Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.Career Change to Respiratory Therapy: Where to Start
A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.A realistic roadmap for adult learners and career changers — what the path looks like, how long it takes, and the very first step to take.
Thinking about leaving your current job for a career in respiratory therapy? You’re in good company. Respiratory therapy is one of the more accessible healthcare careers for adult learners and career changers: you can enter the field with an associate degree, you don’t need prior medical experience, and demand is strong. But there’s a specific first step that catches many people off guard — and getting it right early can save you a year or more.
This guide lays out a realistic roadmap: what respiratory therapists do, why it’s a viable change, the steps from where you are now to a licensed career, and — most importantly — where to actually start. You can explore accredited programs through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and learn more about the profession from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
Short answer: To change careers into respiratory therapy, you’ll complete a CoARC-accredited associate or bachelor’s program and earn your credential through the National Board for Respiratory Care to qualify for licensure. But the first practical step isn’t applying to a program — it’s completing the science prerequisites those programs require, since admission is competitive and prerequisites come first. Starting there is how career changers get a head start.
For many career changers, yes — it hits a rare combination of accessible entry, strong demand, and meaningful work. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions, from premature infants to older adults with chronic lung disease, working in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and beyond.
What makes it appealing for a change specifically:
One honest note: while an associate degree is the entry minimum, a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard, and program accreditation is heading in that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation you build first is the same — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.
Here’s the realistic sequence. Knowing the whole arc helps you see why the first step matters so much.
| Step | What it is | Notes for career changers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete prerequisites | Science and foundation courses programs require before you apply. This is where you start — see below. |
| 2 | Apply to a CoARC-accredited program | Associate or bachelor’s. Admission is competitive and usually ranked, often once a year. |
| 3 | Complete the program | Classroom, lab, and clinical rotations. Typically about two years for an associate degree. |
| 4 | Earn your NBRC credential | Pass the National Board for Respiratory Care exams (CRT and/or RRT). |
| 5 | Get licensed and start working | Nearly every state requires licensure, which is based on the NBRC credential. |
Notice that the program itself is Step 2, not Step 1. Career changers who jump straight to applying often discover they’re missing prerequisites — and lose an entire admission cycle waiting to complete them. After you finish a program, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the credentialing exams that lead to licensure.
If you take one thing from this guide, it’s this: your first move as a career changer is to complete the science and foundation prerequisites respiratory therapy programs require. They’re the gateway to everything else, and they’re something you can start right now — before you’ve chosen a program, while you’re still working your current job.
The prerequisites most programs expect:
For career changers juggling work and family, the practical way to do this is online and self-paced. The RT Science Prerequisite Bundle lets you complete the whole set through a regionally accredited university partner, on your own schedule and on one official transcript — so you arrive at the application stage ready, not scrambling.
Starting with prerequisites isn’t just the required order — it’s strategically the best move for a career changer, for several reasons:
If you took some of these courses years ago, check whether they’re still valid — many programs require science prerequisites completed within a recent window. Our guide to RT prerequisite recency rules walks through the 5-year window and how to refresh expired credit.
Here’s how to turn the decision into momentum without upending your life:
Done this way, the leap into a new career feels less like a cliff and more like a series of manageable steps — most of which you can start before changing anything about your current life.
Can I become a respiratory therapist with no healthcare experience?
Yes. Respiratory therapy programs are designed to take you from the prerequisites through clinical training, so prior healthcare experience isn’t required — though observation hours can strengthen an application.
How long does it take to change careers into respiratory therapy?
Plan for roughly two to three years for an associate-degree path, plus the time to complete prerequisites beforehand. A bachelor’s takes longer. Completing prerequisites efficiently up front keeps the timeline tight.
What’s the first step if I’m changing careers?
Completing the science prerequisites that programs require — anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, math, and often medical terminology. You can start these online and self-paced before applying to any program.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree, or is an associate enough?
An associate degree is the entry minimum, but a bachelor’s is increasingly the standard and program accreditation is moving that direction. Either way, the prerequisite foundation is the same starting point.
Is respiratory therapy worth it as a career change?
For many people, yes — accessible entry, strong demand (about 13% projected growth over 2023–2033), median pay around $70,000–$80,000, and meaningful patient care. Weigh it against your own goals and finances.
Can I complete the prerequisites while working full time?
Yes. Online, self-paced prerequisite courses are designed exactly for working adults, letting you build toward a program around your current job and schedule.
Respiratory therapy is one of the most realistic healthcare career changes you can make: a two-year entry credential, no prior medical experience needed, strong demand, and solid pay. The path runs from prerequisites to an accredited program to your NBRC credential and licensure — and the smartest first step is the one you can take today: completing the science prerequisites, around your current job, before you ever apply. That’s how career changers get ahead of a competitive process instead of behind it.
Ready to take the first step? Start with the RT Science Prerequisite Bundle — online, self-paced, regionally accredited courses you can begin now and complete on one official transcript. Confirm your shortlisted programs’ specific prerequisites and deadlines with their admissions offices as you plan.
Map out your change with these next steps:
Program requirements, prerequisites, timelines, salary figures, job-growth projections, and licensure rules vary by institution, state, and over time. Salary and outlook figures reference U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and may change. This guide is general information only and is not a guarantee of admission or employment. Always confirm details directly with the respiratory therapy programs and licensing boards relevant to you.
