Respiratory Therapist: Scope of Practice (2024)

A respiratory therapist is a highly trained medical professional dedicated to diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions. Working alongside doctors and healthcare teams, respiratory therapists play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive care to patients with breathing difficulties.

In recent years, the scope of practice for respiratory therapists has broadened considerably, thanks to advancements in technology and innovative treatments. This expanded role allows RTs to care for a diverse range of patients, from those with chronic respiratory diseases to critically ill individuals requiring life-saving interventions.

This article explores the evolving responsibilities of respiratory therapists and provides a detailed overview of their essential role within the medical field.

Respiratory Therapy Scope of Practice

According to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), respiratory therapists are healthcare professionals with responsibilities that encompass patient assessment, disease management, diagnostic evaluation, and the education, rehabilitation, and care of patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities.

The scope of practice for respiratory therapists extends across various healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Physician’s offices
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Patient homes

Diagnostic Responsibilities

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in diagnosing respiratory disorders through a wide range of methods, including:

• Collecting and analyzing physiologic specimens
• Interpreting physiologic data
• Conducting cardiopulmonary and neurophysiologic studies
• Performing sleep disorder studies
• Performing pulmonary function testing (PFT)
• Monitoring vital signs

Note: In addition to data interpretation, RTs develop treatment plans based on the latest evidence-based practices, ensuring that patient care remains at the forefront of medical advancements.

Treatment Responsibilities

The treatment responsibilities of a respiratory therapist are diverse and comprehensive, including:

• Administering oxygen and medical gases
• Managing mechanical ventilators
• Airway management and clearance therapy
• Delivering aerosol drug therapy
• Providing humidity and bland aerosol therapy
• Overseeing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
• Conducting hemodynamic monitoring
• Providing cardiovascular life support
• Assisting with smoking cessation
• Providing asthma education
• Promoting disease prevention
• Utilizing extracorporeal life support
• Providing neonatal and pediatric care
• Facilitating patient transport and discharge planning

Respiratory therapists also play a hands-on role in treating patients with cardiopulmonary conditions and educating patients and their families on how to manage their conditions effectively.

This blend of clinical expertise and patient education ensures that RTs are key players in both immediate care and long-term patient outcomes.

What Types of Patients Do Respiratory Therapists Treat?

Respiratory therapists provide care for patients across the lifespan, from newborns to the elderly, addressing a variety of cardiopulmonary conditions.

The patients they treat may be dealing with:

• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Pneumothorax
• Pneumonia
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Croup
• Lung Cancer
• Lung Infections
• Pleural Diseases
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Shock
• Myocardial Infarction
• Chest Trauma
• Head Trauma
• Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Sleep Apnea

Respiratory therapists are essential members of the medical team, playing a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and managing these diverse conditions.

Their expertise ensures that patients receive the specialized care needed to improve their respiratory health and overall quality of life.

Credentials for Respiratory Therapists

In order to practice, respiratory therapists must earn and maintain professional credentials that demonstrate their competence and commitment to delivering high-quality care.

Achieving these credentials involves the following steps:

1. Graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy program.
2. Pass the national credentialing exams.

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) oversees the credentialing process for respiratory therapists in the United States.

There are two primary levels of credentials:

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT): This credential is awarded to those who have successfully graduated from an accredited program and passed the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam with a low-cut score. The CRT credential indicates foundational competence in respiratory care.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): The RRT credential represents the highest standard in respiratory therapy. To achieve this, candidates must not only graduate from an accredited program but also pass the TMC Exam with a high-cut score. Additionally, they must successfully complete the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), which evaluates their ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world clinical scenarios.

Note: These credentials validate the expertise of respiratory therapists and are essential for ensuring that patients receive safe and effective respiratory care. Read this article to learn more about the differences between the CRT and RRT credentials.

Skills Needed to Succeed as a Respiratory Therapist

To excel as a respiratory therapist, it’s important to possess a combination of technical skills, physical abilities, and personal qualities.

Key skills and attributes include:

• Effective Communication: Clear communication with patients, families, and medical teams is essential for providing quality care and ensuring patient understanding.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Respiratory therapists must think critically to assess patient conditions and make informed decisions about treatment plans.
• Physical Strength and Endurance: The job often involves lifting and transferring patients, handling equipment, and performing physically demanding tasks.
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Precision and dexterity are required to manipulate medical devices and perform intricate procedures effectively.
• Sensory Abilities (Hearing, Smell, Vision): Keen senses are necessary to detect subtle changes in a patient’s condition and respond quickly to potential issues.
• Reading Comprehension: The ability to understand and interpret medical charts, instructions, and research is vital for patient care.
• Emotional Stability: Respiratory therapists must maintain composure and emotional resilience when dealing with stressful or challenging situations.
• Empathy and Compassion: These qualities are essential for providing patient-centered care and offering support to patients and their families during difficult times.

Is Respiratory Therapy a Growing Field?

Yes, respiratory therapy is a rapidly growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists is projected to grow by 23% over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Several factors contribute to the increasing demand for respiratory therapists, including:

• An Aging Population: As the population ages, the need for respiratory care, especially for conditions like COPD, increases.
• Prevalence of Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea are becoming more common, requiring specialized respiratory care.
• Rising Lung Infections: Respiratory infections are becoming more frequent, leading to greater demand for respiratory therapists.
• Advances in Technology: New medical technologies and treatments expand the role of respiratory therapists in patient care.
• Critical Illness Survivors: More patients are surviving severe illnesses, requiring long-term respiratory care and rehabilitation.
• Environmental Changes: Air pollution and environmental factors contribute to respiratory issues, increasing the need for specialized care.
• Smoking and Vaping Trends: As smoking declines and vaping rises, respiratory therapists are increasingly involved in managing related health issues.
• Greater Accessibility to Respiratory Care: Improved access to respiratory therapy services broadens the patient base and increases demand for qualified professionals.

Respiratory therapy is not only a growing field but also a deeply rewarding one. While the work can be challenging, respiratory therapists have the unique opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of their patients, a factor that continues to attract people to this profession.

With demand on the rise, respiratory therapists are well-positioned for a secure and impactful career.

FAQs About the Scope of Practice for Respiratory Therapists

What is the Scope of Practice for a Respiratory Therapist?

The scope of practice for a respiratory therapist includes diagnosing and treating patients with cardiopulmonary conditions across various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.

They are responsible for patient assessment, disease management, diagnostic evaluations, and providing therapeutic care.

Their scope also extends to patient education, rehabilitation, and the use of advanced technology and protocols to improve respiratory health.

What are the Major Job Responsibilities of Respiratory Therapists?

The major job responsibilities of respiratory therapists include assessing and monitoring patients with breathing difficulties, managing mechanical ventilators, administering oxygen and aerosolized medications, performing diagnostic tests like pulmonary function studies, and providing airway management.

They also play a key role in educating patients and their families on managing respiratory conditions and may be involved in rehabilitation and discharge planning.

Do Respiratory Therapists Intubate?

Yes, respiratory therapists are trained and qualified to perform intubation, especially in emergency and critical care settings.

Intubation is a procedure where a tube is inserted into the patient’s airway to assist with breathing, typically when the patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own.

Do Respiratory Therapists Draw Blood?

Yes, respiratory therapists often draw blood, particularly for arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.

This test is crucial for evaluating a patient’s oxygenation, carbon dioxide levels, and acid-base balance, which helps guide respiratory care decisions.

Why Would Someone See a Respiratory Therapist?

Someone would see a respiratory therapist if they have a condition that affects their breathing or lung function. This includes chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis, as well as acute conditions like pneumonia or respiratory distress.

Respiratory therapists also assist in managing sleep disorders, providing rehabilitation for lung disease, and offering support for patients who require mechanical ventilation or other respiratory therapies.

Final Thoughts

The scope of practice for respiratory therapists has evolved significantly, making them indispensable members of the healthcare team.

From diagnosing complex respiratory conditions to implementing life-saving treatments and educating patients, respiratory therapists play a critical role in managing cardiopulmonary health across diverse patient populations.

As technology and medical knowledge continue to advance, the responsibilities and opportunities for respiratory therapists will only expand further.

For those passionate about making a tangible difference in patients’ lives, respiratory therapy offers a rewarding and impactful career path with a bright future ahead.