United States:
* Associate's Degree (A.S.) or Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Respiratory Therapy: Most programs are now at the associate's or bachelor's degree level. These programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The curriculum includes classroom instruction and extensive clinical practice in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
* National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certification: After graduating from an accredited program, you must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) and Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) offered by the NBRC to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Some states may require additional licensing procedures.
Canada:
* Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy: Similar to the U.S., Canadian programs are offered at the diploma or bachelor's degree level and accredited by the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT).
* Certification/Licensing: Graduates must register with their provincial regulatory body and meet their licensing requirements. While there isn't a single national exam, many provinces recognize the NBRC credential as meeting their qualification standards.
In summary: The core requirement is completion of an accredited educational program followed by successful completion of a national or provincial certification/licensing exam. The educational path can be an associate's or bachelor's degree, depending on the country and specific program. Always check the requirements of the specific country and state/province where you intend to practice.