Top Certifications for Aspiring Respiratory Therapists

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist (RT) requires a foundational education in respiratory care, but earning additional certifications can help advance a career, deepen clinical expertise, and increase job opportunities. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to specialize in a particular area of respiratory therapy, certifications can help you stand out in a competitive field and provide the highest standard of care to your patients.

1. National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification

The most widely recognized certification for Respiratory Therapists in the United States is the NBRC certification. This certification is essential for licensure in most states and involves passing two primary exams:

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT): Entry-level certification that demonstrates competence in essential respiratory care skills, including patient assessment and therapeutic interventions.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): The advanced certification that requires additional testing and indicates a higher level of expertise in complex respiratory therapy procedures and critical care management.

The CRT is typically earned after completing a formal education program, while the RRT is an advanced certification that often requires professional experience in the field.

2. Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS) Certification

For Respiratory Therapists who work with neonatal or pediatric patients, the NPS certification is valuable. This credential is offered by the NBRC and demonstrates expertise in:

• Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
• Management of ventilators and respiratory support systems in children and infants
• Treatment of conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, and congenital respiratory disorders

Achieving the NPS certification requires passing a specialized exam that tests knowledge in pediatric respiratory therapy, making it a great option for therapists interested in working with children.

3. Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT) Certification

The PFT certification, offered by the NBRC, focuses on testing the respiratory function of patients, a key skill for Respiratory Therapists working in diagnostic settings. This certification involves:

• Administering pulmonary function tests to measure lung capacity, volume, and efficiency
• Interpreting results to assess respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis
• Assisting physicians in making treatment decisions based on pulmonary test data

The PFT certification can be a great choice for Respiratory Therapists interested in working in diagnostic or clinical laboratory settings.

4. Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) Certification

For those working in intensive care units (ICU) or emergency settings, the ACCS certification demonstrates advanced expertise in adult critical care. This certification includes:

• Managing mechanical ventilation in critically ill adults
• Understanding advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols and respiratory support during emergencies
• Coordinating care with intensivists, nurses, and other healthcare providers to stabilize patients

Respiratory Therapists with the ACCS certification are highly sought after in emergency and critical care units where quick decision-making and advanced skills are required to manage severe respiratory distress.

5. Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C)

The AE-C certification is ideal for Respiratory Therapists who specialize in asthma management and patient education. This certification, offered by the National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB), focuses on:

• Teaching patients how to manage asthma effectively through medication, lifestyle changes, and self-monitoring
• Creating personalized asthma management plans
• Working with multidisciplinary teams to improve asthma care

This certification allows Respiratory Therapists to focus on long-term disease management and improve patients’ quality of life by helping them better understand and control their asthma.

6. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist (PRS) Certification

The PRS certification, offered by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), is aimed at Respiratory Therapists working with patients in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. This certification demonstrates expertise in:

• Designing and implementing exercise programs for patients with chronic respiratory conditions
• Monitoring patient progress and adjusting therapy to improve lung function and overall fitness
• Educating patients on lifestyle changes to improve respiratory health and prevent exacerbations

Achieving this certification is valuable for therapists working with patients recovering from chronic lung conditions like COPD or those who have undergone lung surgery.

7. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Specialized Courses

In addition to certifications, Respiratory Therapists are required to complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their licensure and certification. CEUs allow Respiratory Therapists to:

• Stay updated on the latest respiratory care practices, treatment modalities, and technology
• Attend specialized courses in areas such as sleep apnea management, pulmonary diagnostics, and ventilator management
• Complete webinars, conferences, or workshops offered by professional organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)

Continuing education ensures that Respiratory Therapists maintain high standards of care and keep pace with innovations in respiratory therapy and medicine.

Conclusion

Certifications are essential for advancing your career as a Respiratory Therapist. From improving patient care to expanding your career opportunities, obtaining specialized certifications allows you to demonstrate your expertise, increase your value in the workplace, and ensure that you are providing the best possible care to patients. Whether you're interested in pediatric care, critical care, or pulmonary rehabilitation, there are many certification paths that can enhance your skills and expertise in the field of respiratory therapy.