RESPIRATORY THERAPY GUIDE

Respiratory Training, Certification, and Education

Respiratory Therapy has grown considerably through the past four decades. There was a time when Respiratory therapists were on the job trained techs, with little formal education. Their main function was to ensure safe oxygen use. With the advent of Mechanical Ventilators, modern CPR and airway care methods, a need for thoroughly trained practitioners presented itself. Over the years "techs" have evolved to college trained therapists who practice in a variety of settings.

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) are required to complete a minimum of a two-year associate degree program. There are also three-, four- and five-year degree programs. There are also Master's and PhD degree programs offered by some schools. After graduation, the therapist must then write a national exam administered by the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) in Canada and/or the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) in the United States. In the US, a two tiered system exists. First a certification exam can be taken, and if passed, the therapist is designated CRT, or certified respiratory therapist. After that, a registry exam can be taken giving the designation of RRT, or registered respiratory therapist. Also, further examination for Neonatal/Pediatric specialist may be taken allowing RT's to be designated as neonatal-pediatric specialists, CRT-NPS or RRT-NPS.

In order to be considered for admission to a respiratory therapy program, a strong high school background (typically grades of B+ or higher) in science and math at the senior matriculation level is usually required. The program of study varies from one school to another, but all programs include the following:

Courses in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, hemodynamics, mechanical ventilation, statistics, healthcare law, and medical ethics are required. Pass marks are usually set high. These studies relate to all body systems. Extra focus is spent on the respiratory systems along with cardiovascular, neurological and renal systems.

Class sizes are usually small and offer classroom as well as clinical "hands-on" experiences. Many applicants already hold science degrees. Traditionally there is a measurable attrition rate due to a student's failure to meet expected performance standards. Most of the schools do not allow multiple rewrites of failed exams. The material from the entire program must be mastered, applied and retained. There is no "cook book" practice. RTs must think quickly under stressful situations and make the proper life-or-death decisions. RTs function as a patient advocate, as well as a staff, physician and patient resource. RTs function as a member of the health care team.

For a list of accredited educational programs for respiratory care practitioners, contact the following organization:

Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs, 35 East Wacker Dr., Suite 1970., Chicago, IL 60601. Internet: http://www.caahep.org