Steps to Become a Respiratory Therapist in New Hampshire
Respiratory therapy is a growing and popular field. There are several easy steps to become a respiratory therapist in New Hampshire. This profession requires training and licensing but has an average salary of $66,000 in New Hampshire. Many people are turning to respiratory therapy because it is a fulfilling career with positive prospects. The ability to provide care for people with respiratory issues makes this profession essential in the healthcare field.Receiving the Right Education
One of the first steps to become a respiratory therapist in New Hampshire is to find the right educational program that fits your needs. New Hampshire requires proper training and licensing to become a respiratory therapist, so this step cannot be ignored. An associate's degree is the minimum requirement and one of the first steps to become a respiratory therapist in New Hampshire. Many people complete their education within two years at a variety of colleges, universities and vocational schools. There are online programs available in addition to traditional options.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Program (CAAHEP) has established specific guidelines for the education of respiratory therapists. They must attend accredited schools to receive their degrees. Although many people choose to receive an associate's degree in respiratory therapy, there are other options and having a higher education usually gives you a bigger salary. You can receive a bachelor's degree that requires four years of study and more training. You can also receive a master's degree or a PhD in respiratory therapy, but they will both require a bachelor's degree first and three to four more years of study beyond that degree. Having a strong background in math and science will benefit anyone interested in becoming a respiratory therapist. A "C" average is the lowest grade that will allow one to proceed and graduate with this degree.
Receiving the License
One of the most important steps to become a respiratory therapist in New Hampshire is to receive a license. You cannot practice in New Hampshire as a respiratory therapist without one. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) requires all students to take an examination on respiratory therapy before receiving their license. This is a standard established in New Hampshire and across the United States. You must pass the exam with at least a 75% accuracy to become a respiratory therapist, and the exam costs $190. The state of New Hampshire also requires you to pay a $150 fee to receive your license after passing the National Board exam.
Graduates have several options in their steps to become a respiratory therapist in New Hampshire. They can choose to take National Board exams in the following categories CRT or Certified Respiratory Therapist, RRT or Registered Respiratory Therapist, CPFT or Certified Pulmonary Functional Therapist, RPFT or Registered Pulmonary Functional Therapist and Neonatal/Prenatal Respiratory Therapist. All of these categories will have a slightly different National Board exam and will qualify an individual to work as a respiratory therapist in New Hampshire.
Continuing Education
After graduating from an accredited respiratory therapy program, taking the National Board exam and receiving the license, your steps to become a respiratory therapist in New Hampshire have not ended. New Hampshire requires you to receive continuing education and renew your license every two years. Most states and many professions have similar requirements because they want everyone to remain up to date on the latest developments. Continuing education will force you to attend lectures, study materials and learn more about your profession. Renewing your license every two years is also a requirement, and you cannot practice without taking this step. New Hampshire has instituted these rules to uphold the integrity of the respiratory therapy profession and ensure everyone is educated about the latest changes in this field.