Certified Respiratory Therapist

A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), formerly Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT), is a therapist who has graduated from a respiratory therapy program at a university or college and has passed a national certification exam.[1] A CRT or RRT is typically expected to adjust, modify or recommend therapeutic techniques within well-defined procedures based on a limited range of patient responses. In the healthcare setting, usually required supervision by a physician experienced in respiratory care.

History

From the 1980s through the 2000s, 49 states passed legislation relying on results from the Certification Examination as a central component in the regulation of respiratory therapists.

Changes in education requirements for the CRT vs the RRT have resulted in the CRT level practitioners having the same responsibilities and practice abilities, in most areas of the United States. However, the RRT credential is preferred in the vast majority of healthcare facilities in the United States. The RRT is considered an advanced Respiratory Therapist, a CRT an entry level. It is very difficult and almost unheard of for a Respiratory Care department manager to achieve management level without being registered. Also, it is very difficult for a CRT to achieve Supervisor status without first obtaining RRT status. Even then, a bachelor's degree is highly preferred.

Examinations

See also

References

  1. National Board of Respiratory Care, CRT Examination
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-09-28. Retrieved 2014-04-20.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/18/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.