For those who are already employed in the respiratory therapy sector, passing the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Exam is a mark of distinction and a pivotal point in their career. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers this demanding exam, which is a prerequisite for becoming a qualified and certified respiratory therapist in the US. It assesses a candidate’s knowledge and experience as well as their dedication to delivering crucial treatment for people with respiratory disorders.
Here are some things to know about the RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) Exam 2024:
Contents
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to take the RRT Exam, candidates typically must have completed a recognized respiratory therapy education program, which can be an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program, and have passed the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Exam. CRT certification is often a prerequisite for taking the advanced RRT Exam.
Exam Format
The RRT Exam is a comprehensive assessment that consists of two main parts: the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).
The TMC portion includes 160 multiple-choice questions covering various topics in respiratory therapy, including patient assessment, therapy selection, and equipment operation.
The CSE portion involves a series of patient scenarios in a simulated clinical environment. Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to assess and treat patients effectively in various clinical situations.
Scoring: Candidates must pass both the TMC and CSE components to become Registered Respiratory Therapists. Scoring is typically based on a scaled scoring system, and the passing score may vary from one examination cycle to another.
Preparation
Preparing for the RRT Exam requires extensive studying and hands-on experience. Many candidates choose to use review courses, textbooks, and practice exams to help them prepare. Practical experience gained during clinical rotations is also invaluable.
Career Opportunities
Becoming a Registered Respiratory Therapist opens up numerous career opportunities in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, and long-term care facilities. Respiratory therapists play a critical role in assisting patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions.
Continuing Education
Maintaining RRT certification often requires ongoing continuing education to stay current with advances in the field and ensure the highest level of patient care.
The RRT Exam is a significant milestone in the journey of a respiratory therapist, representing a commitment to providing quality care to patients with respiratory issues. As the field of respiratory therapy continues to evolve, RRTs play a vital role in improving the respiratory health and quality of life for individuals of all ages.
Comprehensive Assessment
The RRT Exam is divided into two main components, each serving a distinct purpose in evaluating a candidate’s proficiency.
Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC)
This component consists of 160 multiple-choice questions that cover a wide range of topics in respiratory therapy. It assesses a candidate’s theoretical knowledge, including patient assessment, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and equipment operation.
Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)
The CSE portion involves real-life, patient-centered scenarios presented through computer simulations. Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to assess and treat patients effectively in a clinical environment. This portion of the exam evaluates their clinical judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
Patient-Centered Care
The RRT Exam ultimately serves to benefit patients who depend on respiratory therapists for their care. RRTs are instrumental in the management of respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory distress syndrome. They play a vital role in ensuring that patients of all ages receive the best possible care, helping them breathe easier and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Exam Date
January 8, 2024
Exam Registration: dates October 11, 2023
Registration deadline and submission of all accommodation applications: November 7, 2023
Exam Fee
Registration fees include a 3.8 % processing fee plus practice examination: $949. 00 Plus applicable tax
Cancellation deadline: December 20, 2023
Exam Registration
To register for an examination please go to the HPTC website during the registration period.
There are two (2) components to the registration process:
- Create a username and password on the HPTC Computer-Based Examination Site
NOTE: Please record your username and password! You will need this information to log into
the computer software on the day you write your exam. - Sign in, select and purchase the current exam, and complete the registration process.
(NOTE: you are not considered registered until you complete both above steps!)
Please ensure at least one week prior to the examination that you have received a confirmation
email containing the exam date, time, and required documentation. - If you have not received a confirmation email by this time please contact 1 (855) 772-8678 The candidate is responsible for the accurate completion of the appropriate HPTC Application Form and ongoing notification of address and telephone number changes through 1 (855) 772-8678.
- Candidates with questions or concerns regarding the registration process can contact 1 (855) 772-
8678. - Candidates canceling prior to the cancellation deadline (see schedule) will be refunded their exam
fee. After the cancellation deadline, the candidates will not be eligible for any reimbursement of
paid fees.
Latest News
The NBRC’s continuous Competency Program requires continuous education or exams to maintain RRT credentials. The RRT certification is obtained by passing two exams in a row: A multiple-choice exam for therapists (TMC). Examination of Clinical Simulation (CSE)
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