HealthcareLicensing Requirement
CPR Requirements for Respiratory Therapist
Quick Answer
Yes. Respiratory therapists are required to hold current BLS certification, and most clinical settings require ACLS as well.
Certification Requirements
BLS
Legal RequirementStrong industry standard; some state RT licensing boards explicitly require BLS.
Required by: Employer and many state boardsRenew every 2 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Do respiratory therapists need CPR certification?
Yes. BLS certification is required for the CRT and RRT credential exams and for most hospital employment. ACLS is additionally required at many facilities.
CPR Requirements for Respiratory Therapist by State
Select your state to see specific requirements, state overrides, and classes near you.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingDistrict of Columbia
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Find Classes Near MeAt a Glance
- Requirement Level
- Licensing Requirement
- Certifications Needed
- BLS (Basic Life Support)
- ACLS
- Renewal Period
- Every 2 years
- Required By
- NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care) / State licensing boards