Graduates of approved one-year technician programs may become Certified Respiratory Therapy Technicians by passing an exam. In this case, you become a CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist). Graduates of approved two-year therapist programs are eligible to take an exam to become a RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist). However, you must first pass the CRT exam before you can take the RRT exam.

Many respiratory therapy programs give credit to students who enter the program with experience and training in the field.