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Breathe Easy:

Your Pathway to a Career as a Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are critical in assessing, treating, and managing patients with respiratory disorders. They work with individuals who suffer from conditions such as asthma, COPD, or other breathing issues and play a key role in emergency care and long-term therapy management.

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Step 1: High School Preparation

GOAL: Build a strong academic foundation for college-level respiratory care programs.

Recommended Courses:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • AP or Dual Credit Biology
  • AP or Dual Credit Chemistry
  • English Composition / Literature
  • College Readiness Math

Actions:

  • Take the ACT
  • Speak with your guidance counselor about:
    • Dual credit opportunities
    • Financial aid
    • Local college partnerships
  • Contact Human Resources departments at local hospitals and healthcare facilities to learn more about job shadow or observation opportunities and entry level positions offered for high school students.

Resources:

  • Be-An-RT.org: Inspires students by explaining what RTs do, where they work, and why the profession matters—great videos, FAQs, and school search tools.
  • SCK Launch – Healthcare Pathway: Regional career exploration tool for Kentucky students. 

GOAL: Build a strong academic foundation for college-level respiratory care programs.

Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited College Program

GOAL: Complete an approved program in Respiratory Therapy.

Respiratory Therapists must have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy education program. The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) is the organization that accredits schools of respiratory therapy.

Respiratory Therapist College Programs

Search for college programs in Respiratory Therapy near you.

Filter By:
County
Associate Degree

These programs usually take 2 years and combine classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.

Roles that can be obtained with this degree:

  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)


Associate Degree RT Programs in KY

Bachelor Degree

Roles that can be obtained with this degree:

  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
  • Senior Respiratory Therapist
  • Medical Services Manager
  • Medical Sales Executive
  • Disease Manager
  • Clinical Specialist
  • Respiratory Therapist Director


Bachelor Degree RT Programs in KY

Master Degree

Roles that can be obtained with this degree:

  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
  • Senior Respiratory Therapist
  • Medical Services Manager
  • Medical Sales Executive
  • Disease Manager
  • Clinical Specialist
  • Respiratory Therapist Director


Master Degree RT Programs in KY

  • Bellarmine University (Louisville)
  • Be-an-RT.org also lists accredited
    schools across the U.S. for further
    comparison.

Step 3: Begin Working in the Field

GOAL: Gain knowledge and experience after high school or while obtaining your Respiratory Therapy education.

Visit the Kentucky Hospital Job Center: Search for current positions open at Kentucky hospitals, leading to exceptional careers

Job Opportunities throughout a Respiratory Therapy Career Pathway
High School
  • Shadow or Observation experience at local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Some hospitals offer entry level positions for high school students
  • Summer high school employment opportunities

College Courses prior to acceptance into Respiratory Therapy program

Entry-Level hospital roles may include:

  • Food Services
  • Environmental Services
  • Patient Transport
  • Phlebotomy
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Electrocardiographic and Cardiac Monitoring Technician (EKG Tech)
    • Some hospitals utilize this role for those students who are seeking Respiratory Therapy degrees
Acceptance into Respiratory Therapy Program
  • Respiratory Therapy Student positions – Role for Respiratory Therapy students who intend to work while in school.
    • Requires Limited Mandatory (Student License)
      • 3 year license that expires upon graduation. To continue working, individuals must apply immediately for a Temporary License with KBRC.
  • Contact Human Resources departments at local hospitals and healthcare facilities to learn more specific job opportunities they may offer for students accepted into Respiratory Therapy program.
    • Some hospitals may offer apprentice programs for Respiratory Therapy students.

Step 4: Pass National Certification Exams

GOAL: Earn credentials needed to practice professionally.

After graduating, students must:
  • Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exam to become licensed.
  • Upon passing the exam, candidates earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Those achieving a high enough score become eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), which can lead to obtaining the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) = Entry Level credential required to practice
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) = Advanced credential for higher pay, leadership and specialization
  • Additional specialty exams
    • Neonatal-Pediatric
    • Adult Critical Care

Visit: https://www.nbrc.org
Provides practice exams, exam outlines, application tools, and maintenance pathways.

Step 5: Obtain State Licensure (KBRC)

GOAL: Get licensed to practice in Kentucky.

Licensing in Kentucky is governed by the Kentucky Board for Respiratory Care (KBRC)

Requirements include:

  • Completion of an NBRC-accredited degree program
  • Passing NBRC exams
  • Application submission with documentation and fees

Step 6: Professional Growth & Engagement

GOAL: Continue learning and stay involved in your field.
Continuing Education (CE)
  • Required every 5 years to maintain NBRC credentials
  • Can be completed via courses, seminars, or retesting

Get Involved in Professional Organizations
  • AARC.org – American Association for Respiratory Care
    • National advocacy, scholarships, student memberships, mentorship, continuing education
  • KSRC.org – Kentucky Society for Respiratory Care
    • State-level conferences, CE credits, networking
Optional: Pathways for Advancement
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Respiratory Care (offered at select universities)
  • Specialty NBRC credentials in:
    • Neonatal/Pediatric Care
    • Adult Critical Care
    • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • Transition to Education, Leadership, or Research roles
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BREATH EASY:

Your Pathway to a Career as a

Respiratory Therapist

Step 1: High School Preparation

  1. Take college preparatory courses
  2. Take the ACT
  3. Speak with your guidance counselor 
  4. Contact HR at hospitals to job shadow 

Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited College Program

Obtain an associate or higher degree in Respiratory Therapy

Step 3: Begin Working in the Field

Entry Level Roles – Generally on the job training is provided

  1. Respiratory Aide
  2. EKG Tech
  3. Any entry level healthcare role
Roles while attending Respiratory Therapy Program
  • Respiratory Therapist Student – generally requires student in RT program and RT student license issued by the state

Step 4: Pass National Certification Exams (NBRC)

Pass exams for National Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Step 5: Obtain KY State Licensure Requirements

  • Completion of a NBRC-Accredited college degree program
  • Passing NBRC Exam

Step 6: Start Practicing as a Respiratory Therapist

Roles after College – successful completion of national exam and state licensure

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) – generally referred over CRT

Advanced Roles as a Respiratory Therapist

  • Specialty certifications in areas such as
    • Neonate/Pediatric Care
    • Adult Critical Care
    • Pulmonary Function Testing
  • Training/Education Roles
  • Leadership Roles
    • Supervisor
    • Manager
    • Director

Step 7: Professional Growth & Engagement

  • Maintain Continuing Education (CE) credits
  • Get involved in Professional Organizations
    • American Association for Respiratory Care
    • Kentucky Society for Respiratory Care