Comprehensive Guide to Respiratory Therapy: Education, Certification, and Career

Respiratory Therapy/Care

The health care discipline that specializes in the promotion of optimal cardiopulmonary function and health.

Respiratory Therapist (RT)

A healthcare professional who applies scientific principles to prevent, identify, and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system and provides respiratory care to patients.

Respiratory Therapy includes

Assessment,

treatment,

management,

control,

diagnostic evaluation,

education,

care of patients with pulmonary deficiencies and complications.

Respiratory Therapy profession (overview)

A healthcare discipline focused on improving cardiopulmonary function through

assessment,

treatment,

education,

and management of patients with respiratory disorders.

Why is respiratory therapy a rewarding career?

It is a calling, offers lifelong learning, provides a solid career, and allows RTs to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

Encouraging someone to become an RT

Explain it is a solid career, a calling, involves lifelong learning, and allows meaningful patient impact.

Components of respiratory care

Assessment, treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation, education, and patient care for pulmonary conditions.

Percentage of RTs working in hospitals or acute care

Approximately 75%.

Other work settings for RTs

Clinics, physician offices, skilled nursing facilities, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, and schools.

RT supervision

RTs perform under the direct supervision of a qualified physician.

NVCC RT admission process

Apply online to NOVA,

attend mandatory information session,

and meet Allied Health Program requirements.

NVCC RT admission requirements GPA

Minimum 2.5 curricular GPA with at least 15 college credits completed.

Required ENG 111 grade

C or higher.

Required HLT 141 grade

C or higher.

Required SDV 100/101 grade

C or higher.

Required RTH 120 grade

B or higher.

Math requirement for RT program

Qualify for ENG 111 and MTH 154 or higher.

BIO 141 and BIO 142 requirement

Must be completed with grade of C or higher.

NVCC RT program length

5 semesters beginning each fall.

Number of students admitted to RT program yearly

25 students.

Total credits in RT AAS degree

71 credits.

Total prerequisite credits

15 credits.

Additional RT program requirements

Health form,

background check,

drug screening,

CPR certification (AHA),

immunizations, TB test, flu shot,

liability insurance,

and technical standards.

Typical RT schedule

Classes Tuesday/Thursday, labs Wednesday/Friday, clinical Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Basic tasks/functions of an RT

Cardiopulmonary assessment,

oxygen therapy,

aerosol medications

, mechanical ventilation,

airway management,

cardiopulmonary diagnostics,

and pulmonary function testing.

Specialized care performed by RTs

Long-term care,

neonatal-pediatrics

, transport,

pulmonary rehab,

polysomnography,

education,

case management,

home care,

management,

sales,

and research.

AARC

American Association for Respiratory Care.

AARC function

American Association for Respiratory Care

Professional organization that promotes

excellence in respiratory care,

supports education,

advocacy,

research,

and professional development.

AARC student benefits

Educational resources, exam prep tools, discounts, scholarships, networking, mentorship, and career support.

CoARC

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

CoARC function

Accredits respiratory therapy education programs and ensures they meet national standards.

Why CoARC accreditation is important

Ensures program quality and is required for students to be eligible for credentialing exams and employment preparation.

NBRC

National Board for Respiratory Care.

NBRC function

Credentialing organization that develops and administers exams for respiratory therapists.

CRT vs RRT

CRT is entry-level credential; RRT is advanced-level credential.

NBRC credentials

• CRT — Certified Respiratory Therapist

• RRT — Registered Respiratory Therapist

• CPFT — Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist

• RPFT — Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist

• ACCS — Adult Critical Care Specialist

• NPS — Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist

• SDS — Sleep Disorders Specialist

• AE-C — Asthma Educator–Certified

TMC exam

Therapist Multiple-Choice exam used to assess knowledge for respiratory therapy credentialing.

CSE exam

Clinical Simulation Exam used to assess clinical decision-making skills.

TMC cut scores

Low cut score = 86 (awards CRT credential); High cut score = 92 (eligibility for CSE exam leading to RRT credential).

CSE requirement

Clinical simulation exam

High Cut Score in TMC makes you eligible to register for the Clinical

Simulation Exam (92+

Must pass clinical simulation with combined score in information gathering and decision-making.

Passing TMC/CSE requirement for RRT

Must pass TMC (high cut score) and CSE to earn RRT credential.

Credential vs license

Credential is national certification (NBRC); license is state-issued legal permission to practice.

Virginia Board of Medicine

State agency that regulates and licenses respiratory therapists in Virginia.

Virginia Board of Medicine function

Establishes laws/regulations and issues licenses to qualified respiratory therapists.

CEU

Continuing Education Unit.

CEU significance

Continuing Education Unit

Required to maintain credentials and licensure and ensure continued professional competency.

Virginia licensure requirements

Graduate from accredited program,

pass NBRC exams,

hold CRT or RRT credential,

submit application and fee,

and meet continuing education requirements.

Other professional organizations

American Thoracic Society (ATS), American Lung Association (ALA), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), Virginia Society for Respiratory Care (VSRC), International Council for Respiratory Care (ICRC).

ATS

American Thoracic Society.

ATS function

Professional organization supporting pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine education and research.

ALA

American Lung Association.

ALA function

Organization focused on lung health, education, and awareness.

ACCP

American College of Chest Physicians.

ACCP function

American College of Chest Physicians

Organization focused on chest medicine education and clinical standards.

VSRC

Virginia Society for Respiratory Care.

VSRC function

State professional organization supporting respiratory therapists in Virginia.

ICRC

International Council for Respiratory Care.

ICRC function

International Council for Respiratory Care

International organization supporting global respiratory care advancement.

License must be renewed with

CEU’s (Continuing education untis)

How many attempts are allowed before NBRC requires a waiting period?

3 attempts are allowed with no waiting period.

What is the NBRC waiting period after exceeding initial attempts?

After 3 attempts:

TMC & CSE → 120 days

PFT, NPS, SDS, ACCS → 180 days

before each additional attempt.

What % of RT workers are in acute care?

75%