Applicants who want to enter into the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Program at Crafton Hills College should meet particular requirements. The acceptance is based on a specific six-point system. Students must complete the following courses: Introduction to Respiratory Care (RESP 050), Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (ANAT 101), Medical Technology (AH 101), Introductory Microbiology (MICRO 102), Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM 101), and General Education courses (Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook 6). Students should necessarily complete the first three points (grade “C” or higher is a must). Those who manage to apply with all six points will be the first ones to enter into the program, then five pointers will be accepted, and so on. Importantly, only the first 35 successful applicants will be accepted into the program. Therefore, it is important to apply with as many points as possible. It is also important to submit applications as early as possible. Applications should be submitted by July 1st of the year the student plans to start the program.
The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is the specialist who has been certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The credential is offered to specialists who have graduated from “entry-level or advanced programs” authorized by CAAHEP or CoARC (the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) (Respiratory Therapist 2). CRTs “evaluate, treat, and care for patients” with breathing disorders (Respiratory Therapist 2). They consult patients on various issues concerning their health issues and help them handle their problems. CRTs also conduct diagnostic tests and assess equipment functioning. However, the responsibilities of CRTs are quite limited as CRTs usually fulfill assigned procedures that do not require independent judgment. These specialists usually work under the supervision of the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
The Registered Respiratory Therapist is the CRT who has graduated from advanced programs accredited by CoARC (the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) (Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook 21). RRTs usually hold supervisory positions. Intensive-care specialties also presuppose the RRT qualification (Respiratory Therapist 2). RRTs have a wide range of responsibilities. They evaluate and care for patients. They also provide complex therapy, e.g. they care for patients “on life support in intensive-care units” (Respiratory Therapist 1). Respiratory therapists work in a team with physicians, nurses, technicians, and other health care professionals to develop the most effective treatment plans for patients. They take an active part in diagnostic procedures. RRTs interview patients, perform the necessary physical examination, conduct various tests necessary for diagnosis. RRTs often supervise respiratory technicians on various issues concerning medical equipment. Respiratory therapists assess the work of the medical equipment and consult patients helping them to use the equipment effectively. Respiratory therapists can also work in-home care. In this case, they help patients to learn to use the necessary equipment. They also provide emotional aid to patients. Apart from this, respiratory therapists can work in rehabilitation centers. They can work in the sphere of disease prevention, polysomnography, smoking cessation counseling, and case management. The scope of responsibilities of RRTs is really wide.
The Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) is a specialist who is certified by the board and licensed by the state of California. To become an RCP in the state of California specialists (those who have graduated from entry-level programs or even unlicensed personnel performing polysomnography) are required to “meet education requirements, successfully pass a competency exam, and undergo criminal background checks” (“Polysomnography Law Effective 10/23/09” n.p.). Thus, officials try to protect the safety of patients of the state of California against the unlicensed (and often unqualified) practice of respiratory care.
It is essential to have the necessary knowledge and skills to become a good RCP. These specialists should be also keen on acquiring new skills as their work presupposes the use of medical equipment which is developing very fast. RCPs should be ready to try new effective methods of treatment. The RCP should be a certified specialist who is eager to self-develop. Therefore, apart from proper education, RCPs should be characterized by specific characteristic features. In the first place, respiratory therapists should be people-oriented. Respiratory therapists provide temporary relief to patients with severe respiratory disorders. Thus, RCPs should be patient and attentive to their patients’ needs. RCPs should be compassionate. They should understand that patients do not need simply a set of procedures, as emotional aid is of great importance in the process of healing. RCPs should be supportive. They should try to minimize patients’ suffering as well. RCPs should be helpful. They should assist patients to cope with their physical and emotional issues. RCPs should be hardworking. They should be also able to work effectively in stressful work situations. Finally, RCPs should be great team-workers as these specialists usually cooperate with physicians, surgeons, nurses, and other health care personnel. Of course, the command of effective communications skills is a must for a successful RCP as well.
Works Cited
“Polysomnography Law Effective 10/23/09.” Respiratory Care Board of California, n.d. Web.
“Respiratory Therapists.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. n.d. Web.
Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook. Yucaipa, CA: Crafton Hills College, 2010.