Travel Respiratory Therapist Salary Guide

A respiratory therapist is an allied health professional who treats patients with breathing problems. They diagnose respiratory conditions and recommend treatment, assist in
managing chronic lung diseases, care for newborns whose lungs aren’t fully developed and help ensure critically ill patients can breathe.

To pursue a respiratory therapy career, you must earn certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The NBRC offers two credentials for those entering RT practice:

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is an entry-level credential that demonstrates you have the necessary knowledge and experience to practice as an RT.

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is an advanced credential that demonstrates you have a higher level of expertise. Several states require you to have an RRT to practice.

To receive either CRT or RRT certification, you must:

• Complete an associate degree or higher from an accredited respiratory therapy program

• Pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam

The TMC has two cut scores. You receive the CRT credential if you earn the low cut score. If you achieve the high cut score, you receive the CRT credential and are eligible to earn the RRT credential. You must pass a Clinical Simulation Exam and satisfy all other RRT requirements to earn the RRT designation.

Obtaining State Licensure

After you’re certified and ready to work, you must apply for a state license to practice. All state except Alaska requires licensure. The minimum requirements for licensure vary, so consult your state board to learn the specific requirements in your state.

Most states accept either CRT or RRT certification for licensure, but some require an RRT. As of December 2022, California, Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, New Mexico, New Jersey, Washington and West Virginia require an RRT to practice. Some states, such as New York, have two levels of licensure, depending on whether you have a CRT or RRT.

Although Alaska doesn’t require RTs to be licensed, an NBRC credential is an excellent way to demonstrate your competency to employers and patients. It may also allow you to negotiate for a higher salary.