By 2030 the United States is predicted to have a shortfall of 1,300 to 12,000 Cardiologists and Pulmonologists. As identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three of the top five leading causes of death are diseases of the cardiopulmonary system. Combining these problems with the aging population in the United States obligates leaders of the healthcare system to identify new and innovative solutions for providing care to patients in the future.
In 2015, the AARC Board of Directors charged the Committee on Advanced RT Practices, Credentialing, and Education with exploring the development of an Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist. Members of this committee include representatives from the AARC, NBRC, and CoARC. The committee has focused on determining the educational requirements, the scope of practice, professional credentialing, and state requirements for the Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist.
Compelled by patient need and supported by the findings of this collaborative group, the following scope of practice was developed for, and ratified by, the AARC Board of Directors.
The AARC’s Board of Directors recently completed a Scope of Practice document for the Advance Practice Respiratory Therapist.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
