Advanced Degrees and Professional Development: Assessing the Attitudes and Beliefs of Respiratory Therapists at Three Academic Medical Centers

Background: Addressing increasing demands for improved quality and safety with evidence-based care, the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) convened a task force to determine future educational needs for the respiratory care (RC) profession, recommending 80% of the RC workforce be baccalaureate-prepared by 2020. There is little literature available on respiratory care practitioners9 (RCP) feelings, attitudes, and perceptions regarding these recommendations. Methods: A survey was prepared with questions assessing RCPs9 current educational levels, opinions regarding advanced education, their understanding of the AARC9s recommendation and the impact on our profession9s growth. Following multi-center IRB approval, the survey was distributed to 242 RCPs via their association with three regional academic medical centers- Maine Medical Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and University of Vermont Medical Center. Our minimum return rate goal was 50% (121). Results: Of the 242 sent, 150 respondents (62.0%) returned surveys, with each institution similarly apportioned: MMC 56/96 (58%), DHMC 37/62 (60%), and UVM 57/84 (68%). In aggregate, respondents reported that 89% currently held an AS while 11% held Bachelor9s degree in RT. 75% were current members of the AARC, but only 37% were aware of the AARC9s recommendation. Respondents agreed (58%) an AS degree is adequate for an entry level RCP, with 29% agreement that requiring an advanced degree would elevate the profession. Interest in obtaining a BSRT suffered a net negative agreement of 8% generally. Those in the 21-30 age group discounted a need for education in critical thinking skills (38.5%) while those over age 50 believe (85%) that these skills were important. Primary barriers to obtaining an advanced degree were no compensation or recognition (42%), and the cost of education (32%). Conclusions: Although most respondents were AARC members, under half (37%) were aware of their recommendation that 80% of the RCP be BSRC-prepared. Furthermore, 58% of respondents felt an AS is adequate for entry into the profession. As leaders and educators within academic medical centers, we have an obligation to prepare our RCPs for the future of this profession. The AARC9s recommendations are laudable, but our results suggest without a greater understanding and communication on the value and benefit of obtaining an advanced degree, progress on this goal may be slower than anticipated. Disclosures: None.