Jimmy Young Memorial Lecture: From Vision to Vital Role — The APRT Journey
Highlights From AARC Summer Forum – Jimmy Young Memorial Lecture: From Vision to Vital Role — The APRT Journey
The evolution of the APRT role was the topic of this year’s Jimmy Young Memorial Lecture at AARC Summer Forum. In this lecture, presenters David Vines, PhD, RRT, FAARC, FCCP, Sarah Varekojis, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FNAP, FAARC, Robert Shaw, PhD, RRT, FAARC and Mindy Conklin, MRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, discussed how far we have come and explained the activities and responsibilities associated with the new APRT role, the purpose of the APRT Outcome Assessment and how to train individuals seeking to pursue this new role.
An Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT) is a respiratory therapist who has completed advanced education and training to provide a scope of practice that exceeds that of an RRT. APRTs can prescribe medications, provide diagnostic and therapeutic care in multiple settings, including critical care, emergency departments, urgent care, long-term acute care and outpatient care. While APRTs practice under the leadership of a physician, maintaining the collaborative physician-therapist relationship that has benefited patients with cardiopulmonary disease for decades, they truly function as a physician extender/advanced practice provider.
The development of APRT education programs is integral in establishing training for the new role. CoARC developed and published accreditation standards for APRT programs in 2016 and updated them in 2022. The standards establish the educational and professional foundation for institutions seeking to develop an accredited program for this new role.
Individuals seeking to become an advanced practice respiratory therapist must hold the RRT credential, have one year of clinical practice and obtain a master’s degree from a CoARC accredited APRT program. The core competencies of an APRT education program encompass respiratory care knowledge, patient care, communication, professionalism, practice-based learning, systems-based practice and interprofessional practice.
To support accredited education programs and states that may be pursuing licensure legislation, the NBRC developed an outcome assessment for this new role to determine candidate competency of APRT duties and responsibilities. Respondents to the role analysis survey were instrumental in developing assessment standards that align with the APRT role. The development of the APRT role represents an important step in the continued evolution of respiratory care. As APRT education programs grow and the profession gains experience with advanced practice, ongoing work to define education, competencies and assessment will help establish a strong foundation for the future of the practice.
Currently, there are two accredited APRT education programs in the US and two individuals practicing as advanced practice respiratory therapist at the VA in Baltimore, MD. We look forward to the continued growth and development of this new job role in respiratory care.
For more information, you can see the presentation slides here.
