What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The path to becoming a CRT involves rigorous coursework and clinical experience focused on cardiopulmonary physiology and therapeutic interventions.

A typical respiratory therapy program covers essential topics such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Detailed study of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

• Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology: Understanding diseases like asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.

• Respiratory Care Pharmacology: Knowledge of medications used to treat respiratory conditions.

• Mechanical Ventilation: Learning to manage life-support systems.

• Diagnostic Testing: Performing and interpreting pulmonary function tests and arterial blood gas analysis.

• Therapeutic Modalities: Mastering techniques like oxygen therapy, aerosol delivery, and airway clearance.

 What to Expect in the Final Exam

The actual CRT credentialing exam, administered by the NBRC, is officially known as the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination.

• Exam Format: The TMC is a comprehensive, computer-based test consisting of 160 multiple-choice questions. 140 of these questions are scored, while 20 are pre-test questions used for future exams.

• Content Areas: The exam covers content across three main domains: Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations, Troubleshooting and Quality Control of Equipment, and Initiation and Modification of Therapeutic Procedures.

• Scoring and Pass Requirements: The NBRC uses a cut-score methodology. Candidates are given two distinct scores: one determines eligibility for the CRT credential, and a higher score determines eligibility to sit for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

• Time Limit: Candidates are allowed three hours (180 minutes) to complete the entire examination.

• Specific Rules: Standard testing protocols apply. No outside materials are allowed in the testing center. A scientific calculator is provided on the computer.

 How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation is key to succeeding on the CRT exam.

Study Strategies:

• Utilize Practice Exams: Regularly taking full-length practice exams is crucial. This helps you become familiar with the question format, pacing, and areas where you need more review.

• Focus on the NBRC Content Outline: Use the official NBRC detailed content outline as your primary study guide. It lists exactly what topics will be covered.

• Identify Weak Areas: Use practice tests to pinpoint your weakest subjects and dedicate more study time to those areas.

• Form Study Groups: Collaborating with classmates can offer different perspectives and help clarify complex concepts.

• Use Review Books and Courses: Invest in reputable CRT review books or online prep courses that are specifically designed for the TMC exam.

Exam Centers:

The CRT (TMC) exam is administered nationally at authorized testing centers.

• Where to Take the Exam: The NBRC partners with specialized testing agencies (such as PSI Services) that operate a network of secure testing facilities across the United States.

• How to Schedule: Candidates must first apply through the NBRC website. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to schedule their exam at a convenient local testing center.

• Alternative Options: Some testing providers may offer remote proctoring options for certain exams, but the primary method for the TMC remains in-person testing at a secure facility.

• Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning the CRT credential opens the door to a rewarding and growing field in healthcare.

The certification is often a prerequisite for licensure and is highly valued by employers.

Potential job opportunities and career paths for a Certified Respiratory Therapist include:

• Staff Respiratory Therapist (Hospital Settings)

• Critical Care/ICU Respiratory Therapist

• Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist

• Pulmonary Function Technologist

• Home Care Respiratory Therapist

• Sleep Disorder Specialist (Sleep Tech)

• Polysomnographic Technologist

• Respiratory Care Department Manager or Supervisor (with experience)

• Asthma or COPD Educator

• Respiratory Equipment Sales Representative