How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida

By Athena KanUpdated Jul 2, 2026

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What is a Respiratory Therapist?

A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the treatment and care of patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work closely with physicians to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory illnesses.

The responsibilities of a respiratory therapist include conducting diagnostic tests, such as lung capacity tests and blood gas analysis, administering medications, managing ventilators, and providing education and support to patients and their families.

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Where Does a Respiratory Therapist Work?

Respiratory therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies. They may also be employed by sleep disorder centers, emergency medical services, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Requirements to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida

To become a respiratory therapist in Florida, you must meet certain education and legal requirements. These include:

Education: You must complete an accredited respiratory therapy program, which typically takes about two years to complete. These programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.
Licensure: After completing your education, you must obtain a license from the Florida Board of Respiratory Care. This requires passing the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examination and meeting other state-specific requirements.
CPR Certification: You must also hold a valid CPR certification from an approved provider.
Continuing Education: To maintain your license, you must complete continuing education credits on a regular basis. This ensures that you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in respiratory therapy.

Finding Respiratory Therapist Classes in Florida?

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a respiratory therapist in Florida, you can find respiratory therapist classes on Dreambound. Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs. They offer a comprehensive list of respiratory therapy programs in Florida, including those in Jacksonville and North Port.

Dreambound can help you find classes near you by providing detailed information about each program, including the school's location, program duration, and admission requirements. You can easily compare different programs and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

To find respiratory therapist classes in Jacksonville, Florida, visit this link. To find respiratory therapist classes in North Port, Florida, visit this link.

Start your journey towards becoming a respiratory therapist today with Dreambound!

Respiratory therapy is a rewarding and fulfilling career path for individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a difference in their lives. If you're interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, you may be wondering about the steps you need to take to get certified and find employment in this field. In this blog post, we will explore the process of getting your respiratory therapist certification, how to secure a job as a respiratory therapist, the various career paths and opportunities available after becoming certified, and some final thoughts on this profession.

Getting Your Respiratory Therapist Certification

To become a certified respiratory therapist, you must follow a few key steps:

Education: The first step is to complete a respiratory therapy program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). These programs are usually offered at community colleges, technical schools, or universities. The program typically takes two to four years to complete, depending on the level of degree you pursue.
Licensure: After completing your education, you will need to obtain a license to practice as a respiratory therapist. The requirements for licensure vary by state, so it's important to check with your state's licensing board to understand the specific requirements in your area. In general, you will need to pass the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exam to become licensed.
Certification: The NBRC offers two levels of certification for respiratory therapists - Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The CRT certification is the entry-level certification, while the RRT certification is considered the advanced level. To become certified, you will need to pass the appropriate NBRC exams for your desired level of certification.
Continuing Education: Once you are certified, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in respiratory therapy. Most states require respiratory therapists to complete a certain number of continuing education credits to maintain their licensure. These credits can be obtained through workshops, conferences, online courses, or other educational opportunities.

By completing these steps, you can obtain your respiratory therapist certification and be ready to embark on a fulfilling career in this field.

How to Get a Job as a Respiratory Therapist?

Once you are certified as a respiratory therapist, the next step is to find employment in this field. Here are a few tips to help you secure a job as a respiratory therapist:

Network: Networking is a valuable tool in any job search. Reach out to professionals in the field, attend industry events, and join professional organizations related to respiratory therapy. These connections can provide valuable insights, job leads, and recommendations.
Resume and Cover Letter: Craft a well-written resume and cover letter that highlight your education, certifications, clinical experience, and any specialized skills or certifications you may have. Tailor your application materials to each specific job you apply for, emphasizing the qualifications that match the job requirements.
Job Boards and Online Resources: Utilize online job boards, such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) website, to search for respiratory therapist job openings. Many healthcare organizations also have career pages on their websites where you can find job listings. Additionally, consider joining professional respiratory therapy groups on social media platforms, as they often share job opportunities within the community.
Clinical Experience: Prioritize gaining clinical experience during your education. Many respiratory therapy programs include clinical rotations where you can gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. Highlight your clinical experience in your job applications and interviews to demonstrate your practical skills and knowledge.
Interview Preparation: Prepare for job interviews by researching the organization and familiarizing yourself with common interview questions for respiratory therapist positions. Be ready to discuss your clinical experience, problem-solving abilities, and your passion for respiratory therapy.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a job as a respiratory therapist and starting your career in this rewarding field.

Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

Once you have become a certified respiratory therapist, there are various career paths and opportunities available to you. Some of the different options you can explore include:

Hospitals: The majority of respiratory therapists work in hospitals, where they provide care to patients with respiratory conditions. In a hospital setting, you may work in areas such as the emergency department, intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU, or pulmonary function lab.
Home Healthcare: Respiratory therapists can also work in home healthcare settings, providing care to patients who require assistance with managing respiratory conditions at home. This can include setting up and maintaining respiratory equipment, educating patients and their families on proper use, and monitoring patients' progress.
Sleep Centers: Many respiratory therapists specialize in sleep medicine and work in sleep centers. In these settings, they help diagnose and treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. They may perform sleep studies, educate patients on sleep hygiene, and assist with the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
Education and Research: Some respiratory therapists choose to pursue careers in education or research. They may work as instructors in respiratory therapy programs, teaching future generations of therapists. Others may work in research institutions, conducting studies and contributing to advancements in respiratory care.
Management and Leadership: With experience and additional education, respiratory therapists can advance into management or leadership roles within healthcare organizations. These roles may involve overseeing respiratory therapy departments, managing staff, and developing policies and procedures.
Specialty Areas: There are various specialty areas within respiratory therapy that you can explore, such as pediatric respiratory therapy, geriatric respiratory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or critical care. These specialties require additional training and certifications but can provide opportunities for more focused and specialized care.

By exploring these different career paths and opportunities, you can find a niche within respiratory therapy that aligns with your interests and goals.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified respiratory therapist opens up a world of opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of patients with respiratory conditions. By completing the necessary education and certification requirements, networking, and actively seeking job opportunities, you can start a fulfilling career in this field. Remember to stay updated on advancements in respiratory therapy through continuing education and consider exploring different career paths and specialties to further enhance your skills and knowledge. With dedication and passion, you can thrive as a respiratory therapist and contribute to improving the respiratory health of individuals in need.