how to become a respiratory therapist

[hrdrn]

Hello, can nurses take a short course on respiratory therapy and eventually become a respiratory therapist? Where can that training be? Thanks

[sunnycalifRN]

I was an RRT before becoming an ICU nurse. There are two and four year programs to become a respiratory therapist. However, I don't know why you would want to do that, if you're an RN. You can take courses to learn about the ventilator, weaning protocols, ABG interpretation, et al. Unfortunately, RRT's generally earn less than RN's so you'd be taking a step back in earning power.

[vanilla bean]

Hello, can nurses take a short course on respiratory therapy and eventually become a respiratory therapist? Where can that training be? Thanks

As sunnycaliRN mentioned, there are two and four year degree programs. To my knowledge, there is no respiratory therapy "course" that allows nurses a quick path to become a respiratory therapist. I think, at best, you would receive credit for some of the general ed. requirements (like A&P, microbiology, chemistry, etc) but would still have to earn the degree. Check out the NBRC's website for eligibility to sit for exams and see if they mention a pathway similar to what you are asking about.