Respiratory Technicians

High School

To prepare for a career in this field while you are still in high school, take health and science classes, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Mathematics and statistics classes will also be useful to you since much of this work involves using numbers and making calculations. Take computer science courses to become familiar with using technical and complex equipment and to become familiar with programs you can use to document your work. Since some of your responsibilities may include working directly with patients to teach them therapies, take English classes to improve your communication skills. Studying a foreign language may also be useful.

Postsecondary Training

Formal training is necessary for entry to this field. Training is offered at the postsecondary level by hospitals, medical schools, colleges and universities, trade schools, vocational-technical institutes, and the armed forces. To be eligible for a respiratory therapy program, you must have graduated from high school. Visit https://www.coarc.com/Students/Find-an-Accredited-Program.aspx for a list of accredited educational programs in respiratory therapy. Formal training in this field is available in hospitals and other non-collegiate settings as well. Local hospitals can provide information on training opportunities.

Accredited respiratory therapy programs combine class work with clinical work. Programs vary in length, depending on the degree awarded. A certificate program generally takes one year to complete, an associate's degree usually takes two years, and a bachelor's degree program typically takes four years. Entry-level programs will prepare you to become a certified respiratory therapist (CRT). CRT-prepared graduates are eligible for jobs as respiratory technicians after certification. The areas of study cover human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, and mathematics. Technical studies also include courses such as patient evaluation, respiratory care pharmacology, pulmonary diseases, and care procedures.

There are no standard hiring requirements for assistants. Department heads in charge of hiring set the standards and may require only a high school diploma.

Other Education or Training

The American Association for Respiratory Care offers continuing education webinars, classes, and workshops. Past offerings included "Respiratory Therapists of the Future," "Pulmonary Rehabilitation," "Asthma Self-Management," "Dealing with Difficult People," and "Ethical Decisions Encountered in Respiratory Therapy." Contact the association for more information.