Hear the Powerful Stories of Respiratory Therapists With Specialty Credentials
As a respiratory therapist, you save and improve lives every day — your work is vital in the healthcare system. And, as illustrated in the following stories of real-life respiratory care professionals, there is no better way to help more patients and advance your career than to achieve specialization.
Specialty credentialing within the field of respiratory care signals to employers and colleagues that excellence truly defines you. Whether it’s in adult critical care, neonatal/pediatric respiratory care, pulmonary function technology, sleep disorders testing and therapeutic intervention, or asthma education, specialization shows that you embody up-to-date expertise in multiple areas of respiratory care. The result is better access to specialty care for patients, along with greater career opportunities and professional satisfaction for you.
Enjoy these inspirational stories about the power of specialty credentialing in respiratory care. To learn more about how you can demonstrate excellence through specialization, visit our NBRC Specialty Credentialing page.
Specialty Credentials Are Your Path to Excellence
Acquiring an NBRC specialty credential is a challenge that serves as a true demonstration of the skills and strengths required to provide the highest quality respiratory patient care. Awarded to only the most dedicated and steadfast practitioners, specialty credentials prove to yourself and others that you can go above and beyond the standard.
Find Your Potential With the Adult Critical Care Specialty Credential
The Adult Critical Care Specialist, or RRT-ACCS credential, is a specialty credential developed to validate the knowledge and skills a registered respiratory therapist has in adult critical care. The test for this credential was first administered in July 2012. Earning this credential makes visible to patients, families, peers and employers the personal commitment respiratory therapists have for delivering the highest quality of care to critically ill patients. It also signifies an increased ability to administer technical devices, such as selective pulmonary vasodilators, other pharmacology, ECMO and more.
Hitting the High Notes
Cecelia Szakolczay, MAT, BSHS, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, has found true harmony in fostering excellent respiratory care.
Learn more »
The Little Things Matter the Most With the NPS Credential
The Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialty (NPS) credential validates the skills, knowledge, and expertise of a respiratory therapist in the care of infants and children. Respiratory therapists working in this highly specialized area must possess a wide range of unique skills that go far beyond those of a general practitioner and perform competencies that navigate a lifetime.
The Sky is the Limit
Kim Burgess, RRT, RRT-NPS, loves taking respiratory care to new heights and helping others soar toward their own career goals.
Learn more »
Excel in Your Career With the PFT Credential
The Pulmonary Function Technology (PFT) Examination evaluates the skills required of pulmonary function technologists. When you earn the CPFT/RPFT certification, it signals to employers that your skills meet a threshold for clinical excellence, and it serves as a badge of honor for the important work you do in the world of respiratory care.
Driven to Succeed
Mary Mittwede, BSRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RPFT, has never taken her foot off the pedal as she continually advances her career.
Learn more »
Help Patients Reach Their Dreams With the SDS Credential
The Sleep Disorders Specialty, or CRT-SDS/RRT-SDS credential, is a specialty credential developed to validate the knowledge and skills of a registered respiratory therapist who performs sleep disorders testing and therapeutic intervention. Beyond general respiratory care activities, it focuses on competencies unique to diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Since 1977, the NBRC has maintained accreditations for all examinations with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which is not the case for other sleep examinations offered
Seeing the Big Picture
Stephen Tarnoczy, BSRT, RRT, RRT-SDS, RPSGT, CCSH, takes pride in capturing a 360-degree view of each patient’s sleep behaviors.
Learn more »
Help Others Breathe Easy With the AE-C Credential
Asthma affects adults and children of all ages. A certified asthma educator can enhance an individual’s understanding of treating and managing their disease, even those who have been managing their asthma for years. The Asthma Educator Specialist examination measures comprehensive knowledge of asthma pathophysiology and management, including developmental theories, cultural dimensions, the impact of chronic illness, and teaching-learning principles.
Navigating Her Way to Success
Angela Butler, BIS, RRT, RRT-NPS, CPFT, has taken the wheel after charting a new course for her career in respiratory care.
Learn more »
Making Great Strides
Melissa McVey, MPH, BA, RRT, CPFT, has been a champion for specialization in respiratory care and always goes the extra mile.
Learn more »
Answering the Wake-Up Call
Matt Nolan, MBA, BSRC, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, found new life by paying it forward through respiratory care.
Learn more »
Vocal Leader for Respiratory Care
Angela Rowan, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, CPFT, says specialization makes her feel perfectly in tune with her patients’ needs.
Learn more »
