Key Points

• What is a Respiratory Therapist? A Respiratory Therapist is a licensed medical professional who assesses, treats, and cares for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders.
• How to become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina? To work in North Carolina, you must graduate from a CoARC-accredited associate's degree program, pass the national NBRC exam, and obtain a license from the NC Respiratory Care Board.
• Length of training for a Respiratory Therapist: The required associate's degree program typically takes two years to complete.
• Average Respiratory Therapist salary in North Carolina: The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina is approximately $68,500 per year.
• Number of employment of Respiratory Therapists in North Carolina: As of May 2024, there were approximately 7,150 Respiratory Therapists employed in North Carolina.

What is a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory therapists are trained professionals who help patients with respiratory disorders. They perform various diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity and analyzing blood samples, to assess a patient's respiratory health. They also administer oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, and breathing exercises. Additionally, they assist in emergencies, such as during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

An RT's duties are a blend of high-tech diagnostics, hands-on treatment, and critical patient monitoring. Common responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients' respiratory conditions and developing treatment plans

• Administering medication and therapies to improve lung function

• Assisting in the management of patients on mechanical ventilation

• Educating patients and their families on respiratory care techniques

• Monitoring and documenting patients' progress

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

Requirements to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina

To practice as an RT in North Carolina, you must be licensed by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board (NCRCB). The requirements are mandatory and ensure a high standard of care.

• Education: You must have a high school diploma or a GED and complete specific prerequisite college courses.
• Accredited Degree: You must graduate with at least an associate's degree from a respiratory therapy program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
• National Exam: You must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to earn at least the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential.
• State License: You must hold an active license issued by the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in North Carolina?

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before applying to a competitive respiratory therapy program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete prerequisite college courses with a strong GPA, typically including biology, chemistry, algebra, and English.

2. Enroll in a CoARC-Accredited Program

Your most critical step is to enroll in and graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program. In North Carolina, this is typically a two-year Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree offered at community colleges. These rigorous programs combine in-depth classroom and lab instruction with extensive, hands-on clinical rotations in local hospitals and healthcare facilities.

3. Earn Your National Credential and State License

After graduating, you must earn your national credential from the NBRC and then your state license from the NCRCB to legally practice.

How to Get a Respiratory Therapist License in North Carolina?

Pass the NBRC Exam: You must apply for and pass the NBRC's Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. A passing score earns you the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, which is the minimum requirement for licensure. A higher score on the same exam makes you eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Examination to earn the advanced Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

• Apply to the NCRCB: Once you have your CRT credential, you must submit an application for licensure to the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board, including your exam scores, transcripts, and a background check.

4. Apply for Respiratory Therapist Jobs

Once you are a licensed RT, you are ready to enter the workforce. A great resource for exploring the specific skills and knowledge employers seek is MyNextMove.org.

How to Get a Respiratory Therapist Job in North Carolina?

Create a professional resume that highlights your new state license and your NBRC credential (CRT or RRT). Detail your clinical rotation experience and any specialized training you received. Search for job openings on the career pages of major North Carolina health systems like Atrium Health, Novant Health, and UNC Health, where RTs are in constant demand.