The respiratory care profession, also known as respiratory therapy, is the health profession that cares for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. The Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), also known as a respiratory therapist, provides care to a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatric patients to adults and the elderly. Today’s RCPs participate in the development, modification and evaluation of care plans, protocol administration, disease management, and patient education involving such disease states or conditions such asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, infant respiratory distress syndrome, and conditions brought on by shock, trauma, or postoperative surgical complications.

Work Environment:

RCPs perform over 100 different procedures and diagnostic studies throughout the health care system. They are involved in many specialty areas of the hospital such as: adult intensive care units, newborn labor and delivery, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, pulmonary function laboratory, sleep laboratory, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, stress testing, and bronchoscopy. RCPs also deliver respiratory therapy in homes, rehabilitation agencies, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and physicians’ offices.

High School Preparation:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Courses in algebra, biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry are recommended or required depending on their college of choice. Students are encouraged to check with their local college for specific requirements.

Academic Requirements:

There are two levels of respiratory therapist: certified respiratory therapist (CRT) and registered respiratory therapist (RCP). Respiratory therapists are required to complete either an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. Upon graduation they are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)-Certified Respiratory Therapy (CRT) exam. All graduates of any respiratory therapy program must pass the CRT exam in order to qualify for a permanent North Carolina license as a respiratory care practitioner. Graduates of respiratory therapy programs are also eligible to take the advanced practitioner exam given by the NBRC also known as the Registered Respiratory Therapist Exam after passing the CRT. Most employers prefer that the RRT credential be earned within the first year of clinical practice in order to place graduates in the more critical patient care areas.

Educational Programs in the Region:

Edgecombe Community College

Salary Range: $38,000.00 - $45,000.00