Respiratory therapists have played an essential role in patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic—they’ve intubated patients, assessed their airways, and managed ventilator settings. If you want a healthcare career that would give you the opportunity to help people and allow you to fulfill a crucial need in the industry, consider respiratory therapy. To get started in the field, you’ll need to earn your license.

Enroll in an Accredited Program to Become a Licensed Respiratory Therapist

The first step to earn your respiratory therapist license is to enroll in an accredited training program. At YTI Career Institute, we offer a Respiratory Therapy training program that will give you the knowledge and skills you need to treat patients and work as part of any medical team. The program is taught by professionals in a blended learning format. You’ll also participate in on-site clinical trainings at approved healthcare facilities. At the end of the program, you’ll earn an associate degree, which will prepare you for the license exam and fulfill one of its requirements.

Sit for the Respiratory Therapist Licensing Exam in PA

Once you earn your associate degree in respiratory therapy, you’ll be eligible to sit for the license exam. There are actually two exams and two credentials that you may be able to earn:

Certified Respiratory Therapist

To become a certified Respiratory Therapist, you’ll need to take the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam, which consists of 160 multiple-choice questions. There are two potential cut scores on this test. A low-cut score earns you the CRT credential, which certifies that you have the basic knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a Respiratory Therapist.

Registered Respiratory Therapist

If you earn the high cut score on the TMC exam, you’re automatically eligible to sit for the Clinical Simulation Examination, or CSE. The CSE consists of 22 problems that outline real-world patient situations you would encounter on the job. If you pass this exam, you’ll earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential, which is considered to be the gold standard in the field. The RRT credential shows that you have more advanced knowledge and skills related to respiratory care, and that you can make decisions about the patient’s treatment plan. It will also open you up to more job opportunities and career advancement.

Apply for Respiratory Therapist Licensure in PA

After you earn the CRT or RRT credential, you can apply for your license. In the state of Pennsylvania, you can apply for licensure through either the State Board of Medicine or the State Board of Osteopathy. There is no difference between the two, but most people apply for their license through the State Board of Medicine. To apply for licensure, you’ll need to submit or complete the following:

• An application along with a $30 fee
• A criminal history check
• A current resume or CV that lists any relevant experience
• A self-query form from the National Practitioner Databank
• A letter of good standing from any board that may have issued you a professional license before

Your school will also need to send verification that you have completed your training and the National Board of Respiratory Care will need to send your exam scores. You’ll also have to complete a short training on child abuse recognition and reporting, per the state’s requirements. Once all documents have been submitted, you can obtain your license and begin your job search.

If you’re ready to start your career in respiratory therapy, contact YTI Career Institute today. Our faculty and staff can prepare you for a career in healthcare in 19 months or fewer. Fill out the form to learn more.