Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care Chapter 2
Exam – Respiratory Therapy Profession & Roles|
Complete Questions ith A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
What year was respiratory therapy officially established and where?
1930's Unites States
How many RTs are there now approximately
172,921
What were the first respiratory therapists called?
oxygen technicians/orderlies
What are the responsibilities of an RT according to the AARC
patient assessment, disease management, diagnostic evaluation, management, education,
rehabilitation, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary
system.
Where are RTs employed?
Hospitals(NICU, PICU, ICU, ER, OR)
Medical office, insurance companies
Interfacility transport (ground and air)
Homes
Sleep labs
Skilled nursing facilities
Pulmonary rehab programs
Outpatient clinics
RT diagnostic activities
Obtaining/analyzing physiologic specimens, interpreting physiologic data, performing
tests/studies, performing neurophysiologic studies, performing sleep disorder studies
Department Director
The primary leader of the respiratory therapy department
, Educational Coordinator
individually assesses the educational needs of the RTs within the department
helps develop educational plans/continuing competency programs for new technology
Quality Assurance Coordinator
helps evaluate efficiencies of clinical staff as well as the value associated with the practice of
respiratory care
Supervisors/Lead Therapist
highly educated, more experienced RTs that assign clinical staff to the appropriate workplace.
Respiratory Therapists
Bedside respiratory staff, must be liscensced and meet minimum competency determine by the
NBRC
Professional Characteristics of a RT
Completes accredited respiratory therapy program
Obtains professional credentials
Participates in continuing education activities
Adheres to code of ethics
Active in professional organizations
Medical Director
Work alongside the department director to assist in the quality of clinical care and
advising/assisting in the management of respiratory therapy departments. 24 hour availability
The Multiple Choice (TMC) exam
After students graduate from an accreditated program, they take this exam and can become a
CRT (low score) or potentially become an RRT (high score)
2nd Exam (CSE)
This is a clinical/simulation exam for students who have made a high cut score. If they pass this
exam, they can earn the credentials to become an RRT
Researcher
Researchers will research and answer questions for clinical staff concerning their care for
patients
CRT
Exam – Respiratory Therapy Profession & Roles|
Complete Questions ith A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
What year was respiratory therapy officially established and where?
1930's Unites States
How many RTs are there now approximately
172,921
What were the first respiratory therapists called?
oxygen technicians/orderlies
What are the responsibilities of an RT according to the AARC
patient assessment, disease management, diagnostic evaluation, management, education,
rehabilitation, and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary
system.
Where are RTs employed?
Hospitals(NICU, PICU, ICU, ER, OR)
Medical office, insurance companies
Interfacility transport (ground and air)
Homes
Sleep labs
Skilled nursing facilities
Pulmonary rehab programs
Outpatient clinics
RT diagnostic activities
Obtaining/analyzing physiologic specimens, interpreting physiologic data, performing
tests/studies, performing neurophysiologic studies, performing sleep disorder studies
Department Director
The primary leader of the respiratory therapy department
, Educational Coordinator
individually assesses the educational needs of the RTs within the department
helps develop educational plans/continuing competency programs for new technology
Quality Assurance Coordinator
helps evaluate efficiencies of clinical staff as well as the value associated with the practice of
respiratory care
Supervisors/Lead Therapist
highly educated, more experienced RTs that assign clinical staff to the appropriate workplace.
Respiratory Therapists
Bedside respiratory staff, must be liscensced and meet minimum competency determine by the
NBRC
Professional Characteristics of a RT
Completes accredited respiratory therapy program
Obtains professional credentials
Participates in continuing education activities
Adheres to code of ethics
Active in professional organizations
Medical Director
Work alongside the department director to assist in the quality of clinical care and
advising/assisting in the management of respiratory therapy departments. 24 hour availability
The Multiple Choice (TMC) exam
After students graduate from an accreditated program, they take this exam and can become a
CRT (low score) or potentially become an RRT (high score)
2nd Exam (CSE)
This is a clinical/simulation exam for students who have made a high cut score. If they pass this
exam, they can earn the credentials to become an RRT
Researcher
Researchers will research and answer questions for clinical staff concerning their care for
patients
CRT
