A respiratory therapist is an allied health professional who specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists work closely with physicians and healthcare teams to help patients manage conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system.  

What does a respiratory therapist do? 

Respiratory therapists provide diagnostic and therapeutic care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary conditions. They work with patients of all ages, from premature infants to older adults. 

Typical responsibilities include: 

• Assessing patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders 
• Administering oxygen therapy and breathing treatments 
• Managing ventilators and life-support equipment 
• Performing diagnostic tests such as pulmonary function testing 
• Monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatments as needed 
• Assisting in emergency care situations involving breathing difficulties 
• Educating patients on managing chronic respiratory conditions 
• Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals  

Day-in-the-life of a respiratory therapist 

A typical day may include evaluating patients, delivering respiratory treatments, and monitoring patients who require breathing support. Respiratory therapists often work in fast-paced clinical environments and may assist with emergency respiratory care or intensive care unit support.

What education is required to become a respiratory therapist? 

Respiratory therapists typically complete formal education in respiratory therapy along with clinical training and professional credentialing.  

Typical pathway: 

1. Complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy or respiratory care.
2. Graduate from a respiratory therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
3. Most respiratory therapists earn professional credentials through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
4. Many states require respiratory therapists to obtain licensure before practicing. 

How long does it take to become a respiratory therapist? 

The time required depends on the educational pathway chosen. 

Typical timeline: 

• Education: 2-4 years (associate or bachelor’s degree) 
• Clinical training: Completed during accredited respiratory therapy program 
• Total typical time: Approximately 2-4 years 

What skills are important for a respiratory therapist? 

Respiratory therapists need strong clinical, technical, and interpersonal skills to support patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions.  

Technical skills 

• Operating respiratory care and ventilation equipment 
• Understanding cardiopulmonary physiology 
• Administering respiratory therapies and treatments 
• Performing pulmonary diagnostic testing 
• Monitoring patient respiratory status 

Interpersonal skills 

• Communication with patients and healthcare 
• Compassion and patient-centered care 
• Critical thinking and clinical decision-making 
• Attention to detail 
• Ability to work in high-pressure clinical environments 

Where do respiratory therapist work? 

Respiratory therapists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including: 

• Hospitals 
• Intensive care units (ICUs) 
• Emergency departments 
• Outpatient clinics 
• Pulmonary rehabilitation centers 
• Long-term care facilities 
• Home healthcare settings 
• Sleep disorder clinics 

Respiratory therapist programs at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences offers a Respiratory Care Program that prepares students to work as respiratory therapists through classroom instruction and clinical training. 

• Program name: Respiratory Care Program 
• Location: Rochester, Minnesota
• Length: Two years (associate degree program)
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
• Clinical exposure: Students receive hands-on clinical training within Mayo Clinic’s hospitals and clinical environments, gaining experience with a wide range of respiratory conditions and patient populations. 

Mayo Clinic also offers several clinical rotations  in the respiratory care field:

• Respiratory Care Clinical Rotation (Arizona)
• Respiratory Care Clinical Rotation (Florida)
• Respiratory Therapy Clinical Rotation (Minnesota)

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