Are you considering a career as a respiratory therapist? If so, you might be curious about the challenges you’ll face in respiratory therapy school.
Let’s be honest: it’s not a walk in the park. But it’s definitely achievable with dedication and the right mindset.
In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects that contribute to the difficulty of respiratory therapy school. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether this rewarding career is the right fit for you.
Get instant access to 25+ premium quizzes, mini-courses, and downloadable cheat sheets for FREE.
Is Respiratory Therapy School Hard?
Respiratory therapy school can be challenging, but it’s manageable with dedication and effort. The curriculum covers complex subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory care techniques. Clinical rotations require hands-on skills and critical thinking. Time management and strong study habits are essential to balance coursework and clinical practice.
While it demands hard work and commitment, the reward is a fulfilling career helping patients with respiratory issues.
With the right mindset and support, many students successfully navigate the challenges and find respiratory therapy school both challenging and rewarding.
What Makes Respiratory Therapy School Challenging?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what makes respiratory therapy school challenging, as each student’s experience is unique, and their definition of “hard” varies.
However, the consensus among most students is a resounding “yes”—respiratory therapy school is challenging.
Many students find respiratory therapy school challenging for several key reasons:
- Difficult coursework
- Clinical rotations
- Skill checkoffs
- Weekly exams
- Treating critically ill patients
- Learning life-saving skills
- Cost of attendance
- Passing two board exams
- Balancing various demands
Watch this video or keep reading to learn more about the top challenges students face in respiratory therapy school.
1. Difficult Coursework
One of the primary reasons respiratory therapy school is tough is due to the challenging courses required.
These include:
- Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Patient Assessment
- Neonatal and Pediatric Care
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
Respiratory therapy is a science-based profession, demanding a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology from the start. The coursework complexity increases as students progress, especially with topics like mechanical ventilation.
However, the structured nature of most programs helps students gradually build their knowledge and skills over time.
Note: This is why we offer hundreds of free videos, study guides, and other resources to help make the learning process a bit more manageable.
2. Clinical Rotations
In addition to challenging coursework, students in respiratory therapy school must also complete clinical rotations. These hands-on training experiences take place in real healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or outpatient clinics.
During clinical rotations, students work with patients of all ages, from neonates to the elderly, and are responsible for tasks like:
- Assessing patients
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Administering therapy
- Monitoring patients
- Documenting patient care
Clinical rotations are both challenging and rewarding. They provide a valuable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
However, they can also be stressful and demanding, especially when balancing them with exams and other assignments. Students are continuously evaluated by their preceptors, making it crucial to perform at their best.
Note: Clinical rotations essentially serve as extended job interviews from day one, so it’s important for students to approach them with dedication and professionalism.
3. Skill Checkoffs
While balancing coursework and clinical rotations, respiratory therapy students must also complete skill checkoffs.
A skill checkoff is an evaluation of a student’s ability to perform a specific clinical skill, ranging from administering oxygen therapy to performing endotracheal intubation.
To progress through the program, students must demonstrate competency in all required skills. The challenging part is that they have limited opportunities to prove their proficiency.
Each checkoff demands thorough preparation and precision, adding another layer of difficulty to the rigorous curriculum.
4. Weekly Exams
In addition to coursework, clinical rotations, and skill checkoffs, respiratory therapy students must pass weekly exams. Sometimes, multiple exams fall within the same week, intensifying the workload.
These exams typically include multiple-choice or short-answer questions covering material from lectures, labs, and clinical rotations. The format may vary from one program to another, but the consistent element is the substantial amount of material students need to master.
The combination of coursework, clinical rotations, skill checkoffs, and weekly exams means that respiratory therapy students have a lot on their plate.
5. Treating Critically Ill Patients
Respiratory therapists often care for critically ill patients with conditions like pneumonia, COPD, or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
This aspect of the job is more emotionally demanding than physically challenging.
Witnessing patients suffer or even die can be difficult. However, it is a fundamental part of the profession that respiratory therapy students must be prepared for.
Developing emotional resilience and empathy is crucial for managing these situations effectively.
6. Learning Life-Saving Skills
Respiratory therapy students must acquire skills that can save a patient’s life, often being the difference between life and death.
Key skills include:
- Intubation
- Managing a patient on mechanical ventilation
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Administering emergency medications
- Assisting with bronchoscopy
- Assisting with tracheostomy
Note: Learning these essential skills is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Knowing they have the ability to save lives provides students with a profound sense of purpose and accomplishment.
7. Cost of Attendance
Attending respiratory therapy school can be quite expensive, varying by program and state.
Beyond tuition, students must also budget for books, supplies, tools, and room and board, which can quickly add up and create financial strain, especially for those self-funding their education.
While some programs offer scholarships and financial aid, these options may not always be sufficient to cover the entire cost.
Prospective students should thoroughly research financial aid opportunities and plan accordingly to manage these expenses.
8. Passing Two Board Exams
To become a licensed respiratory therapist, students must pass two board exams administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC):
Passing both exams is required to obtain a license and credentials to practice respiratory care. These exams are known for their difficulty and require extensive preparation.
Fortunately, many students have successfully used our test prep materials to pass these exams. However, the challenging nature of these exams is an important consideration for anyone thinking about enrolling in a respiratory therapy program.
9. Balancing Various Demands
One of the most challenging aspects of respiratory therapy school is managing the multitude of demands mentioned in this article.
Students must learn to juggle:
- Coursework
- Exams
- Homework
- Projects
- Clinical rotations
- Skill checkoffs
- Preparing for board exams
Note: Balancing these responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially when trying to maintain a personal life outside of school. Developing strong time management and organizational skills is essential for success in respiratory therapy school.
Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist Worth It?
Despite the challenges, most respiratory therapists agree that the effort is well worth it. The career is both emotionally and financially rewarding.
Respiratory therapists have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the lives of their patients and their families. The profession also offers a good salary and job security, with demand for respiratory therapists expected to grow in the coming years.
This combination of personal fulfillment and professional stability makes the journey through respiratory therapy school a valuable and worthwhile endeavor.
FAQs About Respiratory Therapy School
What is the Hardest Part of Respiratory Therapy School?
The hardest part of respiratory therapy school varies for each student, but common challenges include mastering complex coursework, balancing clinical rotations with academic responsibilities, and passing skill checkoffs.
Many students also find the emotional demands of treating critically ill patients to be particularly challenging. Managing time effectively and staying organized are crucial for navigating these difficulties.
Can You Work While in Respiratory Therapy School?
Many students wonder if they can work while attending respiratory therapy school. The answer is yes, but it can be challenging.
Working while in school can help offset some of the costs associated with the program, but finding the time to manage both responsibilities can be tough. Respiratory therapy school is demanding on its own, so students must carefully consider if working is feasible for them.
If you excel at time management, it is definitely possible to balance a job with your studies. However, keep in mind that you will need to juggle studying for exams and clinical rotations along with your work schedule.
While I personally managed to do it as a student, it’s important to recognize that this approach is not for everyone. Assess your own capabilities and commitments before making a decision.
Is Respiratory Therapy Harder Than Nursing?
The difficulty of respiratory therapy versus nursing depends on individual strengths and preferences. Both programs are challenging, but they focus on different areas.
Nursing programs often have a broader curriculum covering various aspects of patient care, while respiratory therapy programs are more specialized, focusing on respiratory care, mechanical ventilation, and cardiopulmonary conditions.
Note: Both require dedication, but the perceived difficulty can vary based on a student’s interests and skills.
Is There Math in Respiratory Therapy School?
Yes, there is math in respiratory therapy school. Students need to understand and apply basic math skills, particularly in areas such as calculating medication dosages, interpreting arterial blood gas results, and understanding ventilator settings.
While advanced math is not typically required, a solid grasp of basic math concepts is essential for success in the program.
Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist Difficult?
Becoming a respiratory therapist is challenging but achievable with dedication and hard work. The program requires mastering complex subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory care techniques.
Clinical rotations and skill checkoffs add practical experience but also demand time and effort. Additionally, passing two board exams is necessary to become licensed.
Despite these challenges, the career is rewarding and offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients’ lives.
How Many People Fail Respiratory Therapy School?
The failure rate for respiratory therapy school varies by program and individual student circumstances. While specific statistics can differ, most programs are designed to support students through rigorous coursework and clinical training.
Students who struggle often benefit from resources such as tutoring, study groups, and academic advising.
Final Thoughts
So, is respiratory therapy school hard? For most, the answer is an emphatic yes. However, the difficulty level can vary from person to person based on individual perspectives and definitions of “hard.”
One thing is certain: respiratory therapy school is not easy.
Success in this field requires hard work, dedication, and determination. If you’re up for the challenge, respiratory therapy school can be an immensely rewarding experience.
You’ll gain valuable knowledge, form lasting friendships, and develop critical skills that will serve you throughout your career as a respiratory therapist.
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready for this challenge, that’s perfectly okay. Taking time to reflect and make an informed decision is important. You want to be sure you’re making the right choice for yourself.
Whatever you decide, we wish you the best of luck on your journey. If you’re ready to take the next step, check out our guide on how to become a respiratory therapist.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- Faarc, Kacmarek Robert PhD Rrt, et al. Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. 12th ed., Mosby, 2020.
- “What Is An RT?” AARC, 12 Sept. 2019.
- “The National Board for Respiratory Care.” The National Board for Respiratory Care; nbrc.org; 2020.
- “Respiratory Therapists : Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 May 2022.