The state of healthcare is always changing, and the work of respiratory therapists is becoming increasingly important, particularly in light of global health concerns and demographic shifts. As we address these challenges, organizations like the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) and innovative startups like rtNOW will play critical roles in defining a more robust future for respiratory care.
Empowering Education through NBRC Investments.
The NBRC’s recent $4 million investment in scholarships for respiratory care programs demonstrates a strong commitment to the educational basis of this essential area. This investment, which will help more than 450 CoARC-accredited schools, is expected to revitalize the respiratory care profession. Each winning program receives $10,000, which can be used to improve curriculum resources, boost recruitment efforts, or upgrade classroom technology. This effort addresses an essential need, as evidenced by a recent poll by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), which indicated that 87% of respiratory care executives recognize a present lack of RTs and 84% foresee future shortages.
With the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a 13% increase in respiratory therapy jobs from 2022 to 2032—a pace far faster than the norm for all occupations—the NBRC’s scholarships are not only timely but also critical. These incentives are intended to inspire a new generation of respiratory therapists who are well-equipped to fulfill rising healthcare demands.
rtNOW: Pioneering Telerespiratory Solutions in Rural Settings.
In addition to teaching activities, rtNOW focuses on delivering essential respiratory care services directly to areas most in need. Our offerings, including Virtual PAP Setup, Adherence, and NIV Follow-Up, empower HME companies and healthcare facilities to manage patient care effectively, reduce the strain on local resources, and mitigate RT burnout—issues exacerbated by the high stress levels reported among professionals in the field.
We also provide comprehensive care in inpatient settings, such as critical access hospitals, skilled nursing, and hospice facilities. Our experienced respiratory therapists are essential in delivering patient assessments and supporting both non-invasive and invasive ventilation. We deploy telehealth technology in emergency departments and med-surg units, and our therapists are meticulously trained to adhere to each facility’s specific equipment and procedural standards.
rtNOW’s telerespiratory services ensure that all patients, regardless of geography, receive high-quality respiratory care. This is especially important in rural areas, where healthcare facilities frequently suffer from a shortage of skilled providers. By deploying rtNOW’s solutions, these communities can improve patient outcomes and RT support, resulting in better overall healthcare delivery.
Call for Supportive Legislation
While educational investments and technological advancements are important, they must be backed up by appropriate legal frameworks. The AARC is at the vanguard of this effort, advocating for regulations that properly recognize and reward respiratory therapists. Current endeavors include advocating for Medicare oxygen payment reform and classifying virtual pulmonary rehabilitation as a telehealth benefit. These legislative measures are critical to ensuring the respiratory care field’s long-term viability and recognizing the critical services provided by these experts.
Call to Action: Join the Movement.
The future of respiratory care seems optimistic, given to the NBRC’s teaching activities, rtNOW’s technological advances, and the AARC’s advocacy efforts. However, there is a lot of work to do. We invite respiratory therapists, healthcare professionals, and politicians to participate in these efforts. Your involvement, whether through advocacy for legislative changes, participation in educational programs, or the implementation of innovative care solutions, can have a big impact.
Join us at this critical time to guarantee that respiratory care advances and adapts. By supporting these programs, you help to create a healthcare environment that is more responsive, egalitarian, and prepared to tackle the problems of today and tomorrow. We can work together to create a brighter, healthier future for everyone, including those in rural communities who need it the most.
Stay connected with rtNOW to stay up to date on the newest discoveries in respiratory care, and think about how you can help in this important sector. Your contributions, whether as a practitioner, educator, or advocate, are vital as we work to improve and extend respiratory care across the country.
