as well and this may be critical for advancement. A student takes courses in many medical and scientific areas such as chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology as well as courses specific to respiratory therapy. Courses also include the advance study of gas physics, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and neurological systems. These would include diagnostic testing and procedures, equipment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patient assessment and clinical practice guidelines. A licensing test must be passed to practice except in Alaska and Hawaii.
The cost of a respiratory therapist's education would depend on many factors. For example, whether they choose to pursue a two-year associate degree or a six-year master's degree. The curriculum taken at a community college would be a few thousand a semester while the same curriculum taken at an Ivy League school would cost tens of thousands. There are vocational schools in some states that also give the curriculum for a few thousands of dollars a year.
The National Board for Respiratory Care tests for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). This tests for entry level knowledge and skills This is the first exam a student can take and must passed in order to take exams for special licensing. You must get at least a 75% to get your license. The test is about three hours long. The National Board for Respiratory Care also offers the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam to CRTs who have advanced training. Testing is also offered for Certified Pulmonary Function Therapists, Registered Pulmonary Function Therapists and Neonatal/Pediatric Specialists.