As the physician shortage continues to increase across the nation, the need for trained providers continues to be a void in the health care system. Advanced practice providers (APPs) have played an integral part in filling this gap for years. The success of these providers has, in turn, opened the door for a new role within the respiratory care profession: the advanced practice respiratory therapist (APRT).
The implementation of this new role is bringing forth a major shift in the profession of respiratory care. The APRT is a skilled and qualified practitioner trained by academic and clinical education to provide a scope of practice that exceeds that of the registered respiratory therapist (RRT). The pathway to becoming an APRT includes obtaining a baccalaureate degree in respiratory care, obtaining the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) RRT credential, completing one year of experience as an RRT, and completing a graduate APRT education program where students focus on adult or neonatal/pediatric populations. The current Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredited APRT graduate program requires a minimum of 1,200 clinical hours.
As with other APPs, APRTs work in a physician-led team to provide diagnosis and treatment to patients with cardiopulmonary disease in multiple areas of a hospital setting, including acute care, critical care, and long-term care. APRTs are also prepared to provide outpatient services such as pulmonology, sleep medicine, interventional pulmonology, cardiology, pulmonary rehab, and neuromuscular patient management. APRTs can be integrated into the interdisciplinary team in the ICU to help manage patients suffering from COPD exacerbations to sepsis to respiratory failure. APRTs bring significant value to the team with proficiency in management and liberation of patients on mechanical ventilation. APRTs are a great asset to the team by adding their expertise in point-of-care ultrasound, line placements, airways, bronchoscopy, and overall knowledge of pulmonary diseases and disorders.
Having an APP who is specialized in cardiopulmonary care is valuable to patients and facilities alike. APRTs have demonstrated the determination and knowledge needed to provide excellent medical care to patients. As a result, patients value the expertise these specialized APPs display in pulmonology, and they have confidence they are receiving outstanding care. Daniel Thacker, MRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS, a practicing APRT at the VA Maryland Health Care System, states, “We are seeing a myriad of patients in various stages of pulmonary diseases and disorders. From tobacco treatment programs to sleep medicine clinics, our expertise as APRTs has made our treatment and care of patients very successful. Beyond direct patient care, we are also proving ourselves beneficial to the research conducted within our facility, thus further utilizing our education and expertise to the highest potential.”
The rise of the APRT marks a pivotal advancement in respiratory care, addressing the growing need for specialized providers in health care. With advanced training and expertise in cardiopulmonary care, APRTs are enhancing patient outcomes across diverse settings and becoming integral members of health care teams. As physician shortages continue, APRTs are well-positioned to fill critical gaps, improving both patient care and team efficiency for the future of health care.
References
1. Boyle P. US physician shortage growing. AAMC. Published June 29, 2022. https://www.aamc.org/news/us-physician-shortage-growing
2. Varekojis SM, Schweller J, Sergakis G. Creation of an advanced practice respiratory therapy education program. Chest. 2024:S0012-3692(24)05413-8. Preprint. Posted online October 1, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2024.10.024