Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT Careers in Florida
Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) provide entry-level respiratory therapy under the supervision of registered respiratory therapists, performing procedures like breathing treatments, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary function tests. Florida requires licensure from the FL Board of Respiratory Care, and CRTs can advance to RRT status with additional education and testing.
What does a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT do in Florida?
Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) provide entry-level respiratory therapy under the supervision of registered respiratory therapists, performing procedures like breathing treatments, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary function tests. Florida requires licensure from the FL Board of Respiratory Care, and CRTs can advance to RRT status with additional education and testing.
Typical Florida work setting: Hospitals|Long-term acute care|Home health|Pulmonary rehab.
Florida salary and job outlook
Estimated Florida median pay for Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT is approximately $55,000 per year. Entry-level Florida pay typically starts near $40,000, with experienced workers earning around $75,000.
Florida’s projected growth for this occupation is approximately 17% through the next decade — well above average compared to many other states.
Estimated figures based on publicly reported Florida and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Actual pay varies by employer, metro area, experience, and credentials.
How to become a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT in Florida
- 1. Choose an accredited Florida programLook for a Florida program that prepares you for the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) via NBRC; FL Respiratory Care License required to work as a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT. Public technical colleges and state colleges are typically the lowest-cost option; private career schools tend to cost more but may finish faster.
- 2. Complete the trainingMost Florida Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT programs take about 2 years (AS in Respiratory Care). Plan around your work and family schedule — many programs offer day, evening, or hybrid options.
- 3. Pass the Florida licensing examWorking as a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT in Florida requires a state license issued through Florida Board of Respiratory Care. You’ll typically need to pass a national or state exam after completing an approved program.
- 4. Apply for Florida jobsHospitals, clinics, employers, and staffing agencies across Florida hire newly licensed Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRTs every month. Use our Florida school directory to find programs with strong job-placement support.
Requirements & Training
- Credential: CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) via NBRC; FL Respiratory Care License
- Typical program length: 2 years (AS in Respiratory Care)
- Typical tuition range: $8,000 - $12,000
- Florida license required: Yes (Florida Board of Respiratory Care)
Career Path
- CRT
- Senior CRT
- RRT (with further education/testing)
- NICU/ICU Specialist
- Respiratory Care Supervisor
Top Florida Employers
Related Programs to Look For
- Respiratory Care AS
- Cardiopulmonary Science AS
Florida Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT FAQs
Do I need a Florida license to work as a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT?
Yes. Florida requires state licensure for Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRTs, administered through Florida Board of Respiratory Care. You’ll generally need to graduate from an approved program and pass an exam before you can practice.
How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT in Florida?
Most Florida training programs for Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT take about 2 years (AS in Respiratory Care). Part-time, evening, and hybrid schedules can extend that timeline; accelerated programs may shorten it.
How much does Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT training cost in Florida?
Typical Florida programs run about $8,000 - $12,000. Public technical and state colleges are usually the lowest-cost route. Financial aid, employer reimbursement, and payment plans are widely available.
What is the average salary for a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT in Florida?
Estimated Florida median pay for Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRTs is about $55,000 per year. Entry-level pay is typically lower, and experienced workers in high-demand metros (Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville) can earn meaningfully more.
Where can I study to become a Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT in Florida?
Florida has hundreds of public technical colleges, state colleges, and private career schools that offer training relevant to Respiratory Therapy Assistant / CRT. Use our Florida school directory to filter by region, cost, and accreditation.
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