1. Respiratory care
Careers

2. Careers in Respiratory Care
Career options include:
Certified respiratory therapist (CRT)
Registered respiratory therapist (RRT)
Pulmonary function technologist

3. Certified Respiratory Therapist
Education:
2 or 4 year program
Licensure:
Certification from National Board of Respiratory Care upon passing of entry-level CRT exam
Job Responsibilities:
Assess the need of therapeutic respiratory procedures, determine the potential benefits of therapy, monitor outcome of therapy to determine whether treatment objectives were met

4. Registered Respiratory Therapist
Education:
2 or 4 year program, 2 years of experience as a CRT
Licensure:
Certification from National Board of Respiratory Care upon receipt of CRT credential and then passing of one additional exam
Job Responsibilities:
Assess the need of therapeutic respiratory procedures, determine the potential benefits of therapy, monitor outcome of therapy to determine whether treatment objectives were met
(4:47)

5. Pulmonary Function Technologist
Education:
Respiratory care program (CRT or RRT) plus additional training on performing pulmonary function test (PFT)
Licensure:
CRT or RRT and pass test that proves you can perform PFT
Job Responsibilities:
Perform PFT to detect lung disease, measure lung function, determine effects of therapy, evaluate disability or impairment