential demonstrates that the individual has achieved advanced levels of knowledge and skill in providing respiratory care services.

2. How do I become certified as a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Answer: To become certified as an RRT, you must first complete an accredited program in respiratory therapy, then pass the NBRC exam. Once you have done both of these steps, you will be eligible to apply for your RRT certification.

3. What is the cost of becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist?

Answer: The cost of becoming an RRT varies depending on the school and program you choose to attend, as well as other factors such as fees associated with taking the NBRC exam. Generally speaking, expect to pay at least several thousand dollars to become certified as an RRT.

4. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Registered Respiratory Therapist Certification?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required in order to maintain your RRT certification. You must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every two years in order to keep your credential active and valid.

5. Does having a Registered Respiratory Therapist Certification guarantee employment?

Answer: No, having an RRT certification does not guarantee employment; however, it can increase your chances of finding a job in this field since employers often prefer candidates who have obtained this type of professional credentialing.