Respiratory therapists play a critical role in healthcare, working alongside doctors and nurses to care for patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. They provide essential support in both emergency and long-term care settings.
There are two primary types of respiratory therapists: Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs).
But what sets them apart?
CRTs are entry-level practitioners who earn their credentials by passing the TMC exam with a lower cut score. RRTs, however, achieve a more advanced certification by passing the same exam with a higher cut score and successfully completing the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the key differences between CRTs and RRTs, comparing their roles, responsibilities, and credentialing requirements to help clarify their unique contributions to patient care.
RRT vs. CRT: What’s the Difference?
Both Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are highly skilled professionals who provide critical care to patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. They share many of the same job duties and often work in similar healthcare settings.
The main distinction between them lies in their level of credentialing. The RRT credential is often preferred by employers because it signifies a more advanced level of knowledge and expertise.
As a result, RRTs typically enjoy more opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential. They may also qualify for specialized roles, such as management and supervisory positions, which are often unavailable to CRTs.
What is a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)?
A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is a respiratory therapist who has earned the entry-level credential awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This credential is the minimum requirement needed to obtain a license to practice respiratory care.
To achieve the CRT credential, candidates must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam with a low-cut score. Once certified, they can apply for a state license to practice in their desired location.
However, CRTs are not eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) unless they pass the TMC exam with a high-cut score. This step is essential for advancing to the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
What is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)?
A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) holds the advanced credential granted by the NBRC, which represents the highest standard in respiratory care. This credential is often required by employers and is a key qualification for obtaining a respiratory care license.
To become an RRT, the candidate must first pass the TMC exam with a high-cut score, which earns them the CRT credential. This qualifies them to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). Upon passing the CSE, the candidate is awarded the RRT credential, signifying advanced competence and expertise in respiratory care.
RRT vs. CRT Salary Comparison
As mentioned earlier, the RRT credential is favored by many employers because it reflects a higher level of expertise and competence. Consequently, Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) tend to earn higher salaries compared to Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs).
According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for CRTs is $71,855, while RRTs have a median annual salary of $77,271.
Additionally, RRTs may qualify for advanced roles, such as management and supervisory positions, which are often not available to CRTs. These roles typically come with increased responsibilities and higher pay, offering further opportunities for salary growth.
Education Requirements
Both Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) must complete an accredited respiratory therapy program to practice.
As a result, the educational requirements for both credentials are identical, with no variation in the basic academic and clinical training needed.
Steps to Become a CRT or RRT
The process for becoming either a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) follows nearly the same path.
Here are the key steps:
- Cultivate a genuine desire to help others
- Graduate from high school
- Complete required prerequisite courses
- Apply to your preferred schools
- Enroll in an accredited respiratory therapy program
- Complete all required coursework
- Fulfill the necessary clinical experience
- Graduate with an associate’s degree
- Pass the NBRC credentialing exam(s)
- Obtain a state license
- Apply for a job in respiratory care
Note: The only significant difference lies in step #9, which involves the NBRC credentialing exams. To become an RRT, candidates must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam with a high-cut score and then successfully complete the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). This additional step is required to earn the RRT credential.
What Skills Can Respiratory Therapists Perform?
Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are trained to perform many of the same essential skills in caring for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Both play a critical role in managing respiratory conditions and delivering life-saving treatments.
Some of their key responsibilities include:
- Assessing patients with lung diseases
- Administering aerosol medications
- Delivering oxygen therapy
- Administering lung expansion therapy
- Administering chest physical therapy (CPT)
- Suctioning and administering airway clearance therapy
- Managing patients on a mechanical ventilator
- Performing endotracheal intubation
- Assisting with a bronchoscopy procedure
- Drawing and analyzing arterial blood gas (ABG) samples
- Implementing treatment plans
- Managing patients with a tracheostomy
- Analyzing sputum specimens
- Analyzing chest x-rays
- Assessing vital signs
- Performing electrocardiogram (ECG) tests
- Performing pulmonary functions testing (PFT)
- Responding to “Code Blue” and emergency situations
- Assisting with pulmonary rehabilitation
- Educating patients on smoking cessation
Note: As you can see, respiratory therapists are highly skilled professionals responsible for a wide range of tasks. Their expertise is crucial in helping patients breathe and recover, making them indispensable members of the healthcare team.
Advancing From CRT to RRT: Is It Worth It?
If you’re a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), you may be asking yourself whether it’s worth advancing to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The answer largely depends on your personal goals and career aspirations.
If you’re satisfied with your current salary, responsibilities, and position as a CRT, pursuing the RRT credential may not be necessary. Many CRTs find fulfillment in their roles without needing to advance further.
However, if you’re looking for opportunities to increase your salary, expand your responsibilities, and open the door to new job prospects, advancing to the RRT level is definitely worth considering. The RRT credential is widely recognized as the gold standard in respiratory care, signifying a higher level of expertise and competence. As a result, RRTs generally earn higher salaries than CRTs and are often eligible for more advanced positions, such as supervisory, management, or specialized clinical roles.
Moreover, many healthcare institutions prefer or require the RRT credential for certain positions, making it essential if you’re aiming for long-term career growth. Advancing to RRT also allows you to further your professional development and enhance your ability to provide the best care to your patients.
Summary: If you’re seeking more career opportunities, professional recognition, and the potential for higher earnings, transitioning from CRT to RRT can be a valuable investment in your future.
FAQs About Certified and Registered Respiratory Therapists
What Does RRT Stand For?
RRT stands for Registered Respiratory Therapist. This is the advanced credential awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to respiratory therapists who have demonstrated a higher level of expertise and competency.
To earn this credential, individuals must pass both the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam with a high-cut score and the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). The RRT credential is often seen as the gold standard in respiratory care.
What Does CRT Stand For?
CRT stands for Certified Respiratory Therapist. This is the entry-level credential granted by the NBRC to those who have passed the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam with at least the low-cut score. It allows therapists to practice respiratory care and is the minimum requirement for licensure in most states.
While CRTs are fully capable of performing many respiratory care tasks, the RRT credential offers more career advancement opportunities.
Which Is Higher, CRT or RRT?
The RRT credential is higher than the CRT. While both credentials allow respiratory therapists to perform similar job duties, the RRT demonstrates a more advanced level of knowledge and clinical ability.
As a result, many employers prefer hiring RRTs, and they often have access to more specialized roles and opportunities for career growth, such as leadership or management positions.
What Is the Difference Between an RCP and an RRT?
An RCP (Respiratory Care Practitioner) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides respiratory care to patients. This title refers to the general role, regardless of credential level. An RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist), on the other hand, is a specific credential awarded by the NBRC that indicates advanced expertise in respiratory care.
In many states, RCPs can hold either the CRT or RRT credential, but the term “RRT” specifically refers to those who have passed the higher-level exams required for the advanced credential.
What Can an RRT Do That a CRT Cannot?
In most cases, both RRTs and CRTs can perform the same job duties, including administering respiratory treatments, managing ventilators, and assessing patients with cardiopulmonary conditions.
However, some healthcare facilities may reserve certain specialized roles, such as supervisory or management positions, for RRTs. Additionally, the RRT credential may open doors for further career advancements and higher salaries, even though the day-to-day clinical responsibilities are largely the same.
Final Thoughts
Both Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) are essential healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in treating patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary conditions.
While CRTs are fully capable of performing many of the same duties as RRTs, the RRT credential signifies a higher level of expertise and offers greater opportunities for career advancement, increased earning potential, and access to specialized roles.
Whether or not advancing from CRT to RRT is the right choice depends on your personal goals, but for those seeking to enhance their skills and broaden their career options, pursuing the RRT credential is certainly worth considering. Ultimately, both CRTs and RRTs make a significant impact on patient care and are integral to the healthcare team.
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
- “The National Board for Respiratory Care.” The National Board for Respiratory Care; nbrc.org. 2024.
- “Respiratory Therapists: Salary.” Salary.com, 12 September 2024.
- Rickards T, Kitts E. The roles, they are a changing: Respiratory Therapists as part of the multidisciplinary, community, primary health care team. Can J Respir Ther. 2018.