Abstract
Background:
The purpose of this study was to determine what career advantages practicing registered respiratory therapists experienced as a result of obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT)/Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC).
Methods:
Surveys were administered to practicing respiratory therapists credentialed as registered respiratory therapists (RRT) who had graduated from a BSRT/BSRC program within the last five years. Exemption from continuing review was obtained from A. T. Still University's Institutional Review Board prior to enrollment or data collection.
Results:
The majority of participants indicated they, experienced more job opportunities (83.4%), had greater confidence in job performance, believe they are a better candidate for future jobs (95.5%), and their employer was pleased with their degree attainment (86.4%) after obtaining a BSRT/BSRC. However, only about a third or less of participants experienced an increase in pay, additional job responsibilities, or a new position as result of getting a BSRT/BSRC, which is a common reason for obtaining additional education.
Conclusions:
These findings support that practicing respiratory therapists experience some career benefits as a result of obtaining advanced education but may explain the reluctance in some therapists obtaining advanced education.
BSRT/BSRC Graduate Characteristics
Sex
Male
11
25%
Female
33
75%
Job Experience
0-5 years
33
84.6%
16-29 years
3
7.7%
20+ years
3
7.7%
Age
19-29 years
26
59.1%
30-39 years
11
25%
40-49 years
6
13.6%
50-65 years
1
2.3%
Practicing State
Texas
31
70.5%
Florida
5
11.4%
Ohio
2
4.5%
Georgia
2
4.5%
Other
4
9.1%
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