How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Washington, D.C.

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 9 2010

Becoming a Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia

Washington, DC respiratory therapist careers begin be getting certified through a respiratory therapy training program, then passing a national board administered examination.  After the exam is completed, an application is submitted to a licensing board that offers applicants a license once it has been determined all the requirements for certification have been met.  The steps are as follows:

1. A trainee in respiratory therapy would first seek to enroll in a certified respiratory training program.  In Washington, D.C. there are local and online training options for respiratory therapy.  Respiratory therapist training programs offer a 2 or 4 year degree upon completion, and they are designed to prepare students for clinical work as well as the national certification examination. 
2. During or after a respiratory therapy training program, a trainee would take the Entry-level CRT examination.  Although there are other respiratory therapist examinations, the Entry-level CRT is the minimum requirement for respiratory therapists to work in D.C.   The RRT examinations are optional: these are for more advanced respiratory therapist training positions and require some work experience.
3. Washington, D.C. requires that respiratory therapists are licensed with their health board to work.  Licensing fees are $254.00 and must be renewed every 2 years.  The Health Profession Licensing Administration requires proof of completion of the entry level respiratory therapist examination along with transcripts from a completed program.
4. The final step is to maintain any requirements for continued education. D.C. requires 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years.