Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) in New Hampshire
Becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) in New Hampshire involves a series of specific steps, including educational prerequisites, state-approved training, and certification exams. The process typically ranges from 8 to 20 weeks, depending on the training schedule, and costs between $800 and $2,500. Key steps include verifying prerequisites, completing state-approved training, passing the certification exam, and registering with the state.
The career of a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) in New Hampshire presents significant opportunities due to growing demand and attractive salary prospects. With a median annual salary of $82,860 and a projected national job growth rate of 12.1% by 2034, respiratory therapy is a promising field for those interested in healthcare. This growth indicates an increasing need for skilled respiratory therapists to manage and treat respiratory conditions, particularly in an aging population that may have higher incidences of respiratory diseases.
New Hampshire offers a unique setting for respiratory therapists given its mix of rural and urban healthcare environments. The state's regulations require licensure for respiratory therapists, which involves specific educational and examination standards that align with national requirements. Major healthcare employers in the region, including hospitals and specialized respiratory clinics, are constantly in search of qualified professionals. Additionally, New Hampshire's proximity to major healthcare hubs in the Northeast increases the range of career opportunities available to certified practitioners in the state.
This guide provides detailed information on how to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist in New Hampshire, covering licensing requirements, educational paths, and certification processes. It also offers insights into salary expectations and the job market specific to New Hampshire, helping prospective respiratory therapists make informed career decisions. By understanding the steps involved in attaining certification and the potential job opportunities, readers can effectively plan their career trajectory in this rewarding field of healthcare.
Licensing Authority
New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care
In New Hampshire, Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT) must be licensed through the New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care. The process includes education, examination, and a background check.
Official Resources
New Hampshire Requirements
Training Requirements
- Education
- Completion of an accredited respiratory care program
- Total Training Hours
- Minimum of 120 hours
- Classroom Hours
- 80 hours
- Clinical Hours
- 40 hours
- Minimum Age
- 18 years old
Additional Requirements
- Background check (State and federal) with fingerprinting
- Proof of legal U.S. residency or work eligibility
Certification Exam
- Exam
- NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Examination
- Components
- Written, Skills demonstration
- Fee
- Varies by exam date and registration time
How to Become a Certified Respiratory Therapist in New Hampshire
tuition $500-$2,000, exam fee $200, background check $50, application fee $50, textbooks/supplies $0-$200, scrubs $0-$50
Fastest Path
8-10 weeks
Typical Timeline
12-16 weeks
Estimated Cost
$800–$2,500
Verify You Meet New Hampshire's Prerequisites
Before starting your journey to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist in New Hampshire, ensure you meet the basic prerequisites. These include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and having a clean criminal record. Visit the New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care website to review detailed requirements and download any necessary forms. Processing times for verifying prerequisites are typically 1-2 days.
Tip
Order your high school transcript online through Parchment.com ($15) to avoid a 2-week mail delay from your school's registrar office.
Complete Background Check and Health Screenings
You must complete a comprehensive background check and health screenings. This includes an FBI fingerprint check and a tuberculosis test. Visit a local police station for fingerprinting, which typically costs around $50 and takes about 2 weeks for results. Health screenings can be done at your healthcare provider. Ensure all results are documented as they need to be submitted with your training program application.
Tip
Schedule your fingerprinting and TB test on the same day to expedite the process.
Research and Choose an Approved Training Program
Select a state-approved training program crucial for eligibility to take the certification exam. New Hampshire requires specific training hours: 80 classroom and 40 clinical. Use the New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care's website to verify that the program you choose is approved. Attending a non-approved program means you cannot sit for the certification exam, resulting in lost time and money.
Tip
Contact multiple programs to compare costs, schedules, and pass rates of graduates on the certification exam.
Enroll in and Complete Training
Once you have selected an approved program, enroll and complete the required 120 hours of training, including 80 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours. Attendance and participation are mandatory to receive certification of completion, which is necessary for exam registration. Ensure you keep all documentation and records from your training as they will be required when applying for the certification exam.
Tip
Maintain a record of all coursework and clinical hours in case of audit by the New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care.
Prepare for the Competency Exam
Begin preparing for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam. This exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions covering clinical scenarios and respiratory care knowledge. You have 3 hours to complete it. Utilize study guides and practice exams available on the NBRC website. Familiarize yourself with the exam format and content areas to improve your chances of passing.
Tip
Regularly schedule practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the actual test environment.
Register for and Schedule the Exam
Once you are prepared, register for the CRT exam through the NBRC website. The exam fee is approximately $200. Choose a testing location and a date that best fits your schedule. Registration can be completed online, and you will need to provide proof of program completion and identity. It is advisable to schedule the exam soon after completing your training to ensure all knowledge is fresh.
Tip
Check for exam slots regularly as they can fill up quickly, especially in busy testing centers.
Take and Pass the Exam
On the day of the exam, arrive at the testing center early with two forms of ID and your exam confirmation. The CRT exam is computer-based and lasts 3 hours, covering 160 multiple-choice questions. If you fail the exam, you can reschedule after 60 days. A passing score is required to proceed with state certification. Results are typically available immediately after the exam.
Tip
Ensure a good night's sleep before the exam and arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early.
Apply for State Certification/Registry
After passing the CRT exam, apply for your state certification through the New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care. Complete the application form available on their website and submit it along with your exam results and a fee of approximately $50. The processing time can take up to 4 weeks. Once approved, your name will be added to the state registry of Certified Respiratory Therapists.
Tip
Double-check your application for any errors to avoid delays in processing.
Receive Your Certification and Verify on State Registry
Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your official certification from the New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care. Verify your status in the state's registry of respiratory therapists, which is accessible online. This certification is crucial for legal employment as a Respiratory Therapist in New Hampshire.
Tip
Regularly check the mail and the online registry; updates may not always be communicated promptly.
Find Your First Job
With your certification in hand, you can now begin applying for positions as a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Utilize job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized healthcare job boards. Networking with professionals you met during your clinical hours can also provide job leads. Prepare your resume to highlight your certification, training, and any relevant experience.
Tip
Tailor your resume for each job application based on the job description and required skills.
Alternative Training Paths
Employer-Sponsored Training at Hospitals
Some hospitals in New Hampshire offer employer-sponsored training programs for aspiring respiratory therapists. These programs sometimes cover tuition costs in exchange for a commitment to work at the hospital for a specified period after certification. This path is ideal for those who prefer a direct transition from training to employment.
Best for: Individuals seeking job security and willing to commit to a single employer for the duration of the agreement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Attending a training program not on the New Hampshire Board of Nursing approved list. You will complete the program but be unable to sit for the state competency exam, wasting both your time and tuition money.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Exam administered by National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Written Test
Questions: 160
Time Limit: 3 hours
Format: Multiple choice
Passing Score: Scaled score of at least 70
- • Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations: 20%
- • Troubleshooting and Quality Control of Equipment and Infection Control: 20%
- • Initiation and Modification of Interventions: 60%
Skills Test
Skills Tested: None
Time Per Skill: N/A
N/A
What to Bring
- ✓ Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport)
- ✓ NBRC Confirmation Notice
- ✓ Two No. 2 pencils
Do Not Bring
- ✗ Personal electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, calculators)
- ✗ Food and drink
- ✗ Hats and hoods (except for religious purposes)
- ✗ Study materials or notes
Day-of Timeline
Arrive 30 minutes early. Check-in takes 15 minutes. Written test is 3 hours. No skills test.
Getting Your Results
Results are available immediately after the exam on the testing computer. Official results are mailed within two weeks.
If You Don't Pass
If you fail, you can retake the exam after 60 days. The cost of retaking is the same as the initial test. There is no limit on the number of retakes in New Hampshire.
Exam Strategies
- 1. Read each question carefully, especially the ones with negative phrasing or multiple correct answers.
- 2. Use the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions to narrow down the options.
- 3. Manage your time efficiently, aiming to answer each question within 1-2 minutes.
- 4. Mark questions you are unsure about for review if time allows, but make sure to answer every question, as there is no penalty for guessing.
Document Checklist
Every document you need from start to finish
1Before Training
High School Diploma or GED
From previously attended high school or GED program · Varies, typically free to obtain a copy · 1-2 weeks
Required to enroll in a respiratory therapy program
Immunization Records
Your healthcare provider or previous school · Free to nominal fee for copies · 1-2 weeks
Must include proof of MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and TB test
CPR Certification
American Heart Association or Red Cross · $50-$100 · Varies, typically one day
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers is required
Background Check
Third-party provider or through the training program · $20-$50 · 1-2 weeks
Some programs require this before admission
2During Training
Transcripts
From the respiratory therapy training program · Free to $10 per copy · Up to 1 week
Needed for certification application
Clinical Rotation Verification
From the respiratory therapy training program · At the completion of each rotation
Proof of completed clinical hours is required
3For the Exam
NBRC Exam Application
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) website · Exam fee varies, approximately $190
Application must be completed to sit for the CRT exam
Photo ID
State or federal government · Cost of obtaining an ID if not already owned
Needed for identity verification at the testing center
4For Certification
CRT Exam Results
Provided by NBRC post-exam via mail or online · Included in exam fee
Official results needed for certification application
Application for Licensure
New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care · Application fee approximately $110
Must be submitted with proof of CRT credential and other required documents
Proof of Continuing Education
From accredited CE providers · Varies by course and provider
Required for license renewal, not initial certification
After You're Certified: What's Next
Immediately after passing, verify your status on the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) website. Obtain your official CRT certificate from the NBRC. Next, apply for licensure through the New Hampshire Board of Respiratory Care, which requires submission of your CRT credentials and a licensing fee.
Finding Your First Job
Where to Look
- • Indeed.com
- • hospital websites
- • healthcare job boards such as Health eCareers
- • state and local government job portals
Best Employers for New Grads
- • Hospitals offer structured environments with potential for career progression. Long-term care facilities provide opportunities to work with chronic respiratory conditions. Home health agencies focus on outpatient care, requiring strong interpersonal skills. Clinics often have a regular schedule but might offer fewer opportunities for complex cases.
Resume Tip: Include your CRT certification, any clinical rotations, and relevant skills such as patient assessment and emergency care. Highlight soft skills like communication and teamwork, which are critical in healthcare settings.
Interview Tip: Describe a time you handled a stressful situation in a clinical setting.Explain how you would manage a patient with complex respiratory needs.Discuss how you stay updated with the latest respiratory care practices.Provide examples of how you have worked effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Expected First-Year Salary
The salary range for a new CRT in New Hampshire is typically between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on the employer and location within the state.
Career Advancement Path
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Passing the RRT examination after meeting clinical experience requirements
Challenges to Prepare For
- • Adapting to the emotional demands of patient care, especially in severe cases. Managing time effectively in fast-paced environments. Keeping up with continuous educational requirements and technological advancements in respiratory therapy.
Certified Respiratory Therapist Salary in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, Certified Respiratory Therapists earn a median annual salary of $82,860, which is higher than the national median. This reflects a competitive salary landscape in the state for this profession.
Entry Level
$59,180
0-1 years experience
Median Salary
$82,860
$39.84/hr · Bureau of Labor Statistics
Experienced
$104,480
5+ years experience
Compared to National Median
$77,960 national · ++6.3% in New Hampshire
Salary by Metro Area
This area typically shows higher wages due to demand and cost of living.
Salary by Employer Type
The salary in New Hampshire generally aligns well with the state's cost of living, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Benefits & Compensation
Common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and continuing education opportunities.
Salary Growth Outlook
Salary growth in this field is expected to align with national healthcare demand increases, potentially rising 3-5% annually.
Salary Negotiation Tips
- •Research average salaries in specific New Hampshire regions for leverage.
- •Highlight relevant certifications and experience.
Job Market in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) job market is experiencing a growth trend that aligns with the national average. The aging population and the prevalence of respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma drive the demand for CRTs. Hospitals remain the primary employers, but there's a rising need in specialized respiratory clinics.
Top Hiring Areas
Largest city with several hospitals
Growing healthcare sector
Top Hiring Industries
Best time to apply: Early spring and late fall
Opportunities
- Expansion of telehealth
- Specialization in pediatric and geriatric respiratory care
Challenges
- Limited educational programs for CRTs in-state
- Competition from neighboring states with higher wages
Training Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers several CRT training options through community colleges, vocational schools, and employer-sponsored programs. These programs prepare students for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Certified Respiratory Therapist exam.
Program Types Comparison
| Type | Duration | Cost | Format | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College | 2 years | $10,000 - $20,000 | In-person/Hybrid |
|
| Vocational/Trade School | 18-24 months | $15,000 - $25,000 | In-person/Hybrid |
|
| Employer-Sponsored | Varies | Free/Paid training | On-the-job |
|
Top Programs
Concord, New Hampshire
High NCLEX pass rates and strong local hospital partnerships
Online & Hybrid Options
Some programs offer hybrid formats with online theory courses and in-person clinical experiences.
How to Choose a Program
- •Verify the program's accreditation status to ensure eligibility for certification exams.
Financial Aid & Free Training
Get free Certified Respiratory Therapist program info for New Hampshire
Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
USD 100
CE Hours
30 hours
Work requirement: None specified
CE Topics: Respiratory care practices, Medical ethics
Out-of-State Reciprocity
New Hampshire allows reciprocity for CRTs licensed in other states, provided they meet NH's standards and have no disciplinary actions.
Requirements for Reciprocity
- Current active license in another state
- No disciplinary actions
State Agreements
All U.S. states, subject to verification of credentials and background
Additional Exams
Not required if current credentials meet NH standards
Application Process
Submit an application with verification of licensure from the original state
Fees
USD 110
Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
Licensing Tips
Verify all personal information on application forms to avoid delays
Prepare for the CRT exam with official NBRC practice tests
Recommended Resources
Kettering National Seminars CRT RRT Exam Review
This review offers a series of practice exams and detailed explanations aimed at preparing candidates for the CRT exam.
LindseyJones CRT & RRT Exam Preparation
Provides comprehensive practice tests with simulations that mirror the actual CRT exam format.
Respiratory Care Exam Review by Gary Persing
This guide focuses on key content areas and offers multiple-choice questions which are helpful for CRT exam preparation.
Comprehensive Respiratory Therapy Exam Preparation Guide by Craig L. Scanlan
This guide covers a wide range of topics with practice questions and detailed explanations to aid understanding.
3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope
Essential for respiratory assessment training, this stethoscope offers high acoustic sensitivity for superior performance.
Pulse Oximeter
Used to measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate, critical for practicing patient monitoring and management scenarios.
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Sources
- Bureau of Labor StatisticsAccessed 2026-02-13
- New Hampshire Licensing BoardAccessed 2026-02-13
- CareerOneStopAccessed 2026-02-13