Respiratory Services

Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. They provide respiratory treatments, monitor patients, manage respiratory equipment, educate patients and families and collaborate with physicians, nurses and other members of the health care team.

Respiratory therapy and respiratory care are commonly used to describe the same health care profession. Both involve assessing, treating and monitoring patients with respiratory or cardiopulmonary conditions and providing therapies that support breathing and lung function.

Respiratory therapists typically complete an accredited respiratory care or respiratory therapy program. Depending on the position and career path, educational requirements may include an associate or bachelor’s degree from an approved program. See job description for position requirements. 

Respiratory therapists generally need state licensure and professional certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Additional certifications may be required or preferred depending on the role, clinical setting and patient population. Certifications may also include BLS, ACLS and PALS, along with current state Respiratory Care licensure. Additional credentials such as RRT, NRP, CPFT/RPFT and ACCS may be preferred depending on the position.