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Continuing Education
15 Hours Every Two Years
Continuing education is required as a condition of licensure to ensure continuing efforts on the part of Oregon licensed respiratory care practitioners to remain current with new developments in the respiratory therapy and health care field and to encourage diversified training and qualifications in the profession.
 
To maintain licensure, respiratory therapists must complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years, whether the license is active or inactive.  At least two-thirds of the required continuing education hours shall be related to the clinical practice of respiratory care.
 
Continuing education is acceptable if provided by:
  • A medical organization or association accredited by the Oregon Medical Association, the Oregon Osteopathic Association, the American Medical Association Continuing Medical Education, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care, and its affiliates, to provide continuing education to physicians, nurses, or respiratory care practitioners

  • A hospital not accredited to provide continuing education but the continuing education provided meets the following requirements:
(A) The content of the course or program shall be relevant to the scope of practice of respiratory care
 
(B) The faculty shall be knowledgeable in the subject matter as evidenced by a degree from an accredited college or university and verifiable experience in the subject matter or teaching and clinical experience in the same or similar subject matter
 
(C) Educational objectives shall be listed
 
(D) The teaching methods shall be described, e.g., lecture, seminar, audiovisual, simulation
 
(E) Evaluation methods shall document that the objectives have been met
  • An institution of higher education accredited by the Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools or its successor, or the State Board of Higher Education, providing the course(s) meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection. Five hours of continuing education credit per course, and up to two-thirds of the continuing education requirement, can be obtained by successfully completing the course(s) with a grade "C" or above, or a "pass" for a pass/fail course

  • A respiratory care educational program accredited by the American Medical Association Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation in collaboration with the Committee On Accreditation for Respiratory Care, or its successor, or the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs offering an Associate Degree in Respiratory Care

  • The National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), through passing the examination for initial certification as an Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), or Perinatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (PPRCS), or the NBRC through passing the re-credentialing examination for a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), RRT, or PPRCS. Fifteen hours of continuing education can be obtained by passing these certification and re-credentialing examinations

  • The NBRC, through passing the examination for initial certification as a Certified Pulmonary Function Technician (CPFT), or Registered Pulmonary function Technician (RFPT). Seven and one-half hours of continuing education can be obtained by passing these certification examinations

  • Publication in a peer reviewed journal as the author or co-author of a clinical paper or abstract. A total of five credit hours will be accepted per biennium for the publication of articles or abstracts in professional journals

  • An established and approved organization conducting humanitarian activities in another state or country, that is providing respiratory care services. The organization and services are subject to approval on a case-by-case basis for continuing education credit.

Self-Attestation, Audits
Licensees must attest, or declare, they have met continuing education requirements upon license renewal and are subject to periodic audits as specified in OAR 331-720-0010.

The Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) audits a select percentage of licenses determined by the Respiratory Therapist Licensing Board to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.
 
Licensees notified of selection for audit of continuing education attestation shall submit to the agency, within 30 calendar days from the date of issuance of the notification, satisfactory evidence of participation in required continuing education.
 
Documentation of attendance at a program or course provided by the sponsor must include:
(a) Name of sponsoring institution/association or organization
 
(b) Title of presentation and description of content
 
(c) Name of instructor or presenter
 
(d) Date of attendance and duration in hours
 
(e) Course agenda
 
(f) Official transcript, diploma, statement or affidavit from the sponsor, attesting to attendance
Licensees are required to maintain a record of attendance for two years following the two-year continuing education cycle and renewal of their respiratory therapist license.
 
If documentation of continuing education is invalid or incomplete, the licensee must correct the deficiency within 30 calendar days from the date of notice. Failure to correct the deficiency within the prescribed time shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.
 
Misrepresentation of continuing education, or failing to meet continuing education requirements or documentation, may result in disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, assessment of a civil penalty and suspension or revocation of the license.

Additional Requirements
  • Continuing education requirements apply whether the renewal applicant is living or working within Oregon or outside of the state so long as Oregon licensure is maintained.

  • A person who does not meet continuing education requirements must reapply and meet requirements for licensure according to OAR 331-710-0010 at the time of application.

Approved Courses
Below are currently approved continuing education courses, training seminars and self-study materials that may be used to satisfy continuing education requirements for ongoing licensure.
 
First Aid, Health, Bloodborne Pathogen/Infection Control and CPR courses
Updated January 2008
 
First Aid, Health, Bloodborne Pathogen/Infection Control and CPR course providers
Updated January 2008
 
Respiratory Therapist
2008
Updated September 18, 2008
 
Respiratory Therapist
2007
Updated February 1, 2008
 
Respiratory Therapist
2006
Updated July 24, 2006
 
Respiratory Therapist
2005
Updated November 17, 2006
 
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Page updated: September 18, 2008

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