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Respiratory Therapy in Oregon
Scope of Practice Continuing Education
Authorizing Laws & Rules
License Count
Licensing Information
Qualifications
Examination
Scope of Practice
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
Duration of License:  Annual
 
Licensing Fees:
  • Application:  $50

  • Original license:  $75

  • Renewal:  $75
Click here to go to the Fees page for a complete list of fees

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 applicable
For more information, see Respiratory Therapist Licensing Information (PDF). 
 
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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 for renewal.
 

 
Page updated: February 01, 2008

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