CNA to Respiratory Therapist
Move from bedside care into respiratory therapy with an associate degree and RRT credential.
Your path
Begin with CNA training and patient-care experience, then move into a respiratory therapy associate degree. Respiratory therapists manage ventilators, treat breathing conditions and work closely with ICU and emergency teams.
- Listed timeframe
- 2 years
- Programs to explore
- 364 RT programs
- School locations
- See individual programs
Before you start
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- US citizen or eligible to work in the US
- Social Security number
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Immunizations and TB test
- Physical exam
- CPR or BLS certification
- Entrance exam (TEAS or HESI)
- Prerequisite courses (anatomy and physiology, microbiology)
- Minimum GPA
More about this path
Requirements. Respiratory therapy programs usually require anatomy and physiology, chemistry and college math.
Timeframe. 2 years is the timeframe listed for this path. Confirm the full timeline, including prerequisites and application waits, with your schools.
Locations. Programs are drawn from the credential directory. Check each school’s location, attendance, and residency requirements.
Annual pay by credential. Catalog averages for each credential, not one salary range.
- CNA-associated roles: $34,000/year
- RT-associated roles: $63,000/year
Tuition, admission requirements and total time vary by school. Completing this path does not guarantee admission.
Programs on this path
Compare programs and keep your application steps in one place.
Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
RRT Respiratory Therapist
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland
RRT Respiratory Therapist
Alvin Community College
Alvin, Texas
RRT Respiratory Therapist
Amarillo College
Amarillo, Texas
RRT Respiratory Therapist
American Career College-Anaheim
Anaheim, California
RRT Respiratory Therapist
American Career College-Ontario
Ontario, California
RRT Respiratory Therapist
Andrew College
Cuthbert, Georgia
RRT Respiratory Therapist
Angelina College
Lufkin, Texas
RRT Respiratory Therapist
Showing 8 of 364 programs
How this path works
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Compare RT programs
Compare the connected programs and check prerequisites, costs and dates.
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Complete your CNA training
Pick a provider and finish the program and credential steps.
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Meet entry requirements
Prepare the experience, exams, and prerequisites your chosen programs require.
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Apply
Gather your documents and check each program’s requirements before you apply.
Completing this path does not guarantee admission. Each program sets its own requirements.
Common questions
What does a respiratory therapist do?
They care for patients with breathing problems, run ventilators, give breathing treatments and respond to codes in hospitals.
How long does it take?
CNA training is one to three months. The respiratory therapy degree is about two years after prerequisites.
Is the CNA step required?
No, but patient-care experience strengthens your application and lets you earn while you finish prerequisites.
What credential do I earn?
An associate degree, then the CRT and RRT credentials from the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Similar paths
Other routes students explore alongside this one.