Copyright © 2026 A&T Respiratory Lectures All Rights Reserved
Quick Summary:
• Respiratory CEUs help respiratory therapists stay informed about their profession and help them fulfill continuing education requirements.
• CEU requirements vary from state to state, and RTs need to follow such requirements depending on the type of license they hold.
• CEUs can be earned either in person or online, depending on what license you currently have.
• It is important to keep all documentation in order so that the review is easy and fast.
• A&T Respiratory offers respiratory-focused CEU courses covering practical clinical topics for respiratory therapists.
• The best CEU courses are those that not only provide credits but also keep RTs up-to-date and improve their skills.
Professional licenses and certifications must be kept up to date with the most recent scientific advances in the field. Respiratory CEUs help professional respiratory therapists in their continuing education process, compliance with licensing renewal, and the enhancement of their clinical skills. Due to varying licensing rules in each state, there is confusion about continuing education requirements.
The objective of this full guide is to help you understand what respiratory therapist CEUs are, how they work, and how to select continuing education that meets your professional and licensing requirements.
What Are Respiratory CEUs?
Respiratory CEUs, also known as Continuing Education Units, are credits obtained through approved educational activities. CEUs allow respiratory therapists to demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and professional development after they have completed their training and received their certification.
Though courses may differ, continuing education can include topics such as:
• Mechanical ventilation
• Airway management
• Critical care
• Asthma and pulmonary disease
• Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
• Pulmonary function testing
• Sleep medicine
• Patient assessment and clinical decision-making
At A&T Respiratory, respiratory therapists can access educational opportunities designed around practical respiratory care and current clinical topics.
Who Needs Respiratory Therapy CEUs?
CEU regulations usually concern respiratory therapists who need to uphold professional certifications or licenses granted by the state or both. However, requirements aren't identical everywhere.
Your specific obligations may depend on:
• The state where you hold your license
• Whether you are a CRT or RRT
• Your licensing renewal period
• Your credentialing organization
• Required subject areas
• Whether specific courses or contact hours are mandatory.
Always confirm the current needs related to your licensure and credentials before taking respiratory therapy continuing education courses.
How Many CEUs Do Respiratory Therapists Need?
There isn’t one universal number of CEUs required for every respiratory therapist. State licensing boards and credentialing organizations establish their own requirements and renewal periods.
Some RTs may also have additional requirements involving specific clinical subjects or types of education.
The best approach is to:
1. Check your state's respiratory therapy licensing board.
2. Review your credentialing organization's current requirements.
3. Determine your renewal deadline.
4. Calculate how many hours you have already completed.
5. Choose courses that satisfy your remaining requirements.
This prevents the common mistake of completing courses that don't meet a particular renewal requirement.
What are AARC CEUs?
The AARC is known as the American Association for Respiratory Care. It is a reputable governing body for respiratory therapists. Professionals to fulfill their continuing education requirements may opt for AARC-approved programs. When evaluating AARC CEUs, professionals must pay attention to more than the number of hours. They must also consider the relevance to their work and whether the given program fulfills the requirements of the organization or state board with which they work.
A&T Respiratory offers essential respiratory education covering a range of topics, enabling respiratory therapists to find the appropriate program.
Online Respiratory CEUs vs. Live CEUs
The best thing about modern out-of-class training is flexibility. As a respiratory therapists, you can choose between online courses and live courses.
Online Respiratory CEUs
Online courses can be particularly convenient for RTs working rotating shifts, weekends, or long clinical hours. Depending on the course, you may be able to complete education on your own schedule.
Benefits include:
• Flexible learning around work schedules
• Convenient access from home or another location
• Ability to learn at your own pace
• Easy access to course documentation
Live CEUs
Live courses and webinars provide an opportunity to learn with an instructor in real time. They may also allow participants to ask questions and engage in discussions.
Before selecting either option, check whether your state or credentialing organization has specific rules regarding accepted educational formats.
How Should You Document Your CEUs?
Keeping accurate records is an important part of maintaining your professional credentials. After completing CEUs for respiratory therapists, save documentation such as:
• Course completion certificates
• Course titles and dates
• Number of credits or contact hours
• Provider information
• Transcripts or completion records, when available
Don't wait until your renewal deadline to organize your records. Creating a digital folder for your certificates throughout the renewal period can make the process much easier.
When is the Best Time to Finish Your Respiratory CEUs?
The safest way to go is to finish your CEUs before your license or credential expires.
Procrastinating until the last few weeks can add unwanted pressure to your life—in many cases, you’ll find that you still have to learn what you need to learn in order to fulfill your CEUs.
An easy way of accomplishing the task is:
Examine → Decide → Accomplish → Record → Renew
Getting an early start on your CEUs will put you in a much better position for selecting your courses rather than being stuck with what’s left in the market as a last-minute option.
Free vs. Paid Respiratory CEUs
Free CEUs can be an excellent way to reduce the cost of continuing education, but free doesn't automatically mean suitable for your requirements.
Before completing any free course, confirm:
• The provider is appropriately approved.
• The course meets your state or credential requirements.
• The subject is relevant to your renewal needs.
• You will receive acceptable documentation of completion.
A&T Respiratory offers educational resources for respiratory therapists seeking convenient continuing education alternatives.
How to Choose the Right Respiratory CEU Provider
With so many continuing education options available, choosing a provider should be about more than price.
Look for a provider that offers:
• Relevant respiratory care topics
• Flexible learning options
• Clearly stated credit information
• Appropriate accreditation or approval
• Reliable completion documentation
• Experienced instructors
• Courses that support your professional development
The goal isn't simply to collect CEUs. The best respiratory therapy continuing education should help you become more knowledgeable and confident in your clinical practice.
Final Thoughts
Completing Respiratory CEUs doesn't have to be stressful. The key is to understand your requirements early, choose relevant education, keep accurate documentation, and select a provider you can rely on.
Whether you need flexible online respiratory CEUs, clinically focused education, or courses to support your professional development, A&T Respiratory provides respiratory-focused learning opportunities designed with practicing therapists in mind.
Most importantly, don't view CEUs as simply another renewal requirement. The right respiratory therapy continuing education can help you stay current, strengthen your clinical knowledge, and provide better care for your patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory CEUs
How many CEUs does an RRT need?
The number of RRT CEUs required depends on the applicable credentialing and state licensing requirements. Because requirements can change, respiratory therapists should verify their current obligations with the relevant licensing board and credentialing organization.
Are online respiratory CEUs accepted?
Many licensing and credentialing organizations accept online education, but rules vary. Always confirm that the specific course format and provider meet your current requirements before enrolling.
Are AARC CEUs the same as respiratory CEUs?
AARC-approved education can provide continuing education for respiratory therapists, but whether a particular course satisfies your renewal requirements depends on the applicable state or credentialing rules.
Where can I find CEUs for respiratory therapists?
Respiratory therapists can pursue continuing education via professional organizations, their employers, conferences, and specialized CEU providers, such as A&T Respiratory. When choosing a course, verify its approval, credit hours, subject matter, and applicability to your renewal requirements.
Respiratory care changes fast. At A&T Respiratory Lectures, we want to help you stay ahead.
Our articles are great for everyone. Experienced therapists use them to improve patient care. Newcomers use them to grow their careers. We provide the tools you need to succeed.