RESPIRATORY CARE TECHNOLOGY

Respiratory Care Technology



Respiratory Care Technology

The Respiratory Care Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and in compliance with the essentials and standards of the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Graduates of this two-year A.A.S. Degree program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care Entry Level Examination (CRT) and the Advanced Level Examination (RRT) for Respiratory Care Practitioners. Upon successful completion of these examinations, the graduate will be awarded the CRT and the RRT credential respectively.

Respiratory Care education is a planned process, which utilizes principles of learning to assist the individual to develop competence as a member of the health care delivery system. This process is facilitated when it proceeds from simple to the complex, is unified, relevant, goal directed and based on problem solving approaches (Ball, 2000). The curriculum involves Respiratory Care as the subject in the community college setting, which includes a heterogeneous group of students with no restrictions related to age, sex, race, marital status, socioeconomic levels or religion. The curriculum is most effective when it includes an approximate balance between general education and Respiratory Care courses. Application of theory in the clinical setting is an essential element of the Respiratory Care courses.

Roadmap

Complete a Certificate Program

The first educational step a respiratory therapy technician takes after high school is entering into a certificate program. These programs usually last for a year, but can go on beyond that. In these programs, students learn the basic skills needed to be a respiratory therapy technician. They complete entry-level coursework in biology, chemistry and psychology courses alongside classes specifically geared towards respiratory therapy treatment.

Consider an Associate's Degree

Respiratory therapy technicians can also earn an associate's degree in respiratory therapy. While not necessary to be a respiratory therapy technician, it can lead to career advancement opportunities. In these programs, a respiratory therapy technician works alongside respiratory physicians and learn how to treat and care for patients along with evaluating a patients for any possible cardiopulmonary or breathing disorders.

Review State Licensure Options

State departments of health and occupation licensing boards may require a respiratory therapy technician to be registered prior to working. For example, California requires respiratory therapy technicians to become registered respiratory care practitioners. The exact requirements vary in each state, but generally require an examination and some education or work experience related to respiratory therapy technicians. These licensures usually require recertification every few years which consists of participating in continuing education classes.

Secure Employment

At this point, a respiratory therapy technician needs to start pursuing vocational openings. Contacts made through school can often lead to job opportunities for respiratory therapy technicians. Remaining watchful and observant about career opportunities is important for respiratory therapy technicians just starting out.

Consider Career Advancement as a Respiratory Therapist

Some respiratory therapy technicians choose to advance their careers by pursuing educational programs for respiratory therapists. These programs are typically available as bachelor's degrees. Respiratory therapists must be licensed by the state they practice ...