Guide to College Majors in Biology

What is Biology? For many students, the thought of pursuing a college major in biology brings back bad memories of dissecting frogs in high school. Though a biology degree prepares students for the study of living organisms - frogs included - the field provides a wide variety of options for graduates. Thanks to technological advances, many biology degrees are even available online, complete with virtual simulations of laboratory tasks.

Read More

Guide to College Majors in Biology

What is Biology? For many students, the thought of pursuing a college major in biology brings back bad memories of dissecting frogs in high school. Though a biology degree prepares students for the study of living organisms - frogs included - the field provides a wide variety of options for graduates. Thanks to technological advances, many biology degrees are even available online, complete with virtual simulations of laboratory tasks.

In addition to animal behavior, students can earn an advanced degree in such fields as:

• Endocrinology (the study of diseases and disorders)
• Genetics (the study of genes)
• Forensic science (study of biological and physical evidence to solve crime)
• Fisheries science (the study of fisheries resources and aquatic ecosystems)
• Physiology (live cells, tissue and organisms and how they function)
• Agronomy (agriculture)
• Herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles)
Students who love nature can earn degrees in botany (plant studies) or arboriculture (trees). Biologists who love spending lots of time in front of a microscope can focus on:
• Industrial microbiology (the application of engineering or science principles to the study of plant or animal cells or microorganisms)
• Ecology (the relationship of organisms to the environment)
• Entomology (insects)
• Oceanography (the study of the ocean)
• Marine or other mammalogy (the study of mammals)
• Parasitology (the study of parasites)
• Ichthyology (a branch of zoology that focuses on fish)

A molecular and cellular biology degree prepares future professionals for the study of microscopic viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Students with a high-tech inclination can earn degrees in biotechnology.

Developmental biology prepares students for studies in experimental ideas such as stem cell research, cloning, and the elusive cure for AIDS. Closely aligned, a bioethics degree prepares students for the study of the efficient, ethical, and compassionate practice of the life sciences and medicine.

Trends in Biology Careers

Many biological science specializations are on the rise, due to concerns ranging from healthcare to climate change. As communication and transportation advances bring the world's people closer together, the scientific community has expanded its efforts to deal with life-threatening diseases. Therefore, many new biology majors study genetics, immunology and endocrinology. As humans live longer and remain physically active through more of their lives, biology majors can help meet the increased demand for qualified researchers and physicians.

Some biology concentrations, such as environmental science, are often pursued as avocations or part time work. Practitioners enjoy the opportunity to love and work outdoors. As more people migrate from cities to rural areas, urban foresters are increasingly in demand.

Forensic science and forensic entomology are gaining the attention of the general public, with television programs such as CSI portraying research professionals in a new and interesting light. With increasing public attention on security and violent crime, these career opportunities have multiplied.

One of the fastest-growing fields of biology is genetics, the study of gene manipulation to improve agriculture and overcome genetic diseases. Meanwhile, an ever-increasing number of molecular biologists are needed to work on exciting projects offering the personal satisfaction of helping others, such as the current research on Alzheimer's disease, cancer and Parkinson's.

Still in High School? How to Prepare for a Degree in Biology

An innate fascination with the wonders of the world, a yearning to help humankind overcome serious calamities, and a love of the outdoors are clues that a biology specialization might be right up your alley. Demonstrating this passion early on will raise your application to the top of the stack at most admissions offices.

Preparation for your biology education will vary depending on your interests, although all fields of biology will require computer, research, writing, teamwork, communication, organization, and time management skills. Extracurricular activities such as team sports or school government demonstrate your accomplishments and your broad variety of interests. Participation in science clubs and science fairs can also help your academic career.

You can demonstrate an early commitment to a career in biology by:

• Participating in organizations such as the Student Conservation Association;
• Volunteering at your local or state park, wildlife refuge or zoo;
• Enrolling in advanced placement physics, chemistry, earth science, economics, math, and engineering courses;
• Attending community workshops on zoology or botany;
• Joining a debate team or participating in your local Toastmasters chapter;
• Writing articles for your school newspaper or another community publication;
• Improving your photography skills, especially in the wild;
• Expanding your computer literacy to include experience with programming languages.

High school students aspiring to a forensic science career can participate in the Young Forensic Scientists Forum, a division of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. This group helps students network with professionals in the field and provides them with a mentor while they investigate a career in biology. The Academy also recommends that prospective biology students acquire good note-taking skills and hone the ability to write a clear scientific paper.

Jeff Levinton, a marine biology professor, insists that if you do not take a high school physics course, you will regret it once you are in college. The same, he says, is true of calculus. He suggests, as do other college instructors, that a well-rounded high school curriculum is more important than a narrow focus on the sciences. About college training for marine biology, he says,

"These days the college route is essential, but don't feel that you have to go to a school that specializes in marine biology. Find a college that is first rate in science but has good humanities and communications training as well. In the summer of your junior year or senior year make SURE that you get a summer job or take a course in a marine lab. This will do more for you than any five marine biology courses in college. After college, your marine biology education will be acquired in graduate school." - Jeff Levinton, MBWeb, State University of New York at Stonybrook

Milton Love, a U.S. Geological Survey marine biologist, offers this advice:

"You will find that one of the quickest ways to get in good with researchers in college is to know how to dive. Researchers are always looking for cheap (read: free) divers and, once you fulfill whatever requirements the college or university has for divers, you will likely find many happy offers for you to help out with someone's research. If there is a university or college near you, sometimes it is possible to volunteer to assist researchers - you can check that out. Again, it really is unimportant if the folks you are working with are marine biologists, terrestrial biologists or whatever. The point is to get some experience with research."

- Milton Love, Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey

The Botanical Society of America suggests that high school preparation for a career in botany should include courses in foreign language, English, math, chemistry, physics, and biology. Since botanists and other biologists must often involve themselves in grant writing and political debate, the Society encourages biology majors to take an active interest in politics and public affairs.

Career Education in Biology

On-Campus and Online Degree Programs

Due to the vast range of biology specialties, there are thousands of biology programs across the country. Many biology careers require master's degrees or PhD-level course work. Online degrees are an ever-growing trend in the field of biology, allowing students the opportunity to pursue advanced degree without sacrificing work or family commitments. These online programs often include brief residencies or allow students to arrange fieldwork or internships locally, so that they can get the hands-on experience they need.

Certificate Programs in Biology

Students who have not yet narrowed down their precise career goals can explore their options by enrolling in certificate programs. These programs also appeal to working biologists who want to expand their knowledge in a specific area.

Certificate programs in biology usually consist of a small set of courses around a tightly focused topic. Students who have already earned their bachelor's degree in another field can supplement their skills without repeating subjects from their previous academic careers.

Because certificate programs in biology appeal to such a diverse range of students and working professionals, more colleges and universities offer online certificate programs than ever before. In many cases, students can participate in bulletin board discussion groups and communicate with professors via e-mail. For students who do not have the time or the inclination to commit to a formal degree program, certificate programs open up a tremendous opportunity to explore new ideas.

Associate Degree Programs in Biology

An associate degree in biology provides students with the basic knowledge required for an assistant position in many laboratories or research facilities. Students pursue a short, focused course of study that builds entry-level career skills in a relatively short amount of time. Many associate degree candidates complete their course requirements in about two years, even when studying part-time.

Associate degree programs in biology are ideal for recent high school graduates who want to make the fastest transition into quality jobs. Likewise, college graduates who earned a college degree in another of the arts or sciences can bolster their skills in biology without duplicating work from their earlier degree programs. Students who later decide to pursue a full bachelor's degree in biology can, in many cases, transfer the credits from an associate degree program.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in Biology

In today's highly competitive job market, many employers prefer or require bachelor's degrees for entry-level positions in the biology field. The best bachelor's degree programs in biology produce well-rounded professionals who can combine their scientific and research abilities with critical thinking and communication skills.

In addition to taking a comprehensive program of biology courses, undergraduates also explore related fields like chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students rely on this set of core scientific skills throughout their careers, whether they work in a research facility, a hospital, or a field clinic. Biology majors can take advantage of minor and elective programs to build unique sets of skills that can qualify them for highly specialized positions as lobbyists, journalists, or environmentalists.

Because biology majors can land a variety of jobs in both the academic sector and the business world, many undergraduates take advantage of career guidance services offered by their colleges and universities. Many programs offer course credit for internships performed at businesses and institutions near the student's home, provided the student keeps a detailed journal of the tasks she performed and the experience she gained. Many internships provide valuable workplace connections that can lead to entry-level jobs after graduation.

A growing number of colleges and universities allow working professionals who want to switch careers the opportunity to earn credits by passing skills assessment tests (the military, in particular, has a highly developed system for this). For many adults who want to earn a bachelor's degree in biology to qualify for professional advancement, these programs can shave months from the length of a degree program.

Master's Degree Programs in Biology

Biology professionals who want to work in advanced research facilities or on university campuses must earn a Master of Science to qualify for most higher-level positions. During the two years that it typically takes to earn a master's degree in biology, students gain skills from advanced courses in biology, chemistry, earth sciences, mathematics, statistics, bacteriology, microbiology, physics, and fitness.

Students cap their master's degree programs by researching and presenting a master's thesis. Working closely with faculty members and with other students, biology majors investigate a topic of personal interest so they can build even stronger research skills while establishing a reputation in their chosen niche. Many working professionals combine their master's theses with projects for their employers, allowing them the opportunity to earn credit for time spent at work.

Now that advances in computer technology have replaced laboratory dissections with virtual simulations, students can pursue advanced studies in biology from anyplace with a live Internet connection. Students who want more than online interaction with peers and professors can choose a master's degree program in biology that blends distance learning with brief, on-campus residencies. Online master's degree programs in biology allow many professionals the opportunity to build vital career skills without sacrificing their income or their personal commitments.

What Can You Do With a College Degree in Biology?

Career options for aspiring biologists

There are many career paths open to biology majors. For example, a general biology undergraduate degree could prepare you to work as a botanist, a teacher, a trip leader for outdoor organizations such as the National Outdoor Leadership School, a scientist for a non-profit organization such as a university or environmental society, an educator at an environmental facility, a forest ranger, or an urban planner or researcher. You could join the Peace Corps as well.

Graduate-level specialization offers many opportunities as well, including:

• Microbial and Cellular Biologist. A teaching position in this area could include coursework in immunology, molecular genetics, food microbiology and medical microbiology. You could teach students how to initiate and conduct research. Other common employers include animal vaccine supply firms, the cosmetics industry, the dairy industry, or the clinical laboratory of a pharmaceutical company.
• Meteorologist. This job title expands far beyond delivering the weather forecast to local viewers of the six o'clock news. Air force meteorologists, for instance, deliver weather predictions that are crucial to flight operations and troop movements. Many commercial airlines hire their own meteorologists, as do highway departments, ocean shipping firms and electric and gas utilities.
• Geologist. As a petroleum geologist, you could be hired by a private energy company to explore and retrieve petroleum deposits. As an environmental geologist, you might investigate and assess the environmental impact of those projects, or study industrial contamination. As an environmental geologist for a government agency, you could be called on to assess the impact of landslides, or manage water supply development.
• Arborist. A commercial or municipal arborist might care for the trees on company or government agency grounds. He would be responsible for pruning, planting, fertilizing, and pest control. Public utility companies and governments hire utility arborists to plan and manage tree maintenance around utility lines, and to advise firms on the appropriate care and types of trees best for power line locations.
• Geneticist. Some geneticists, called clinical geneticists, must earn a medical degree to work on prevention of genetic diseases and defects. Laboratory geneticists, who must hold at least a master's degree, apply genetic technological advances to improve agriculture, develop new drugs, and assist with police work. Genetic counselors work in a medical, counseling or research capacity, with families at risk or suffering through the genetic disease of a family member.
• Within this field there are many types of jobs. A criminalist, for example, would typically work for a law enforcement agency, identifying evidence and linking it to suspects. You might also work as a wildlife criminalist, investigating poaching activity. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death. They also typically work for government and law enforcement agencies. Forensic anthropologists are called upon to identify bodies, whether those found through archeological or other discovery, or victims of disaster such as plane crashes.

Certification and Licensure

Biology graduates who wish to teach must earn the teaching certificate required by their state. Some biology-related positions, such as health science, genetics and some immunology work, might require a medical license. Few professional biology positions, except for entry-level technicians and assistants, are open to candidate with associate degrees. Most require at least a bachelor's degree, although a master's degree is highly recommended.

Association Memberships Enhance Your Standing

Participation in nonprofit associations and organizations, especially those that advance environmental, geological and other public interest causes, can advance your employment cause as well. Participation in these groups not only give you hands-on experience in your field, but often allows you to work side by side with the very executives and managers who may later be deciding on your worthiness as a student or employee. Many of these associations' sites offer job boards as well.

Another key to getting your foot in the higher education or career door is through internships such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Federal Career Intern Program, or Genentech's biotechnology internship or cooperative action program.

Biology or Related Organizations and Associations:

• Botanical Society of America
• Ecological Society of America
• National Academy of Sciences
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Student Conservation Association
• Sierra Club
• The Wilderness Society
• Greenpeace
• National Wildlife Federation
• American Fisheries Society
• American Physiological Society
• Society for Industrial Microbiology
• National Society of Genetic Counselors
• The American Phytopathological Society
• Smithsonian Institution
• The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
• Air and Waste Management Association
• National Registry of Environmental Professionals

Career Education in Respiratory Therapy

On-Campus and Online Degree Programs

Most respiratory therapy degree programs are offered at the certificate or associate level, with some bachelor's degrees available as well. Though graduate degrees can be helpful for advancement in any field, advanced respiratory therapy degrees are uncommon.

Respiratory therapy certificate programs are usually classified as either entry-level or advanced. Though some entry-level certification programs exist, most are being replaced as the associate degree becomes the educational standard for most careers in respiratory therapy. Entry-level certification programs provide the education and clinical experience needed to pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination that most states require for licensure.

Advanced Certificates in Respiratory Therapy

Advanced certificate programs, in combination with an associate degree, prepare students to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist examination. This exam is typically required for employment in advanced respiratory therapy positions.

Advanced certificate programs are usually short courses of study, lasting a year or less. Courses in the advanced certificate program include advanced cardiopulmonary therapeutic procedures, mechanical ventilation, advanced pharmacologic interventions, patient monitoring, and clinical practice.

Associate Degrees in Respiratory Therapy

An associate degree in respiratory therapy is typically a two-year course of study. These programs typically fall into the advanced category, preparing the student to take the CRT examination. Fieldwork is often required. In the case of online respiratory therapy degrees, which have become increasingly popular, clinical experience can often be arranged locally.

An associate degree is excellent preparation for a bachelor's degree. In addition to courses specific to the field of respiratory therapy, an associate degree program requires that the student take general education courses, such as college algebra, English composition, public speaking, and psychology, which provide a well-rounded education and prepare the student for professional life.

Bachelor's Degrees in Respiratory Therapy

A bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy will prepare you for an advanced respiratory therapy career. Bachelor's degree completion programs are available for healthcare professionals who already have an associate's degree or advanced certification. These programs allow students to build on their prior education so that they may complete their bachelor's degree in a short amount of time. Degree completion programs often are designed to work around the schedules of students who are employed full-time.

A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete. A bachelor's degree completion program, however, can take significantly less time. Courses taken in advanced certification programs and associate's degree programs can be applied toward the bachelor's degree completion program, lessening the student's course load and allowing them to finish the degree program more quickly.

Respiratory therapy degree programs focus strongly on science and mathematics courses. Anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, pharmacology, and college level mathematics courses are usually required. Courses specific to respiratory therapy often teach diagnostic testing, the use of respiratory therapy equipment, and CPR.

Advanced degrees with a focus on respiratory therapy are uncommon. Respiratory therapy students seeking graduate-level education often enter graduate programs in business, health administration, or education.

Online Degrees in Respiratory Therapy

Despite the clinical experience requirements, online degrees in respiratory therapy have become more popular, especially among working healthcare professionals. Many online programs are designed to provide advanced theoretical and administrative knowledge to respiratory therapists or technicians who already have the requisite clinical experience. Others are intended for newcomers to the field, and require short residencies. Many assist students in arranging local clinical practice so that they can qualify for the certification exam.

What can you do with a College Degree in Respiratory Therapy?

Career options for aspiring respiratory therapists and technicians

• Respiratory Therapist Respiratory therapists assist patients with breathing problems and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work with healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans and assess options for the patient. Respiratory therapists are responsible for implementing and following the treatment plan. Respiratory therapists work under the supervision of a doctor and may supervise respiratory therapy technicians.
  
  Patients of all ages, with a variety of health issues, may require the services of a respiratory therapist to help ease their breathing or aid in ventilation. Respiratory therapists treat premature newborns, performing diagnostic tests and assisting with ventilation when needed. They see heart attack patients and patients with breathing disorders such as emphysema, asthma, or bronchitis. Respiratory therapists may deal with patients in critical situations on life support or in the intensive care unit.
  
  Respiratory therapists use a variety of treatments to assist their patients. For people with asthma, an aerosol medicine is often prescribed. Other patients may require an oxygen mask or chest physiotherapy. Respiratory therapists in some areas are permitted to take electrocardiograms, perform stress tests, and draw blood for testing.
  
  Most respiratory patients are dealing with difficult health issues, and therapists must be sensitive to patients' concerns and needs. They should work well as part of a team of health professionals, but also be able to make important decisions independently. Successful respiratory therapists are detail-oriented and understand the importance of keeping good records.
  
  Most respiratory therapists are employed by hospitals. Respiratory therapists may also be found in nursing homes, physician's offices, sleep disorder clinics, and home health care settings. They typically work full time and may be required to work nights and weekends. Those working in sleep disorder clinics usually work night shifts.
  
  Graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy school is required to become a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist. Schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). An associate degree usually is the preferred educational credential for respiratory therapists.
  
  Respiratory therapists must be licensed in most states. This typically requires respiratory therapists to complete an accredited degree or certificate program as well as a national examination. Completion of these requirements earns you the title of CRT, or Certified Respiratory Therapist. Further education, testing, and experience offer respiratory therapists the chance to become RRTs, or Registered Respiratory Therapists. RRTs qualify for higher-level positions than CRTs and are often given more responsibility.
• Respiratory Therapy Technician Respiratory therapy technicians work with patients under the supervision of a respiratory therapist. They treat patients according to the treatment plan developed by the respiratory therapist and other healthcare staff.
  
  Respiratory therapy technicians have many of the same duties as a respiratory therapist but do not have the same level of responsibility. A respiratory therapy technician does not usually operate life support, nor do they typically work with patients in intensive care units.
  
  Technicians are usually required to have an entry-level respiratory therapy certificate or associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy school. In some states, technicians are required to pass the CRT exam, but others must only be eligible for the exam in order to qualify for a job. Requirements for a respiratory therapy technician vary considerably from state to state.
  
  As with respiratory therapists, good technicians are patient and sensitive. They are often responsible for documenting patients' treatments, and must be thorough and responsible with these duties. Respiratory therapy technicians must be able to communicate well with many types of people in all age groups.
• Pulmonary Function Technologist Respiratory therapists often qualify for jobs as pulmonary function technologists. These professionals prepare patients and equipment for diagnostic testing involving lung functioning. They sometimes assist the doctor with these tests and record the test results.
  
  Pulmonary function technologists may be responsible for basic diagnostic testing such as spirometry, lung volume testing, and oximetry. They are often responsible for explaining tests to patients and putting them at ease before the procedure. Pulmonary function technologists work under the direct supervision of a doctor, most frequently in physician's offices and hospitals.
  
  Pulmonary function technologists are often Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) who learn pulmonary function technology skills on the job. Certification is available to pulmonary function technologists through the National Board for Respiratory Care. A CRT who successfully completes the examination requirements becomes a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT). An RRT who successfully completes the examination becomes a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT).
• Health and Medical Services Manager Medical and health services managers plan, deliver, and coordinate health care services for large and small health care facilities. Respiratory therapists with proper education and experience can advance to positions in health services management. They may administer a large facility, such as the respiratory therapy unit in a hospital, or a smaller facility, such as a sleep disorder clinic, home healthcare center, or nursing home.
  
  In smaller facilities, health and medical services managers are often responsible for staff issues, accounts payable and receivable, and patient admissions. In larger facilities, they may develop policies and procedures, create and maintain budgets, and hire, retain and train personnel.
  
  Successful medical and health services managers are meticulous and precise. They have good supervisory skills and are able to work well with a diverse population. They have excellent written and oral communications skills, which allow them to work effectively with patients, staff, and the community.
  
  Medical and health services managers are usually educated in one field of the health care profession, such as respiratory therapy. Following this segment of their education, they usually earn a graduate degree in business or healthcare administration.
  
  The outlook for careers in medical and health services management is very favorable, according to the BLS. Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average, especially in home healthcare services.
• Sales Education and experience in respiratory therapy are often sufficient for a career in the field of medical equipment sales and rental. The companies that make respiratory devices often hire respiratory therapists to sell their product to hospitals and physicians' offices. Respiratory therapists use their experience to accurately demonstrate the product and explain its uses and functions.
  
  Sales representatives work with clients on a regular basis and must be able to communicate effectively with them. They should be knowledgeable about their products and their clients' needs. Good sales reps clearly demonstrate to clients how their needs can be met by using the products in question.
  
  Educational requirements for sales positions vary, but many require at least a bachelor's degree (though not necessarily in respiratory therapy). Experience with the type of products being sold is often more important than formal education. With experience, respiratory therapists can be uniquely qualified for positions in the sale or rental of medical devices and equipment.
  
  Though no license is legally required to be a sales representative, manufacturers may require their sales reps to keep their certifications and licenses current. It is important for all salespeople to stay informed about trends in their field. Up-to-date knowledge of both the products and their applicable fields ensures that the salesperson will be successful.
  
  Sales positions are often stressful because of the impact that job performance has on job security. Sales people are often paid on commission, or a percentage of their sales. This practice can be rewarding for high achieving salespeople and disappointing for those with poor sales performance. Rewards are high for those sales people who meet and exceed sales goals. Cash bonuses and vacation rewards are common.

Salary Expectations for Careers in Respiratory Therapy

According to the BLS, respiratory therapy technicians have a median annual income of $39,120. Respiratory therapists have more stringent licensing and employment requirements and often receive higher salaries. In 2006, they earned a median annual income of $47,420.

Medical and health services managers are required to have extensive education and experience in the healthcare field. Their earnings vary with the size of the facility they manage and the amount of responsibility they have. The BLS reports a median annual income for medical and health services managers in home healthcare environments of $66,720. In hospitals, they reported median annual earnings of $78,660, and those in nursing homes earned a median annual income of $66,730.

Certification and Licensure

In most states, respiratory therapists must be licensed to practice. Of those states requiring licensure, most recognize the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) as the acceptable credentials for respiratory therapists. Both the CRT and RRT are credentials offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

To qualify for the CRT credential, graduation from an accredited respiratory therapy program is required. Upon successful completion of a degree program, the credential of Certified Respiratory Therapist is awarded to candidates upon successful completion of the examination. Certified Respiratory Therapists are qualified for entry-level positions in respiratory therapy.

Candidates seeking the credential of Registered Respiratory Therapist must be Certified Respiratory Therapists. After obtaining the CRT and meeting all additional educational requirements, candidates must pass a written content examination and a clinical simulation examination. The RRT credential is usually required for advanced respiratory therapy positions that require significant amounts of responsibility.

Though respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages, some choose to specialize in pediatrics. For these respiratory therapists, the NBRC offers the Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialty Examination. This examination is open to CRTs with one year of experience in neonatal/pediatric respiratory care and to all RRTs.

Respiratory therapists interested in becoming pulmonary function technicians should complete the NBRC examination to become a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT). This credential is available to RRTs and CRTs and offers respiratory therapists expanded career options.

In addition to these certifications, most states require that respiratory therapists and other registered respiratory professionals maintain current CPR certifications. These certifications can be renewed in a short amount of time, often by taking a quick refresher course.

Many states require that licensed respiratory therapists renew their licensure through continuing education credits. State requirements vary, but most require renewal every three years by obtaining at least 30 hours of continuing education credit. Continuing education credits can be obtained by taking respiratory therapy courses, participating in professional associations, and attending professional seminars and conferences.

Students who need to know licensing requirements for respiratory therapy should consult their local licensing boards. Each state has its own licensing requirements, and it is important that they be researched carefully before beginning any degree program.

• American Association for Respiratory Care
• American Lung Association
• American Respiratory Care Foundation
• American Thoracic Society (ATS)
• Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists
• Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
• National Board for Respiratory Care

Collapse