Chapter 2 – The Profession of Respiratory Therapy

Thirty-five vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, roles, organizations, credentials, and future directions in the profession of respiratory therapy.

Respiratory Therapist (RT)

A healthcare professional specializing in assessment, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.

Scope of Respiratory Care Practice

The range of RT activities including assessment, diagnostics, therapeutics, disease management, education, rehabilitation, and use of technology across all care sites.

Patient Assessment

Systematic evaluation of a patient’s cardiopulmonary status performed by an RT to guide care decisions.

Mechanical Ventilator Management

Selection, adjustment, and monitoring of mechanical ventilation to support or replace spontaneous breathing.

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

Entry-level credential awarded after passing the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam at the lower cut score.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Advanced credential earned by achieving the higher TMC cut score and passing the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).

Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam

NBRC examination that determines eligibility for CRT credential and, with a higher cut score, for the CSE toward the RRT credential.

Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)

NBRC exam using clinical scenarios to assess advanced decision-making for the RRT credential.

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)

The leading professional organization for RTs, governed by a Board of Directors, House of Delegates, Board of Medical Advisors, and President’s Council.

National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Voluntary credentialing agency that awards RT credentials to promote excellence and protect patient safety.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Body that accredits U.S. respiratory care degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels.

American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF)

Non-profit organization promoting respiratory health through research, education, and philanthropic activities.

Coalition for Baccalaureate and Graduate Respiratory Therapy Education (CoBGRTE)

Organization advocating for and supporting baccalaureate and graduate RT education in the U.S.

International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC)

Global forum of 25 member countries addressing respiratory care education and professional issues in partnership with the AARC.

National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB)

Organization that certifies asthma educators, influencing respiratory care practice.

The Joint Commission (TJC)

Independent organization that accredits and certifies U.S. healthcare organizations, impacting RT departments’ quality standards.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Federal agency within HHS that sets reimbursement and quality standards affecting respiratory care services.

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

Organization developing standards for medical devices, including respiratory equipment.

Department Director (Respiratory Therapy)

Leader responsible for quality respiratory care delivery, departmental development, and alignment with medical direction.

Educational Coordinator

RT who assesses staff learning needs, organizes orientation, competency, and technology training programs.

Quality Assurance Coordinator

RT who evaluates clinical efficiency and value, using metrics such as relative value units, FTEs, cost savings, and outcomes.

Supervisor / Lead Therapist

Experienced RT overseeing day-to-day operations, staffing assignments, and serving as a clinical resource.

Medical Director (RT Department)

Physician (often pulmonologist or anesthesiologist) jointly responsible for clinical quality, protocol development, and 24-hour availability.

Researcher / Scientist (RT Department)

Clinician with advanced science degree conducting studies to improve respiratory care practices and technology.

Practice Settings (RT)

Environments where RTs work, including hospitals, homes, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, sleep labs, rehab programs, and transport teams.

Value-Based Efficiency

Assessment of therapy benefit (cost savings, survival, patient perception) divided by staffing effort (FTE) to judge care quality.

State Licensure (RT)

Legal authorization to practice respiratory care; most states require at least CRT, with a growing trend toward RRT for entry.

Baccalaureate Entry to Practice

AARC-supported initiative encouraging a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational preparation for new RTs.

Professionalism (RT)

Conduct involving accredited education, credentialing, continuing education, ethical practice, privacy respect, and professional involvement.

Pulmonary Disease Manager

RT role focusing on teaching patients self-management of chronic lung disease to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT)

Master’s-prepared RT advanced practice provider designed to deliver specialized cardiopulmonary care; CoARC has established educational standards.

Bronchopulmonary Hygiene

Therapeutic techniques (e.g., airway clearance) administered by RTs to remove pulmonary secretions.

Sleep Disorder Studies

Polysomnography and related tests conducted by RTs to diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders.

Hemodynamic Cardiovascular Support

RT participation in monitoring and managing cardiovascular parameters to optimize oxygen delivery and perfusion.

“2015 and Beyond” Initiative

AARC task-force project identifying future RT roles, skills, education, and transition strategies for evolving healthcare needs.