Wondering what a respiratory technician is and how you can become one? Respiratory therapy technicians are healthcare professionals trained to help patients of all ages who struggle with breathing due to illness, injury or chronic conditions. They play an important role in medical teams by using specialized equipment to improve patient outcomes.

Respiratory therapy is a career that blends science and compassion. To be successful in respiratory therapy, among other steps, you’ll need to start with a program that combines skill-building coursework with direct patient care opportunities. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy Technology at Central Ohio Technical College (COTC). If you’re exploring how to become a respiratory therapy technician, our accredited program offers clinical training, expert instruction and personalized support.

Explore respiratory therapy at cotc

What Is a Respiratory Tech and How Do They Support Patients?

A respiratory technician or respiratory therapist is a healthcare specialist who helps patients with breathing problems. These professionals treat individuals who have conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and even premature babies with underdeveloped lungs.

As a respiratory technician, your responsibilities might include:

• managing ventilators and oxygen therapy machines
• monitoring patients’ breathing and vital signs
• performing diagnostic tests, such as measuring lung capacity
• responding to emergencies such as cardiac or respiratory arrest
• teaching patients how to use inhalers or perform breathing exercises at home

You’ll work closely with doctors, nurses and other medical staff to provide quality care. Your role will be crucial in helping patients recover, manage chronic illnesses and maintain their health.

How to Become a Respiratory Therapy Technician

If you’re ready to take the next step toward this fulfilling career, you’ll need to follow a structured path. Becoming a respiratory therapy technician requires completing your education, gaining hands-on experience and earning the required certifications.

To become a respiratory technician, you’ll need to:

• Attend an info session: Before applying to COTC, complete attend an in-person or online information session.
• Submit your application: Complete and submit your application, transcripts and health selection exam scores.
• Complete orientation and background check: Once you’re accepted, you’ll need to complete an orientation and background check as required by the Ohio Respiratory Care Board before starting the COTC program.
• Obtain CPR/BLS certification: You must complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers — COTC’s EMS-100 course fulfills this requirement.
• Enroll in an accredited program: COTC’s associate degree in respiratory therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), meeting national education standards.
• Apply for a limited permit: After your first year, you’re eligible for a limited permit from the State Medical Board of Ohio, allowing you to work under supervision to gain experience.
• Earn national certification: After you graduate, you’ll be eligible to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam, followed by the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) to earn the advanced registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential. Both are administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Obtain state licensure: To work legally as a respiratory therapy technician, you must also apply for a license through your state’s medical or respiratory care board. Most states require proof of graduation from an accredited program, passing scores on the NBRC exams and a background check. Be sure to check your state’s specific licensure requirements.

By following these steps to become a respiratory therapist, you’ll be well-equipped to provide essential respiratory care to those in need. Exploring how to become a respiratory therapy technician means you’re already taking steps toward a fulfilling career that improves lives.

Respiratory Technician Jobs That Make a Difference

As a respiratory therapy technician, you’ll have opportunities to specialize as you gain experience, from working with newborns in neonatal care to assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of complex lung diseases. These specialized roles offer unique challenges that may require additional on-the-job training or certification.

Respiratory technician jobs include:

• Neonatal respiratory therapy: Provide life-saving respiratory care for newborns, especially premature infants with underdeveloped lungs.
• Polysomnography respiratory therapy: Specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like sleep apnea through sleep studies and respiratory therapy.
• Surface and air transport respiratory therapy: Work in emergency medical transport, delivering critical respiratory care to patients in ambulances and during air transport.
• Pulmonary diagnostics respiratory therapy: Conduct lung function tests and assessments to help diagnose conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Adult critical care specialty: Care for adults with severe respiratory conditions in intensive care units, managing ventilators and advanced life-support techniques.

Each of these specializations offers rewarding work that directly impacts patient outcomes. Whether it’s caring for premature infants, treating sleep disorders, or performing life-saving interventions in critical care, respiratory therapy technicians play an essential role on healthcare teams.

Respiratory Technician Salary and Job Outlook

The outlook for respiratory technician jobs is trending up. Nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently about 139,600 respiratory technician jobs available. The BLS also projects a 12% growth in employment from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than average.

This role also offers strong earning potential. According to the BLS, the average respiratory technician salary is $80,450. Having a respected degree from an accredited program like COTC’s can make you a competitive candidate.

Why COTC for an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Now you can answer the question, “What is a respiratory technician?” But why choose COTC? If you’re searching for respiratory technician schools that offer real clinical experience and strong career preparation, COTC provides a focused and affordable pathway to a career in respiratory therapy with hands-on experience, expert faculty and plenty of support.

Here’s why our respiratory therapy program stands out:

• Accreditation: Learn in a fully accredited respiratory technician program to ensure you’re eligible for certification exams and then work in respiratory therapy.
• Hands-on learning: Train in a state-of-the-art simulation lab and gain real-world experience through clinical placements in central Ohio hospitals.
• Expert faculty: Learn from experienced instructors who bring years of respiratory care knowledge to the classroom.
• Supportive environment: Find one-on-one faculty and advisor support, plus small class sizes, to make sure you receive the support and individual attention you need to succeed.

Take the First Step Toward Respiratory Technician School

If you’re looking for a respiratory therapy school where you can learn how to help people breathe easier and build a meaningful healthcare career, Central Ohio Technical College offers the accredited training you need. Our hands-on program leads to a profession with strong job growth and competitive salaries. Whether you’re new to healthcare or changing careers, COTC provides you with a strong path forward.

EXPLORE RESPIRATORY Therapy at COTC

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