Program Information

Education

Formal training is necessary for entry into this field. Training is offered at the postsecondary level by colleges such as GVSU.
A program awarding the advanced degree will prepare graduates for jobs as advanced respiratory therapists.
Among the areas of study in respiratory therapy are human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics.
Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and tests, equipment, patient assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the application of clinical practice guidelines, patient care outside of hospitals, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory health promotion and disease prevention, and medical recordkeeping and reimbursement.
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers certification and registration to graduates of programs accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Two credentials are awarded to respiratory therapists who satisfy the requirements: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). Graduates from accredited programs in respiratory care may take the NBRC RRT credentialing exam, which has two cut scores. Achieving the lower cut score earns the CRT credential, and earning the higher confers the RRT credential.
Michigan now also requires respiratory therapists to obtain a license.

In hospitals giving breathing treatments to people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
In intensive care units managing ventilators that keep the critically ill alive.
In emergency rooms delivering life-saving treatments.
In newborn and pediatric units helping kids with conditions ranging from premature birth to cystic fibrosis.
In operating rooms working with anesthesiologists to monitor patients’ breathing during surgery.
In patient’s homes providing regular check-ups and making sure people have what they need to stay out of the hospital.
In sleep laboratories helping to diagnose disorders like sleep apnea.
In skilled nursing facilities and pulmonary rehabilitation programs helping older people breathe easier and get more out of life.
In doctor’s offices conducting pulmonary function tests and providing patient education.
In asthma education programs helping kids and adults alike learn how to cope with the condition.
In smoking cessation programs assisting those who want to kick the habit for good.
In air transport and ambulance programs rushing to rescue people in need of immediate medical attention.
In case management programs helping devise long-term care plans for patients.

Page last modified August 18, 2026