CRT vs RRT

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Question: I’ve been a CRT for over 15 years. Do I really need an RRT?

This is a loaded question. Before there’s an answer to this question, I believe there has to be an answer to the motive behind the question. Is the person really seeking advice? Hopefully the answer is 'yes.' Or is the person seeking to engage in a debate to argue whether a CRT can outsmart or outperform a RRT? If the person is merely seeking to engage in a debate whether a CRT can outsmart or outperform a RRT, do not bother engaging. You will inevitably get drawn into a fruitless conversation that goes nowhere, really fast. However, if the person is genuinely seeking advice, here are a few thoughts to consider.

First off, all RRTs were once CRTs. I have heard many CRTs justify their reluctance to obtaining the RRT credential because they profess that CRTs 'outperform' RRTs. What they sometimes fail to remember is that a therapist with a RRT credential was first a therapist with a CRT credential. In fact, all RRTs were once CRTs. The issue in "outperforming" is childish and has little to nothing to do with credentials. Rather, it has more to do with experience. Remember, not all RRTs are new grads. Some RRTs have more mileage and years of experience than seasoned CRTs. So let us not keep reverting to the fruitless point of, "there are many CRTs that can outperform an RRT." Believe me, the reverse is also true.

Second, I have heard some selfish reasons why not to pursue the RRT credential: “It doesn’t make me a better therapist,” “it has not held me back yet,” “it will not affect my current employment.” I find it curious that people write-off the credential because of what it doesn’t do for them as opposed to what it does for the profession at large. It is curious to me because we have entered a profession where we are charged to look out for the good of others, our patients, and not just for our own good. Our profession needs more people with selfless attitudes. No, I'm not suggesting that CRTs are selfish. What I am suggesting is that obtaining the RRT credential advances the profession and also sets a good example for those coming behind us to continue to advance their credentials. Some things are never just about you.

Thirdly, there is always something to learn in our field. At the very least, in studying for the exam, even the most experienced CRT will learn a few new things, whether it be theoretical or practical. I have yet to come across that one therapist who has seen absolutely every device and every scenario imaginable. This means that we are never done learning. In fact, if you are done learning, you are… done. It is probably time to hang up your stethoscope and turn in your license, yes, even if you have a bachelor’s or master’s. You have lost interest in the actual field of respiratory. This is not necessarily bad. Ambitions change and other career paths open up. This may be a good time to exit stage left, and allow someone with higher ambitions in the field of respiratory to carry the torch.

If you are a CRT and have not taken the RRT yet, you are not a lesser therapist. However, you do carry a lesser credential. You can take that first step in advancing your credential by obtaining the RRT license, and in so doing, you will help set the tone for future therapists to pursue a higher credential and advance our profession.