If you’re wondering how to become a travel respiratory therapist, you’re likely looking for more than just a job—you’re looking for a way to grow, explore, and make a difference wherever your skills are needed most.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the field or are already a practicing RT considering travel jobs, understanding the path forward is key. This guide breaks it down: what the job involves, how to get licensed, and what to expect from a career that moves with you.
What Does a Respiratory Therapist Do?
Respiratory therapists are essential to patient care, helping people of all ages manage breathing difficulties caused by chronic respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and emphysema, as well as acute medical conditions like trauma or pneumonia (Mayo Clinic). Their responsibilities often include:
- Patient Assessment: Interviewing and examining patients—from premature infants to the elderly—to identify and monitor respiratory conditions.
- Treatment Planning: Collaborating with physicians and nurses to determine the right therapy and treatment options, such as oxygen therapy, ventilator management, or medication administration
- Diagnostic Testing: Running tests like arterial blood gas analysis, lung function measurements, and sputum analysis to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Equipment Management: Setting up and maintaining ventilators, aerosol systems, and other respiratory support tools for treatment.
- Patient and Family Education: Teaching patients, their families, and their caregivers how to understand symptoms and manage breathing conditions at home, including how to use equipment.
- Emergency Care: Responding to critical situations with interventions like CPR, airway support, and trauma response.
- Documentation: Keeping detailed records of patient care, treatment, and therapy progress, and equipment usage for compliance.
RTs may also specialize in areas like neonatal/pediatric care, pulmonary rehab, sleep medicine, critical care, or home health.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Respiratory Therapist?
Education
That depends on the educational path you take, but here’s the general breakdown:
- Associate degree: The most common route and minimum requirement, typically completed in about two years.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year option that offers more advanced coursework and may open the door to leadership or specialized roles.
- Prerequisites: Before starting a respiratory therapy program, you may need to complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology.
- Clinical Experience: Accredited programs will include hands-on clinical hours, so you can gain practical, real-world experience before graduating.
To stay on track for certification and licensure, both your associate’s and bachelor’s programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Certification and Licensure
After completing your degree, the next step in becoming a travel respiratory therapist is getting certified and licensed. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers two main credentials:
- Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT):Earned by passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at the lower cut score.
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT):Requires a higher TMC score and passing the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). The RRT is widely considered the industry gold standard and is often required for travel respiratory therapy positions.
*State Licensure: All states (except Alaska) require a license to practice. Requirements vary, but usually include proof of education and exam scores. Some states may have additional requirements, like HIV/AIDS education.
Experience Needed
Most travel respiratory therapist roles require at least one to two years of full-time clinical experience before you can qualify for assignments. This experience is vital because it helps you:
- Build confidence in clinical environments
- Master the use of different respiratory equipment and protocols
- Learn to work with different teams and patient populations
- Strengthen your ability to adapt quickly and work independently
Employers may also look for additional certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), especially for roles in emergency or critical care settings. A valid driver’s license may also be needed if the role involves home visits.
How to Become a Travel Respiratory Therapist
Once you have your education, certification, and experience in place, here’s how to take the leap into travel work:
- Update Your Resume: Highlight your credentials, specialties, adaptability, and experience with different patient populations or respiratory equipment.
- Connect with Travel Staffing Agencies: These agencies help match clinicians with short-term assignments across the country. Most require at least one to two years of experience and the RRT credential. Not sure what style of travel agency is best for you? Find one that meets your needs, listens to what you want, and supports you the way you want to be supported. Your chosen agency will match you with a recruiter who will guide you step-by-step through starting a travel career.
- Apply for Additional State Licenses: You’ll need to be licensed in any state you plan to work. Many agencies offer licensing support and reimbursements.
- Stay Flexible: Assignments can vary in length and location, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on facility needs. It’s important that you’re open to new types of team environments, protocols, and housing arrangements.
- Maintain Certifications: Stay current on continuing education requirements and keep all credentials up to date between assignments.
A Day in the Life of a Travel RT
Travel RTs do the same essential work as permanent staff, but in new settings and with different teams with each new travel contract. No two days are the same, but a typical day could include:
- Interviewing and assessing patients with respiratory symptoms
- Consulting with providers to adjust treatment plans
- Performing diagnostic tests and administering treatments, like nebulizers or managing ventilators
- Monitoring patient progress and updating medical records
- Educating patients, families, and caregivers on disease management
- Responding to emergencies, including trauma cases and resuscitation efforts
- Floating between departments such as ICU, emergency, or med-surg, and sometimes providing care in home or rehabilitation settings
Shifts vary by facility and may include nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in hospital settings. The work is fast-paced, rewarding, and full of variety.
Become A Travel Respiratory Therapist with Medical Solutions
The need for skilled respiratory therapists has never been higher, and your expertise can make a real difference in facilities across the country. Whether you’re ready for your first travel assignment or just exploring what’s next, Medical Solutions is here to support your journey. We connect you with high-demand opportunities, help navigate licensing and logistics, and make sure you’re set up for success from day one. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to help you move forward, wherever your career takes you.
