Florida Society for Respiratory Care

Mission Statement: Empower Respiratory Therapists Through Education,
Advocacy, and Advancement of the Profession.

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The Florida Society for Respiratory Care (FSRC) will continue to be the leading professional association for Respiratory Care in Florida. The FSRC will encourage and promote professional excellence, advance the science and practice of Respiratory Care, and serves as an advocate for patients, their families, the public, the profession, and the Respiratory Therapist.

 

Join FSRC at the Suncoast Pulmonary Symposium, held this year from May 8 – 9, 2025 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor! 

SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFER: Enjoy complimentary registration for the Suncoast Pulmonary Symposium (a $199 value) when you book your stay at Sunseekers Hotel. Simply present proof of your room reservation, including your stay dates, at the registration desk on-site to take advantage of this exclusive offer. 

REGISTRATION FEES

Attendees: $199*

Students: FREE**

*If you are planning to take advantage of the special offer mentioned above, please select the "Invoice Me" option at checkout and show proof of stay at the registration desk. We will void your invoice upon verification.

**Must have been enrolled as a student member by your RT program

Register Today | More Information



Position Statement of the Florida Society of Respiratory Care: Advocating for Advanced Licensure Standards in Respiratory Therapy

Introduction: The Florida Society of Respiratory Care (FSRC) is dedicated to advancing the practice of respiratory care and ensuring that respiratory therapists (RTs) in Florida are equipped to provide the highest standard of patient care. In alignment with our mission to enhance patient outcomes and support the professional development of respiratory therapists, FSRC advocates for a critical revision of the state licensure act. We propose that the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential be established as the entry-level standard for initial licensure and recommend the introduction of distinct licensure tiers to recognize varying levels of expertise and education within the profession.

Support for RRT as Entry-Level Standard for Initial Licensure: Currently, the entry-level licensure for respiratory therapists in Florida is based on the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. While the CRT represents a foundational level of competency, the RRT credential signifies a higher degree of proficiency and a commitment to ongoing professional development. By adopting the RRT as the entry-level requirement for initial licensure, we aim to:

  1. Elevate Standards of Care: The RRT credential encompasses advanced knowledge and clinical skills that are essential for delivering high-quality respiratory care. By requiring the RRT as the entry-level standard, we can ensure that all licensed respiratory therapists meet a consistent and elevated standard of care from the outset of their careers.
  2. Enhance Professional Recognition: Establishing the RRT as the entry-level credential initial licensure will underscore the importance of advanced education and training in the field, thereby increasing the recognition and value of the respiratory therapy profession within the healthcare system.
  3. Encourage Professional Development: Requiring the RRT for initial licensure will inspire respiratory therapists to pursue further education and certification, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. It also serves as a step toward advanced credentials, which provide greater professional opportunities.
  4. Align with Current National Standards. For over a decade, the RRT has been the minimal educational standard for the profession and the outcomes standard for RT educational programs.  Establishing the RRT credential as the requirement for initial licensure in Florida will bring the Licensure Act into alignment with current academic standards.

Proposal for Tiered Licensure: To further align with the evolving landscape of respiratory care, FSRC advocates for updates to the existing tiered licensure system. These licensure tiers would include separate licensure for:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Cardiopulmonary Science: This tier would recognize respiratory therapists who have completed a bachelor's degree in cardiopulmonary science. This advanced education equips therapists with a deeper understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology, research, and evidence-based practice, contributing to more comprehensive patient care and the ability to take on leadership roles within the field.
  2. Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT): The APRT tier would be designed for therapists who have pursued additional education, specialization, or advanced certifications beyond the RRT and BS Cardiopulmonary Science credential. APRTs would be recognized for their expertise in specialized areas of respiratory care and their ability to perform advanced procedures and manage complex patient cases.

Conclusion: FSRC believes that these proposed changes will significantly enhance the quality of respiratory care in Florida. By establishing the RRT as the entry-level credential and updating tiered licensure, we can better recognize and reward the advanced skills and knowledge of respiratory therapists, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a stronger profession. We urge policymakers and stakeholders to consider these recommendations and work collaboratively to advance the standards of respiratory care in our state.

Contact: For further information or to discuss this position statement, please contact the Florida Society of Respiratory Care at feedback@fsrc.org or 850-RRT-FSRC.

 

NOTICE: DUES INCREASE BEGINNING 7/1/24

First, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your support of and membership in the Florida Society for Respiratory Care. Our members are the lifeblood of our organization, and your involvement is invaluable and greatly appreciated. 

We would like to share with you an essential update regarding our membership dues. As of July 1, 2024*, our membership dues will increase to the following amounts. This decision has not been taken lightly but is a necessary step to ensure the FSRC is able to deliver even more high-quality educational events, continue to advocate for our profession at the state and federal levels, and remain a strong organization committed to our members and respiratory therapists in the state of Florida and beyond.

  • AARC/FSRC Combo Membership –– $125.00 
  • AARC/FSRC Combo Membership: 2 Year –– $240.00
  • Active Member (FSRC add-on to current, active AARC membership) –– $50.00
  • Active Member (FSRC add-on to current, active AARC membership): 2 Year –– $90.00
  • Associate Member –– $75.00
  • Associate Member: 2 Year –– $140.00 

For more detailed information on our different membership types and offerings, visit fsrc.org/membership.  

We thank you once again for your support and hope you will remain part of our community for years to come. 

Best regards, 

Florida Society for Respiratory Care

*Please note: Any invoices generated through June 30, 2024 will be honored at their original rate.

We at FSRC want to celebrate, lift up, and appreciate the respiratory therapists and students who do amazing work in our field each and every day! Do you know someone who you think should be recognized? Click on the link below to nominate a respiratory therapist or student to receive a shoutout on the FSRC website for their contributions to respiratory care.

CLICK HERE to recognize fellow RTs and students for a job well done!

 

 In Loving Memory

of Dr. Thomas Berlin
October 21, 1958 – March 5, 2024
 

It is with heavy hearts that FSRC shares the passing of Dr. Tom Berlin, a champion of Respiratory Care both locally and nationally as well as long-time FSRC member, leader, colleague, and friend.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Dr. Berlin's family and friends during this time, and we miss him greatly.

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Contact your Region Director.
 

Announcements

FSRC Position Statement on the Baccalaureate in Respiratory Care

The respiratory care profession in the state of Florida has experienced growth in scope of practice, complexity of clinical skills, and diversity of care sites. In concert with this growth, the need for critical thinking and non-technical skills has also grown. Respiratory therapists not only need to possess and display a high degree of technical competence, they also must demonstrate skill in communication, deductive reasoning, management, health policy and education. Advancing the degree of the respiratory therapist to a baccalaureate degree provides a foundation for these skills while also facilitating career opportunities that might otherwise not exist.  Therefore the FSRC encourages all practitioners in Florida to complete their baccalaureate degrees.