I’ll never forget the moment I first typed “respiratory therapist program” into Google.
At the time, I was working retail, stressed, and searching for something that felt meaningful.
Healthcare always intrigued me, but I didn’t see myself as a nurse or doctor.
What I did know was I wanted a career that truly helped people—especially in moments they needed it most.

The Day That Changed Everything

It started when my uncle was hospitalized with pneumonia.
He was struggling to breathe, and I saw firsthand how critical respiratory therapists were.
One therapist in particular stood out.
She calmly managed his ventilator, explained everything to us, and even cracked a few jokes to ease the tension.
Watching her, I felt something click.
This was it.
This was what I wanted to do.

A Closer Look at the Program

I started researching what it takes to become a respiratory therapist.
Turns out, you don’t need to spend a decade in school.
A respiratory therapist program typically includes both classroom training and hands-on clinical experience.
You learn how to assess patients, operate life-saving equipment, and respond to emergencies.

respiratory therapist program options vary, but many offer flexible schedules—some even fully online.
This made it possible for me to keep working while studying.

Real-Life Skills, Not Just Theory

What surprised me most was how practical the training was.
We weren’t stuck in textbooks all day.
In clinical rotations, I learned how to handle equipment like ventilators and nebulizers.
I shadowed professionals in emergency rooms, ICUs, and even neonatal units.
One of my most intense moments?
Performing chest physiotherapy on a baby with RSV while a nurse talked the parents through it.
It was nerve-wracking, but I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

What the Instructors Don’t Sugarcoat

The instructors didn’t shy away from reality.
This field is demanding—emotionally and physically.
You deal with patients at their most vulnerable.
Sometimes they don’t make it.
Sometimes the family leans on you when there’s no one else.
But you also get to witness recoveries.
You get to remove someone’s oxygen mask and hear them take that first strong breath.
That moment never gets old.

Why It’s More Than Just a Job

Before starting the program, I underestimated the emotional reward.
Helping someone breathe easier sounds simple, but it’s deeply impactful.
One patient I worked with had chronic COPD.
Over a few weeks, we built trust.
On my last day at that rotation, he squeezed my hand and said, “You gave me time with my grandkids. Thank you.”
That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a job.
It was a calling.

Balancing Life and Study

I won’t lie—juggling work, study, and personal life was tough.
But having online coursework made a huge difference.
I’d review ventilator procedures during lunch breaks and quiz myself before bed.
The biggest key was time management.
And caffeine. Lots of caffeine.
I also built a support system with classmates—our group chat became a lifeline during tough exams.

The Road to Certification

Once I finished the coursework, I had to prep for the NBRC exam.
That test is no joke.
But because the program emphasized real-world scenarios, I didn’t feel unprepared.
We’d practiced so many simulations that the case-based questions felt familiar.
I passed on my first try.
The relief? Unmatched.
The pride? Even better.

Where I Am Now

Today, I work full-time in a pulmonary rehabilitation center.
I help patients recovering from surgery, managing chronic illness, or dealing with long-COVID symptoms.
Every day is different.
Some days I guide breathing exercises.
Other days, I assist with intubations or run arterial blood gas analyses.
The work keeps me on my toes—and I love that.

What I’d Tell Anyone Considering This Path

If you’re unsure about your career path but drawn to healthcare, don’t overlook this field.
It’s not as spotlighted as nursing or medicine, but it’s just as critical.
The job outlook is solid, especially with rising respiratory conditions like asthma and long-term effects of viral infections.
And the impact you make? Instant.
Breathing is life.
And you’re the person who helps make that possible.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing a respiratory therapist program gave me direction when I felt lost.
It trained me in a real, tangible skill.
It gave me a purpose.
And most importantly, it gave me a way to serve others with both my head and my heart.
If you’re sitting on the fence like I once was, take the leap.
You might just find your path—just like I did.