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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a respiratory care practitioner do?
What is the average salary for a respiratory care practitioner?
What type of training is required, and where might I go to get this training?
What are the necessary high school courses I need to take in order to be accepted?
What does the education program consist of at CCRI?
What is the typical cost of this program?
If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?
Whom may I contact for more information?
What online resources
would you recommend?
Q: What
does a respiratory care practitioner do?
A: There are more than 100,000 respiratory therapists in the
United States. They are members of the health care team that provides respiratory
care for patients with heart and lung disorders. Typically, respiratory
therapists are a vital part of a hospital's life saving response team that
answers patient emergencies. Respiratory therapists work with patients of
all ages in all areas of the hospital and are qualified to perform critical
care and neonatal procedures. While most respiratory therapists work in
hospitals, an increasing number of them have branched out into alternate
care settings, such as nursing homes, rehabilitation programs, physicians'
offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment
supply companies, and patients' homes. Respiratory therapists perform procedures
that are both diagnostic and therapeutic including lung capacity, management
of ventilator care, treatment of lung problems such as asthma, croup and
cystic fibrosis.
Q: What is the average salary for a
respiratory care practitioner?
A: Salary varies according to experience. For new graduates,
annual base salary averages $41,500 (range $38-45,000). A 2005
national survey of respiratory therapists showed a mean wage of $27 per
hour ($56,000 annually) for all respiratory therapist positions.
In Rhode Island, CCRI graduates start at $20 per hour, and can earn as high
as $30 per hour. An extra hourly rate (shift differential) is paid above
the base rate for weekend and evening work. The need for respiratory care
professionals is expected to grow in the coming years. This is due to a
large increase in the elderly population, the impact of environmental problems
that have already contributed to yearly rise in the number of reported asthma
cases, and technological advances in the treatment of heart attack, cancer,
and accident victims, as well as premature babies.
Q: What type of
training is required, and where might I go to get this training?
A: CCRI offers a two-year, fully accredited respiratory therapist
program (six semesters) which includes classes and clinical practice. Graduates
of the Respiratory TherapyProgram earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree
(AAS), and must pass a national entry-level (CRT) examination in order to
obtain a state license to practice respiratory care. They are eligible to
sit for advanced-level national examinations (RRT). Some students elect
to expand their program to three years. Permission of the Program Director
is required to ensure that courses are taken in the proper sequence.
Q: What are the necessary high
school courses I need to take in order to be accepted?
A: Students should take science and math courses. The specific
courses that will be beneficial are algebra, general science (including
chemistry and biology). Students should also have good reading and communication
skills.
Q: What does the education program
consist of at CCRI?
A: The student takes courses in the classroom and laboratory
such as biology, chemistry, algebra respiratory courses. The students will
also practice their skills by caring for patients in the hospital.
Q: What is the typical cost of this program?
A: The typical cost of the program for a full-time student
is the current CCRI tuition plus laboratory fees, books, uniforms and travel
expenses to the clinical sites. The total cost of a two-year program is
$5800.
Q: If I apply, what are the
chances of getting accepted?
A: Students who have a good math and science background and
good communication skills accepted.
Q: Whom may I contact for more information?
- E-mail Rob Giovino, Enrollment Services, or Tel: (401) 825-2288
Office of Enrollment Services
400 East Ave.
Warwick, RI 02886
- E-mail Joanne Jacobs, Program Director, or Tel: (401) 333-7024
Allied Health Department
1762 Louisquisset Pike
Lincoln, RI 02865
Q: What online resources would
you recommend?
A:
American Association for Respiratory Care -
www.aarc.org
This is the professional organization for Respiratory Therapists. Click
on Career and scroll down for more - see Life and Breath Video: This
exciting video shows respiratory therapist at work. It requires Real Player
download to view.
National Board for Respiratory Care -
www.nbrc.org
This website contains information on national testing and credentials that
can be earned in respiratory therapy.
