RCP - Respiratory Care Practitioner

A Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) is a respiratory therapist licensed to provide specialized care for lung and heart disorders. RCPs treat patients with chest infections, cancers or traumatic injuries. Some of the responsibilities of an RCP include:

• administering medications and breathing treatments

• perform a pulmonary function test

• teach and administer oxygen therapy

• evaluate blood gas determinations

• assist with airway management

• manage mechanical ventilators

Licensed RCPs are trained to support doctors in evaluating, diagnosing and caring for patients with cardiopulmonary problems. They work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and other settings.

The steps to becoming a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) include:

1. Graduate from high school or obtain a diploma equivalent

2. Complete a two or 4-year Respiratory Therapy college degree Program

3. Pass a National Board of Respiratory Therapy (NBRC) examination to obtain the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification

4. Complete any state-specific required professional or ethics courses

5. Complete any state-required background check or fingerprinting requirements

6. Apply for the state-issued RCP license

7. Maintain your RCP license

Every states requires a license to practice respiratory therapy.

According to the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), each state licensure board varies in fees, licensure periods and the number of continuing education credits required for renewal. In general, renewal is required every one to three years, and may cost between $25 and $400.

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers the following specialty certifications:

• RRT-Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)

• RRT-Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS)

• RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS)

• Asthma Educator-Certified (AE-C)

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)