The common phrase “RT Nurse” reflects a general confusion about distinct roles in healthcare. The standard designation is Respiratory Therapist (RT), a specialized discipline separate from the Registered Nurse (RN). This distinction is based on their focused area of expertise and scope of practice. RTs specialize in cardiopulmonary function, and their technical knowledge complements the broader care provided by RNs. This article clarifies the education, responsibilities, and collaborative nature of the RT role.
Clarifying the Terminology: RT vs. RN
The titles Respiratory Therapist (RT) and Registered Nurse (RN) designate two separate professions with distinct educational pathways and scopes of practice. RNs provide holistic patient care, addressing overall health, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and coordinating care plans for the entire patient. Conversely, the RT’s focus is highly specialized, concentrating exclusively on the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. RTs are the experts in the mechanics of breathing and respiratory support, requiring deep knowledge of pulmonary anatomy, physiology, and equipment. This difference in focus means that RTs and RNs perform complementary, rather than interchangeable, functions at the patient’s bedside.
The Specialized Role of a Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists serve as specialized practitioners for patients experiencing difficulties with breathing, whether due to chronic illness or acute injury. Their core specialization involves the evaluation and treatment of cardiopulmonary disorders such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). RTs assess patients by interviewing them, performing physical examinations, and analyzing diagnostic data to determine the appropriate course of respiratory intervention. They work closely with physicians to develop and implement treatment strategies aimed at improving lung function, managing symptoms, and preventing pulmonary complications. The RT’s specialized knowledge allows them to manage the mechanical aspects of breathing, ensuring that life support is delivered safely and effectively.
Key Responsibilities and Procedures of an RT
The daily practice of a Respiratory Therapist involves a variety of highly technical and life-sustaining procedures. A primary responsibility is the management of mechanical ventilation and life support equipment for patients unable to breathe adequately on their own. RTs initiate, monitor, and adjust ventilator settings, including parameters like tidal volume, respiratory rate, and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP), often guided by blood gas analysis.
RTs administer aerosolized medications, such as bronchodilators and steroids, using nebulizers and metered-dose inhalers. Airway management is fundamental, where RTs assist physicians with endotracheal intubation, suctioning, and tracheostomy care, particularly during emergency situations.
In addition to therapeutic treatments, RTs perform diagnostic procedures to evaluate pulmonary function and gas exchange. They conduct Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to measure lung capacity and analyze Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) samples. These test results provide the objective data necessary for the healthcare team to diagnose conditions and make informed treatment adjustments.
Education and Certification Requirements for RTs
Becoming a licensed Respiratory Therapist requires formal education from a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)-accredited program. The minimum requirement is typically an Associate of Science (AS) degree, which includes a curriculum in pulmonary science, anatomy, and clinical practice. Upon graduation, candidates must pass national credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination results in the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, while passing the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) leads to the advanced Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Most states require RTs to obtain a state license, which often necessitates holding the RRT credential.
Common Work Settings for Respiratory Therapists
Although RTs are commonly associated with hospitals, their specialized skills are utilized across various clinical environments. Approximately 75% of RTs work in hospitals, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), managing life support, and the Emergency Department (ED), responding to acute respiratory distress. RTs also work in specialized units such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and in pulmonary rehabilitation clinics. In these outpatient settings, they help patients with chronic conditions improve their quality of life through guided exercise and education. Other settings include long-term acute care facilities, skilled nursing homes, and home health agencies.
How RTs and RNs Intersect in Patient Care
The intersection of RTs and RNs is a collaborative model where distinct specializations combine to provide comprehensive patient care. In the ICU, the RN maintains broad oversight of the patient’s overall status, including medication administration and monitoring for multi-system changes. The RT focuses specifically on respiratory stability, managing the ventilator, administering inhaled treatments, and ensuring optimal gas exchange. This collaboration is evident during emergency events, such as a rapid response or code blue, where the RT leads advanced airway management while the RN manages IV access and medication delivery. Effective communication between the two professions is necessary for positive patient outcomes, ensuring coordinated, specialized, and holistic attention.