Respiratory Therapy Organizations & Associations
Group
American Association for Respiratory Care
Website
www.aarc.org
Mission and objectives
Since 1947, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has been committed to enhancing professionalism among respiratory care practitioners, improving performance on the job, and helping broaden the scope of knowledge.
Group
The National Board for Respiratory Care
Website
www.nbrc.org
Mission and objectives
The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. (NBRC) is a voluntary health certifying board which was created in 1960 to evaluate the professional competence of respiratory therapists. The NBRC strives for excellence in providing credentialing examinations and associated services to the respiratory community, and intends to remain at the forefront of the testing field by offering valid, reliable credentialing examinations, consistent with leading measurement standards and techniques.
Resources
Respiratory Therapist Career Profile
Respiratory therapists use their knowledge of the cardiopulmonary system to treat breathing problems. They work closely with other physicians to help a diverse population, from older people with pulmonary disease to newborns and small children with underdeveloped lungs or congenital defects. They may be called upon to treat patients in a long-term, out-patient setting in an emergency situation. Read more . . .
Degree and Program Information for a Respiratory Therapist Career
The minimum requirement to become a respiratory therapist is an Associate’s degree though a Bachelor’s degree allows for more opportunities in advanced positions. Courses taken often include anatomy, chemistry, and pharmacology. Respiratory therapists must become licensed in most states by passing an exam and many employers also require them to maintain CPR certification. Read more
