How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa – IA

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

In Iowa, respiratory therapist careers begin by satisfying several requirements.  Iowa requires the minimum of a completed respiratory training program, passing national certification examinations, registration with the state, and also continuing education requirements after registration with the state.  Here are the steps in more detail:

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Iowa

The first step one would take to become a respiratory therapist in Iowa is to enroll in an accredited training program for respiratory therapy.  In Iowa, there are a number of programs that one can choose from.  These programs prepare trainees for the national certification examinations, and also in many cases offer trainees critical clinical training experience.  Respiratory therapist training programs are 2 years in length (with an associate degree upon completion) or 4 years in length (with a bachelor degree upon completion).

After the completion of an accredited respiratory therapist training program, one would take the Entry-Level CRT (certified respiratory therapist) examination.  This examination is the minimum requirement in order to work as a respiratory therapist in Iowa, and it is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.  There is also the option for a trainee to take the RRT examinations (registered respiratory therapist).  There are two examinations required in order to become a certified RRT, however these exams are not required for entry level positions.

Iowa requires all respiratory therapists to register and become licensed to work with the state.  The Iowa Department of Public Health registers respiratory therapists.  The fee required for initial registration is $110.00, along with the proof of completion of an accredited respiratory therapist training program, and also proof of successfully passing the Entry-Level CRT or RRT exams.  Every two years the license must be renewed for $60.00.

24 hours of continuing education requirements must be met within 24 months of registration in order to maintain the license to work as a respiratory therapist in Iowa.