respiratory therapists are vital members of the healthcare team they work closely with doctors and
nurses to treat patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions in general there are
two types of respiratory therapists rrts and CRTs but what's the difference well simply put
a CRT or certified respiratory therapist holds the entry-level credential that is obtained by
passing the TMC exam with a low-cut score are RTS or Registered Respiratory therapists hold
a more advanced credential that is obtained by passing the TMC exam with a high cut score as
well as passing the clinical Sims exam keep watching if you want to learn more about the
differences and similarities between a CRT and rrt including their roles responsibilities and
educational requirements so what exactly is the difference between a CRT and an rrt
well as previously mentioned both are highly skilled professionals who provide life-saving
character patients with cardiopulmonary conditions they are both licensed and trained to perform the
same job duties and are even employed in the same setting but the primary difference between CRTs
and rrts is their level of credentialing the rrt credential is preferred by many employers because
it demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and competence therefore in general are RTS often
have more opportunities for advancement and higher salaries they may also be eligible for positions
that are not available to CRTs such as management and supervisory roles so now let's talk a bit more
about CRTs a certified respiratory therapist is an RT who has obtained the entry-level
credential granted by the nbrc this is the minimum requirement a respiratory therapist needs to apply
for a license to practice Respiratory Care as I mentioned this credential is obtained by passing
the TMZ exam with a low cut score after earning the CRT credential the candidate becomes eligible
to apply for a license to practice Respiratory Care in the state where they plan to work
however they are not eligible to take the clinical Sims exam until they have passed the TMC exam with
a high cut score this is the additional step required to earn the rrt credential
a registered respiratory therapist is an RT who has obtained the highest credential granted by the
mbrc this is the highest standard requirement a respiratory therapist needs to apply for a license
to practice Respiratory Care the first step in earning the rrt credential involves passing the
TMC exam with a high cut score this will reward you with the CRT credential and make you eligible
to take the clinical Sims exam then once you pass the CSE you will be awarded the rrt credential
so now let's talk about the salary as previously mentioned the rrt credential is preferred by most
employers because it demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and competence therefore
our RTS often earn a higher salary than CRTs of course this is just a generalization and this is
not always the case but according to salary.com the median annual salary for CRTs is around sixty
four thousand while the medium annual salary for rrts is bumped up to around 69 000. while that's
not a huge difference our RTS do earn slightly more which can add up over the course of your
career and I also often get asked about the education requirements for each credential
just know that both CRTs and rrts must complete an accredited respiratory therapy program to
practice Respiratory Care therefore the education requirements for both credentials are the same
this means that the steps for becoming a CRT or rrt are almost the same as well this includes the
following first you need to have a natural desire to help others then you must graduate from high
school take the required prerequisite courses apply to your favorite schools enroll in the
program complete the required coursework complete the required clinical experience graduate with an
associate's degree pass the mbrc credentialing exams apply for a license and apply for a job
the only difference is in Step number nine which involves the mbrc credentialing exams
again to become an rrt you need to pass the TMC exam with a high cut score and then pass the
clinical cents this is the only additional step required to earn the rrt credential
so you may be wondering if it's worth advancing from a CRT to an rrt the answer is that it
depends on your personal goals and preferences if you're happy with your current salary and position
then there's no need to pursue the rrt credential however if you're looking to earn a higher salary
and have more job opportunities then advancing from a CRT to an rrt is probably a good idea
and this is something that I typically recommend for all respiratory therapists because remember
the rrt credential demonstrates a higher level of expertise and also makes you eligible to
advance your career by acquiring other specialty credentials that are offered by the mbrc and if
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it and there should be some other helpful videos popping up on your screen right about now that I
think you'll enjoy and just a quick reminder we are not doctors this video is for informational
purposes only thank you so much for watching have a blessed day and as always be easy my friends