The need for certified respiratory therapists is high. Of the 130,000 jobs available for the career, only 9,000 people are employed as one. If you have a love for anatomy and physiology and enjoy helping people, then finding out how to become a respiratory therapist is an ideal career for you.
Not sure where to start? No worries. This quick guide can help you out.
Go to School to Obtain a Degree
Education is important, especially for those who want to work in the healthcare field. Going to school on campus or online to obtain a respiratory therapist degree is the first step.
The minimum respiratory school requirements are obtaining an associate’s degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree can provide you with added knowledge and experience. Plus, it will look amazing on your resume.
Pass the Exam
Studying isn’t completely over after graduation. In order to become a respiratory therapist, you must take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam. There are two parts to the exam: a multiple-choice test and a Clinical Simulation Examination.
Ensuring that you pass is vital if you want to get a job. Most people rely on study books to help them review what they learned in school. Another great option to study for the exam is to use online retargets. Respiratory Therapy Zone offers practice exams, test banks, and video courses for students.
Get Licensed
Once you ace the exam, your next step is getting licensed. All states in the US require that you have one prior to working, with the exception of Alaska.
The state you apply for a license will award it to those who received their degree from an accredited program. If you want to continue working as a respiratory therapist, you must complete the minimum 30 continuing education hours and assessments.
Search for Work
After you have your license in hand, you are ready to search and apply for work. Applying for jobs is a daunting task, but you can help yourself be the best prepared by creating a resume. If you need help creating one, schools offer their old students assistance even after graduation.
Your resume should have any volunteer and clinical experience related to respiratory therapy if you have it. While it’s impossible to guess what a potential employer will ask you when you do get an interview, reviewing basic interview questions better prepares you.
Being a respiratory therapist is a respectable career. You can expect to earn about $60,000 a year.
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Four Simple Steps
Working towards a career you dream about doing doesn’t happen overnight. There are goals you must attain to get there. The start of the ladder on how to become a respiratory therapist is getting certified to obtain a degree.
Passing your courses and finishing them is an excellent feeling, but nothing beats the moment you apply for that first job and get it. So what are you waiting for?
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