Respiratory Therapist Lobbying for greater skills.

All respiratory therapist should unit and rally for more opportunities to use our clinical skills. The use of our skills is invaluable and should be use to our full potential.

The future of respiratory therapy appear to be going in the right direction. The American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC),are the process with legislatures to permit respiratory therapist's to practice in a advance level. A bachelor's degree must be obtain in order to meet these competency. The AARC has already implemented that all respiratory programs be taught at a R.R.T level, no more C.R.T level. Furthermore, the C.R.T exam will be retired after 2014, for future respiratory therapist, a combine C.R.T and R.R.T written examine will be the process to obtain a license.

Respiratory Care Practitioner in Colton, California said: The future of respiratory therapy appear to be going in the right direction. The American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC),are the process with legislatures to permit respiratory therapist's to practice in a advance level. A bachelor's degree must be obtain in order to meet these competency. The AARC has already implemented that all respiratory programs be taught at a R.R.T level, no more C.R.T level. Furthermore, the C.R.T exam will be retired after 2014, for future respiratory therapist, a combine C.R.T and R.R.T written examine will be the process to obtain a license.

as long as you have a bachelor's degree its good? or does it have to be specifically in healthcare or respiratory?

They should push for atleast a masters requirement if the field have to stand against others. Nurse practioners and physician assistant program will soon be Phd only. Physical therapy programs are all Phd now.

Yeah sure...most of you want to make it better for yourselves if already in the field, and more difficult for people to enter the field. You expect people to take 6 years of college for a job that starts out between $35k-40k working nights and weekends? I bet you want to be grandfathered in with your 2 yr degree though. Give me a break.

My apology. I shouldn't have said "most of you". Probably most don't think that way, but I have seen several professions where people wanted to close the gate after they got in the easy way. RT is not rocket science. A two yr program is sufficient to learn the skills.

It seems like many people coming into the field of respiratory therapy are just expecting to become millionaires with a two year degree. Soon it will require a bachelor's degree to practice at an advance level. For those who choose to be complacent can stay at entry level. We still going to need working horses. True, respiratory therapy is not rocket science, but it is a great career. Furthermore, If people are working for 35K-40K then its your fault not the career of respiratory therapy. Have some pride in your career and try to change how things are for more opportunities and greater satisfaction.

I checked out the AARC and according to the organization the push for a bachelor's degree appears to be aimed at creating more opportunities for respiratory therapists. I do not understand why so many people seem negative about this requirement. I'm more angry that the CRT exam, which still exist in this modern time.

I for a change would like for expanded skills for the practice of respiratory care. Having more skills and advance skills, just makes the career more exciting. Those neb jockeys can stay neb jockeys. Those neb jockeys will be the one taking orders from advance therapist in the future. How exciting!!!!

Don't you think it would be unfair for an RT student to start the 2 yr course and by the time he or she finishes the course find out it will take 2 more years? I seriously doubt 2 years of college is needed to gain advance skills. They can be learned on the job. So you see, nobody is decrying continuing education, and increasing skills. The issue is requiring a BA just to get one's foot in the door. Riverside, RT does start out at 35-40K in some parts of the country. The world does not revolve around California. I don't set entry level rates and you probably don't either, so please do not tell people the rates are "their fault". My understanding is new grads in RTs in your state cannot even find work at any rate.

Life is not fair and we all know it. Times are changing and so is the field of respiratory care. Cincinnati RT, that's the thing about this bachelor's degree issue. Most people do not understand the purpose behind the degree. For those graduating with an Associate's degree will still be able to practice as usual. For those who have a bachelor's degree, it will be permitted to practice at a much advance level similar to a nurse practitioner or P.A. It opens up more opportunities for the field of respiratory care and rises the level of professionalism. It amazes me how many negative people especially respiratory therapist are to this new idea of bachelor's degree.

RRT in Riverside, California said: Life is not fair and we all know it. Times are changing and so is the field of respiratory care. Cincinnati RT, that's the thing about this bachelor's degree issue. Most people do not understand the purpose behind the degree. For those graduating with an Associate's degree will still be able to practice as usual. For those who have a bachelor's degree, it will be permitted to practice at a much advance level similar to a nurse practitioner or P.A. It opens up more opportunities for the field of respiratory care and rises the level of professionalism. It amazes me how many negative people especially respiratory therapist are to this new idea of bachelor's degree.

No one is preventing anyone from attaining their bachelor degree. It has always been an option. Those that have achieved it can advance themselves. Become a NP or PA. I don't understand the controversy. Enjoy the journey.

RRT in Riverside, California said: Life is not fair and we all know it. Times are changing and so is the field of respiratory care. Cincinnati RT, that's the thing about this bachelor's degree issue. Most people do not understand the purpose behind the degree. For those graduating with an Associate's degree will still be able to practice as usual. For those who have a bachelor's degree, it will be permitted to practice at a much advance level similar to a nurse practitioner or P.A. It opens up more opportunities for the field of respiratory care and rises the level of professionalism. It amazes me how many negative people especially respiratory therapist are to this new idea of bachelor's degree.

I agree with you Riverside, California. I am a Texas Respiratory Therapist with 18yrs experience. I agree that the NBRC should make the RRT bachelor's level to open up more opportunities such as Anesthesia Assistants like RRTs in Canada have the option. We must diversify or die people. Amen, times are a changing!

RRT in Riverside: Yes we all know life can be unfair. There is no need to make trite comments. I thought you and others were pushing for a bachelor's degree as a minimum to enter the field of RT. If you weren't, then my comments weren't(or shouldn't have been) directed at you.

It is about time we see some kind of change. I will welcome any change that will make us more aggressive, and for people to take us more serious than a neb jockey. I have been a therapist for 15 years and I love what I do but perhaps if we made it where it would require a bachelors/masters degree, it would only help us in the long run. This would send me back to school also. A pay raise is gonna have to be included and most likely will. I look forward to the change. Thanks

It is time for our profession to proliferate to a higher status. We need to change the perception of our field by elevating our educational level. "Charles G. Durbin Jr., MD, FAARC, FCCM, believes the field should embrace a higher educational standard. It would open up more opportunities for different kinds of practice environments," said Dr. Durbin, of the University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville. "It would probably attract more talented individuals to the field - if they see respiratory as a profession and less as a technical job." (Advance, 2011) In order for our profession to grow into a more professional status we must prove it by higher education standards. I for a change would like to practice at my full scope of practice instead of being limited to knob turning and providing senseless Neb treatments. I would like more opportunities to practice respiratory care and not be limited to hospitals only. I like the career of respiratory therapy and the satisfaction, I receive when I can help a person restore their pulmonary function.

Article 'Is Degree Creep Harming Respiratory Care?'(Advance,2011)

Absolutely,RRT in McAllen, Texas. I agree, we must progress further and be permitted to practice at our full scope of practice or even higher. I like the idea of anesthesia assistant because we are fully capable of taking on that responsibility.

It is about time we see some kind of change. I will welcome any change that will make us more aggressive, and for people to take us more serious than a neb jockey. I have been a therapist for 15 years and I love what I do but perhaps if we made it where it would require a bachelors/masters degree, it would only help us in the long run. This would send me back to school also. A pay raise is gonna have to be included and most likely will. I look forward to the change. Thanks

I agree this change will allow us to be more proactive in the care of respiratory therapy. It will definitely project this profession up in the ranks of other professions such as NP, PA, PT etc. I'm proud of this career and the opportunities I have already. It baffles me that many coming into this career speak ill of the profession. I have a lot of pride in the service that I provide to patient's, its very rewarding to make an immediate impact in someone's life. By having expanded skills I will be able to provide this service outside of the hospital in a doctor's office or clinic. Eventually, the pay will increase because of the need for respiratory care and that is always welcome.

henry in La Habra, California said: as long as you have a bachelor's degree its good? or does it have to be specifically in healthcare or respiratory?

Come on guys, let people have a break when they try to get in as you did some years ago. Do not be so selfish and make your self as an genius one. How about this policy requires bachelors/masters for you guy also (the one that currently holds the license)

henry in La Habra, California said: as long as you have a bachelor's degree its good? or does it have to be specifically in healthcare or respiratory?

Come on guys, let people have a break when they try to get in as you did some years ago. Do not be so selfish and make your self as an genius one. How about this policy requires bachelors/masters for you guy also (the one that currently holds the license)

willyle in Richmond, Texas said: Come on guys, let people have a break when they try to get in as you did some years ago. Do not be so selfish and make your self as an genius one. How about this policy requires bachelors/masters for you guy also (the one that currently holds the license)

you misunderstood my question. I'm not even in the field yet.

Let me be more clear, do you need to have a B.S./related degree to the profession or do ANY kind of bachelor's degree still qualify you?

"Come on guys, let people have a break when they try to get in as you did some years ago. Do not be so selfish and make your self as an genius one. How about this policy requires bachelors/masters for you guy also (the one that currently holds the license)"

Let people have a break??? Do you even understand the purpose of the bachelor's degree for respiratory care? There is nothing selfish about trying to make the profession more respectable.

I'm excited about the bachelor's level for respiratory care. It sounds like great idea for those who wish to grow further.

Henry,

Dude, you need to go to respiratory school to obtain a respiratory care license. If you have a bachelor's degree already it will not help you unless it was in respiratory therapy and you have a license to practice. Your bachelor's degree will come in handy if you are in the field and decide to teach, manage, or progress into another profession. Do the research brotha!

NPS superhero,

I know man! Dang, it's hard to accurately ask certain kind of questions here :)

Let me be more specific. I have a BFA (bachelors of Fine arts) i was an art major, and now i decided to switch careers and go into RT. so, lets say i am working in the RT profession, if i were to apply to manage in the department, or anything...Would my BFA be acknowledged for any kind of advancement? I ask because i know that art is nothing related to healthcare.

by the way, I assumed you all would understand the context of my question because this part of the forum was about "RTs lobbying for greater skill"

henry in Los Angeles, California said: NPS superhero,

I know man! Dang, it's hard to accurately ask certain kind of questions here :)

Let me be more specific. I have a BFA (bachelors of Fine arts) i was an art major, and now i decided to switch careers and go into RT. so, lets say i am working in the RT profession, if i were to apply to manage in the department, or anything...Would my BFA be acknowledged for any kind of advancement? I ask because i know that art is nothing related to healthcare.

I'm sorry to say, but no. I have one in architecture. That doesn't tell a hospital director anything about my ability to manage an RT dept. Your AS and experience speak more to that.
It will help get you into med school or a PA program if you qualify and get in the prereqs.

By the tone of this thread, I take it most of you have not looked into what it takes to be a PA. It's basically 2 years + of medical school. A few extra business classes for your bachelors doesn't seem to be equall to me.

henry in Los Angeles, California said: you misunderstood my question. I'm not even in the field yet.

Let me be more clear, do you need to have a B.S./related degree to the profession or do ANY kind of bachelor's degree still qualify you?

Its not the degree that makes you a good RT, its the person. I know alot of Bachelor degree RTs and they have no or more level of professionalism than a AAS. Its time to get the AARC and NBRC to stand up for us in Congress. Instead of picking on one another,go after the boards that take your money and sit back and do nothing but say its a degree that makes you more professinal. Also look around your departmnet and see how many RTs you work with that are lazy, pass the buck on therapy,back stab you and call in all the time but still get the hours. Its experience also and your morals and desire to do good for the field. And yes Nurses and PT /OT that have alot of pull in congress to get things passed. No amount of things printed on a piece of paper will amount to maturity and experience.

I agree with Mark. Lobbying for better standards from the A.A.R.C and NBRC is probably the best way to go. These organizations are the one that take our money and do nothing to better the field of respiratory care. Respiratory care is one of the only allied health profession that does bedside care along with nursing yet our representation is minimal or poor at best. I'm tired of having a bad reputation and outlook of the field of respiratory care. I would like for the level of professionalism to increase but also for the skill level to increase to provide better care. I feel that a bachelor's degree level will help to impulse the field of respiratory to the next level. A piece of paper might not mean much to the general population, but if legislators need this document to justify the profession then why not?

You received some misinformation in the replies to your question. You will have to go back to school and get into an RT program, but you will not have to take classes over again that you took to earn your bachelors degree. This will save expenses, but you may have to stick to their 2 yr timeline even if you are only taking a few of the classes.

That was for Henry.

www.aarc.org/advocacy/lobby_week/house_bill.pdf

www.aarc.org/advocacy/lobby_week/senate_bill.pdf

some information regarding the possible future of respiratory therapy

What is the RT Initiative About?

Currently, Medicare recognizes a number of non-physician practitioners such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners who may provide services to patients without the physician having to be in the office. However, respiratory therapists are only permitted to provide clinical services when the physician is actually in his or her office.

Our Initiative will add a new respiratory therapy services benefit under Medicare Part B and will permit respiratory therapists with a RRT credential and bachelor's degree to furnish respiratory therapy services without the physician having to be physically present at the time the service is being rendered. This means flexibility for the physician and new opportunities for the respiratory therapist outside of the hospital.

This issue is important to all therapists in this profession, not just those who would be eligible to practice under these new rules. Permitting more options of where, when and how an RRT can provide services opens doors for everyone's future. The legislation would also provide an important avenue for documentation of respiratory therapy services that would demonstrate evidence of the respiratory therapist's value. This is a professional issue that every RT can get behind.

We emphasize that our legislative initiative would not change the current work or future work of respiratory therapists who do not have the combined RRT/bachelor's degree qualifications. Those respiratory therapists who do not meet these qualifications will continue to be employed as they are now.

I would like for respiratory therapy to be more accessible to the public, like clinics or similar to physical therapy offices. I would like that.

we must take a stand!

Absolutely! unite!

Respiratory Therapy,

Forget the thought of obtaining higher education in your field. It is a waste of time and all of you know it. According to how the economy is going respiratory therapy will be phased out, while nursing will absorb all the respiratory duties. Do everyone a favor and just further your education into nursing. Nursing is the way to go.

Go to Nursing school in Colton, California said: Respiratory Therapy,

Forget the thought of obtaining higher education in your field. It is a waste of time and all of you know it. According to how the economy is going respiratory therapy will be phased out, while nursing will absorb all the respiratory duties. Do everyone a favor and just further your education into nursing. Nursing is the way to go.

I have enjoyed working in the field as a Respiratory Therapist, 14 years and have never had the desire to go into Nursing. I'm happy with my choice. I earn a comfortable salary and my job offers me enough variety to keep me interested. Respiratory Therapy is here to stay. I work with an exceptional group of Professionals who share their expertise and focus on our patients. Advancing our education is never a waste of time. As a wise woman once said "Everything else can be taken from you, except your education". My Mom was an amazing woman. Follow your heart. Whether it's in the Arts, Nursing or Respiratory Therapy, find what makes you
happy. Enjoy the journey everyone.

Go to Nursing school in Colton, California said: Respiratory Therapy,

Forget the thought of obtaining higher education in your field. It is a waste of time and all of you know it. According to how the economy is going respiratory therapy will be phased out, while nursing will absorb all the respiratory duties. Do everyone a favor and just further your education into nursing. Nursing is the way to go.

They tried that once in Philadelphia. There was a law suit. The Rn was asked did she have a crt or rrt lic. nope. not the same. Hospitals can try but the law suits will follow.

James in Bridgeport, Connecticut said: They tried that once in Philadelphia. There was a law suit. The Rn was asked did she have a crt or rrt lic. nope. not the same. Hospitals can try but the law suits will follow.

By medicare rules from what I have heard or perhaps Joint Commission any critical care access facility has to have an RT on staff. At night an RT has to be within 30min.
But I have heard of the trying to get rid of RTs and it has never worked,it only led to as others pointed out lawsuits,RNs not willing to take on this role and other severitys.
As far as the one saying go to Nursing school..there are as many RN grads not finding work. Its just budgets and medicare cut backs that has hurt everyone.

The AARC is a crap organization. They shouldn't be lobbying for a bachelors degree requirement to make the profession look better. They need to lobby to have nurses no longer being allowed to do our jobs. Under a nursing license a nurse can pretty much do anything an RT can except vents and pft's. Nurses should be limited to only being able to perform oxygen therapy. This is why the field of respiratory is garbage. We are the only section of allied health that nurses can under their licenses perform our jobs. You don't see them doing physical therapy, x-ray, speech therapy, or any other area. Somehow they are still allowed to do ours. This is the reason why RT's aren't employed anywhere for the most part except hospitals and a handful of DME companies. I have been out of school now for 2 n a half years and haven't found a respiratory job. In that amount of time I've been on a total of 2 interviews all of which were given to people with experience. I will be going back for a nursing degree soon and never looking back. If this field wasn't crap then you still wouldn't have states that exist that don't require a license to practice or even states where students are allowed to work as therapists or even therapists who are still allowed to practice when they never went to school and only recieved on the job training back when that was possible. We don't need to raise the education requirements or to lobby for more skills. WE NEED TO STOP OTHER FIELDS FROM PERFORMING OUR SKILLS BY LAW!! Walk before you crawl!!

I agree that nursing should not be allowed to do so much of our jobs. Unfortunately, I have seen RT's balk at changes made to benefit their department. Our hospital just switched the abg draws to the RT department from lab four years ago- and everyone made a big deal of it. Ridiculous! There are a lot of lazy and complacent therapists out there, and unfortunately that brings our profession down and we will never be taken seriously as long as our work ethic is crap. Instituting a requirement for a bachelors degree would be a good thing. Even though I only have an AS from a tech school and an RRT, this may be what this field needs in order to attract more serious candidates. It would give some of us an opportunity to advance as well. I've been doing this for five years, work as charge therapist, and already feel stuck. I feel like the only way to advance as an RT is to go to nursing school! But if there is an advanced practitioner option, this would save me and my fellow therapists from a lifetime of wiping poop lol! My only concern is, will the advanced positions actually manifest? Or is this a product of lobbying by RT schools to make more money? With the NBRC, you may never know.

First off scooter it's not the NBRC thats lobbying for it. In case you have trouble reading it's the AARC thats doing it. Please stop preaching about trying to legitimize the profession by aiming for higher education. The only thing thats being lobbied for is basically for medicare part B to pay for RT's to be able to do vents outside the hospital when in reality associates level RRT's already do them inside the hospital. It would be like requiring all RN's who do home health do hold a bachelors degree when we all know thats far from the reality of what is the case now. This field has enough competent and credentialed individuals in it already. We simply need to lobby for nurses to stop being allowed to DO OUR JOBS!!

Wow! impressive topic in this forum. I absolutely agree with scooter and Chris. I believe higher education in the field of respiratory therapy is necessary even if the majority do not think so. The higher education will not automatically make a better therapist but will equal into better work ethics as it takes a lot of time and commitment to obtain a bachelor's degree. I believe there are plenty of competent and credential practitioners in the field respiratory therapy. However, legislators will only recognized the level of education a profession has obtained. Second, I agree that further legislation should be in place to prevent nursing from performing some of respiratory therapy duties. This will create more autonomy and allow respiratory therapist to practice at a different skill level. I believe respiratory therapy is a great career however our representation in congress is poor and needs a revamping to push for further growth. The potential is there but further lobbying is needed.

Are there any RRT's or NRT's who work stricly in the Maternity unit and help birth babies by attending all deliveries and take care of special care nursery babies? What do you do the rest of the time? Are there any skills an RRT are limited to by licensure?