Chapter 2 – Profession of Respiratory Therapy: Condensed Exam Notes
Learning Objectives
• Identify roles/functions of AARC, NBRC, CoARC; impact of professional/medical organizations.
• Define scope of practice, practice settings, departmental roles, accreditation/credentialing/licensure.
• Recognize each RT’s role in advancing the profession.
Historical Background
• Profession formally began in the ("oxygen technicians/orderlies").
• Workforce has grown to ≈ RTs; one of the fastest-growing health professions.
Current Scope of Practice
• Core services: patient assessment, disease management, diagnostics, education, rehabilitation for cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Technology & protocol application across all care sites (hospital → home).
• Diagnostic duties: obtain/analyze specimens, interpret data, cardio-pulmonary/neurophysiological/sleep studies.
• Therapeutic duties: medical gases, ventilators, airway insertion/care, bronchopulmonary hygiene, drug delivery, rehab, hemodynamic & sleep support.
Practice Settings
• Hospitals, physician offices/clinics, insurance, interfacility transport, home care, sleep labs, skilled nursing, pulmonary rehab, outpatient centers.
Respiratory Therapy Department Roles
• Director: credentialed RT; drives quality, innovation, growth.
• Educational Coordinator: assesses staff needs, runs orientation/competency & tech training.
• Quality Assurance Coordinator: measures productivity vs. value, targets cost-efficient high-quality care.
• Supervisors/Lead Therapists: daily operations, staff assignments, advanced procedure support.
• Respiratory Therapists: bedside frontline; may specialize; typically -hour shifts.
• Researcher: conducts clinical/technical studies; usually holds advanced science degrees.
• Medical Director: physician (pulmonary/critical care/anesthesia); -hr availability; co-responsible for care quality & protocol development.
Credentialing & Designations
• Entry credentials: Certified RT (CRT) → Registered RT (RRT).
• Specialized NBRC credentials: CPFT, RPFT, CRT/RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, CRT/RRT-SDS.
• Credential obtained via NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam; dual cut scores for CRT & RRT.
Key Professional & Regulatory Organizations
• AARC: leading professional body; governed by Board of Directors, House of Delegates, Board of Medical Advisors, President’s Council.
• NBRC: voluntary credentialing agency; sets competency standards.
• CoARC: accredits associate, baccalaureate, master’s RT programs.
• ARCF: funds research, education, philanthropy; supports RC Journal conferences.
• ACRTE: promotes baccalaureate & graduate RT education.
• ICRC: -country alliance addressing global RC trends.
• Additional influencers: NAECB, TJC, CMS (HHS), AAMI.
Education & Licensure
• Minimum degree: CoARC-accredited associate; AARC advocates baccalaureate entry.
• State licensure protects public; most require CRT minimum; trend toward RRT entry (first adopted by Ohio , followed by CA, AZ, NJ, NM, OR, GA).
• Texas resources: Texas Society for Respiratory Care (advocacy, CE) & Texas Medical Board (licensure).
Professionalism Standards
• Complete accredited program, earn credentials, pursue continuing education.
• Uphold institutional/state codes of ethics; protect patient privacy.
• Active membership & participation in professional organizations.
Future Directions
• AARC “ & Beyond” task force: anticipates shifts in care delivery, required competencies, education, credentialing, workforce transition.
• Pulmonary Disease Manager (COPD/Asthma Navigators): RT-led chronic disease self-management.
• Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT): master’s-level NPAPP specializing in cardiopulmonary care; CoARC standards in place; first program accredited at Ohio State University; initial hire by VA in Maryland.