Required Professional Occupational Certificates for Someone Working in Respiratory Care
In this article, we review how employers can lookup Virginia (VA) state licenses for staff working as a respiratory care. Employers must ensure that each of these licensed workers are up to date with their licenses and follow the necessary regulations that are put forth by the State of Virginia. This can be risky as even a minor violation could result in penalties for the employers or individual workers. Employers also need to be aware of any changes in the regulations brought about by the state board, and should work to keep their workers informed.
Individuals working in the respiratory care need to obtain professional occupational certificates in order to practice in the profession. Certification for practice requires knowledge in advanced clinical practice of respiratory care and cardiopulmonary science. Certificates must be approved by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
To qualify for a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certificate, a student must graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy program, and pass the National Board for Respiratory Care upon graduation. Prior to the examination, an individual must have a current State licensure or a complete an approved number of supervised clinical hours. Successful completion of the exam awards practitioners with a National Board Record, granting them the ability to add ‘CRT’ or ‘RRT’ to their titles.
An individual can also pursue credentials in a specialty field of respiratory care. Certificates offered consist of Pediatric Respiratory Therapist (PRT) and Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Specialist (NPS). The PRT requires graduating from a program focusing on Pediatrics and Eligibility for the Entry-Level Examination for Respiratory Care Practitioners. For NPS, a student must obtain a Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Care certificate and successfully complete the Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Clinical Simulation Examination. Passing either certification grants the ability to add the initials next to their name.
For practitioners with expertise in higher education, they may opt to earn an Adult Critical Care Specialty certificate. This credential is suitable for an individual with a minimum of two years respiratory care practice experience and knowledge in critical care. To obtain this certificate, the candidate must pass an entrance exam and ensure that their current RRT certification is in good standing. Once the individual achieves this certification, they may add ‘ACCS’ after their names.
Individuals interested in pursuing a lifelong career in respiratory care will need to obtain the professional certificates mentioned above. Scoring well in the assessments assures a certified practitioner in respiratory care and increases job qualification. Eventually, certification helps them reach the highest point of their profession.
How to Lookup Licenses & Manage Certification with Software for a Respiratory care
Looking up and managing occupational licenses for respiratory care requires a few steps. Starting with researching the license requirements for each state, this will determine the amount of training and credentials necessary. Along with training and credentials, most states require a fee and renewal at regular intervals.Next, filing the proper paperwork and applications with the state’s respective agency. Signing the paperwork is stating that all information provided is true and accurate. Courses taken in order to earn a license should be accredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care also known as CoARC.
Once the paperwork is complete and submitted leaving the state agency to review the information provided. Generally, the review process is complete within 4-6 weeks. Receiving an email regarding the status can be done, but an official letter should follow. Make sure that the name and address is correct when requesting the license in order to receive the letter.
Lastly, ensuring that the license is kept up to date. Renewal dates will vary depending on the state and should be examined closely. A break in renewal or neglecting to keep the respiratory care license active can result in fines and in some cases, the revocation of of license.
Finally, making sure to keep the license in a safe place, should something happen having the license can ensure that respiratory care continues. The license gives a respiratory care professional the authority to practice their profession in their respective state. With all these steps taken, looking up and managing occupational licenses for respiratory care is made easier.
