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Respiratory Therapy in Oregon
Professional Scope Continuing Education
Authorizing Laws & Rules
License Count
Licensing Information
Qualifications
Examination
Professional Scope
Respiratory care therapists provide services to patients with abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system under the direction of a licensed physician and as part of a health care team.
 
Respiratory care therapists administer therapeutic or diagnostic drugs to patients as part of a physician-prescribed treatment plan, implement a physician's orders for respiratory treatments, observe and monitor patient symptoms, and assist with administering medical gases (including hyperbaric or standard oxygen, vapor therapies and ventilation support).
 
Respiratory therapists provide specialized care for people with breathing difficulties, such as those with chronic lung problems, such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. But they also provide care to heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS.

Authorizing Laws & Rules
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 688.808-840 and 688.995 (Scroll down to find the correct ORS section.)
 
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 331, Divisions 705-730

License Count
Licensed Respiratory Therapists - 1,409 (as of 12-4-07)
 
Temporary Licenses (applicants who have completed an approved training program but have not achieved a passing score on the qualifying examination.) -  37

Licensing Information
License / Renewal Period - Two years
 
Registration / Service Fees - Click here to go to the Fees page for a complete listing of fees.
 
Licensing Information fact sheet, application and other materials - Click here to go to the Forms page.

Qualifications
  • Passing score on the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examinations of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

  • At least 18 years of age

  • Completed four years of standard high school or the equivalent

  • Completion of an approved course of respiratory care training

  • Affidavit of licensure, if licensed from out of state
For more information, see Respiratory Therapist Licensing fact sheet on the Forms page.
 
Or, go to the How to Get Licensed page.

Examination
The approved examination is a national examination which is provided by the National Board for
Respiratory Care (NBRC).
 
Detailed information about the credentialing and examination process, including site and time or fees for service may be obtained by contacting:
 
National Board for Respiratory Care
8310 Nieman Road
Lexena, KS 66214-1579
Phone: (913) 599-4200
Web site:  www.nbrc.org

Continuing Education
Licensees must complete 15 clock hours, either as one unit or a combination of units, not less than one hour each, during the two years immediately preceding the date of renewal.
 

 
Page updated: October 01, 2008

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