How to Become a Respiratory Therapist Respiratory therapists who
work in home care teach patients and their families to use
ventilators and other life-support systems in their homes.
Respiratory therapists need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Respiratory therapists are licensed in all states except Alaska;
requirements vary by state. Respiratory therapists need at least
an associate’s degree, but employers look favorably on
applicants who have more education. Many colleges and
universities, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed
Forces offer training. Most programs award an associate’s or
bachelor’s degree. All programs have clinical components that
allow therapists to earn course credit and gain supervised,
practical experience treating patients. Respiratory therapy
programs include courses in human anatomy and physiology,
chemistry, physics, microbiology, pharmacology, and mathematics.
Other courses deal with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures
and tests, equipment, patient assessment, and ca