When it comes to choosing a career in the medical field, there are many different paths one may take. For those looking to work in the field of respiratory care, two of the most popular choices are respiratory care practitioner (RCP) and registered respiratory therapist (RRT). Both of these roles offer a variety of opportunities for those looking to make a difference in the lives of patients, though there are key differences between the two that should be taken into consideration when making a decision. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between an RCP and RRT and discuss how each role contributes to the field of respiratory care. We will examine the educational requirements, job duties, and salary potential associated with each role, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of pursuing each career path. By the end of this post, readers should have a better understanding of the differences between an RCP and RRT and be better equipped to decide which career path is right for them.
What is a registered respiratory therapist?
Patients with respiratory disorders are examined and treated by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). To assist patients in recovering from severe breathing problems like pneumonia, lung cancer, and infections, respiratory therapists frequently collaborate with a group of doctors and other medical professionals. Patients with long-term breathing conditions like asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and tuberculosis are also treated by them.
Typical work duties for a registered respiratory therapist include:
What is a respiratory care practitioner?
Respiratory care practitioners are also known as pulmonologists. They identify illnesses that affect the lungs, respiratory muscles, and airways. As respiratory and cardiovascular conditions frequently coexist, they also support patients with cardiovascular conditions. Respiratory care professionals typically work with patients who have chronic, life-threatening, or complex medical conditions even though they treat all breathing problems.
The typical work duties for a respiratory care practitioner include:
Differences between a respiratory care practitioner and a registered respiratory therapist
Respiratory care practitioners and registered respiratory therapists offer various levels of care, despite the fact that they both assist patients with breathing problems. Each job differs in the following ways in addition to their various job responsibilities:
Education requirements
There are significant differences between the education requirements for registered respiratory therapists and respiratory care practitioners. You must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program in pre-medicine, biology, or a closely related field to work as a respiratory care practitioner. You finish four years of medical school after passing the MCAT, which stands for Medical College Admissions Test. Upon finishing medical school, you will either have an M. D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D. O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) degree.
A two-year associates degree program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care is required to become a registered respiratory therapist. Some registered respiratory therapists receive their training through the military. Most employers favor applicants with a four-year respiratory therapy degree. Registered respiratory therapists are required to take online courses and seminars as part of their continuing education.
Training requirements
Respiratory care specialists undergo three years of residency training in an accredited internal medicine program after graduating from medical school. They then have a two-year fellowship in pulmonology. Fellowship programs for pediatric pulmonologists are three years.
Hands-on training is typically provided to registered respiratory therapists as a requirement for their degree or prior service. You also receive on-the-job training under more experienced respiratory therapists.
Licensing
Respiratory care practitioners are required to have a medical license. To get a medical license, you must pass the U. S. the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) or the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Many respiratory care professionals take tests with the American Board of Internal Medicine to become board certified in pulmonary medicine, though it is not necessary for practice. Becoming board certified demonstrates dedication and excellence in medicine. Every two years, respiratory care professionals renew their pulmonary certificates, and every ten years, they retake the medical board exam to keep their licenses.
Every state but Alaska requires a license for registered respiratory therapists to practice. The main certification body for respiratory therapists is the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Earning registration as a respiratory therapist involves two steps. First, you must pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam with a “high-cut” score. This enables you to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) and awards you the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. You earn the title of registered respiratory therapist after passing the CSE.
Work skills
Skills needed to work as a respiratory care practitioner include:
Being a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) requires the following skills:
Work environment
The majority of respiratory care professionals work in emergency rooms, hospitals, specialty care facilities, and nursing homes for the elderly. They might also collaborate with the military and other institutions of the government, like the Department of Veterans Affairs. Practitioners of respiratory care with experience may work in an office setting for a private practice or a medical group. Some respiratory therapists are also researchers for medical organizations or academic institutions.
Most registered respiratory therapists work in hospitals. Others work in nursing homes, specialized hospitals, or respiratory equipment businesses. Some licensed respiratory therapists may travel to provide respiratory patients with in-home care.
Salary
Nurse vs Respiratory Therapist – Which is Better? (RN vs RRT)
FAQ
Is respiratory care practitioner same as RRT?
Despite the fact that both doctors and nurses treat breathing disorders, their educational, training, and certification requirements are very different. Although they frequently treat the same patients, registered respiratory therapists and respiratory care practitioners offer different levels of care.
What’s the difference between a respiratory therapist and a registered respiratory therapist?
The primary distinctions between a certified and registered respiratory therapist (CRT and RRT) come down to level of training, experience, and advanced clinical abilities. Before becoming certified, a CRT must complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program and pass the TMC exam.
What are the two main levels of respiratory care professionals?
The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) are the two main certifications for respiratory therapists.
What is the highest level of a respiratory therapist?
You will be given the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, which is the highest level credential of professional practice in this field, after passing the Clinical Simulation Examination.
