The Respiratory Care Assistant (RCA) program is designed to allow respiratory students to enter the workforce as a Respiratory Therapy Assistants. This will allow the student to gain real working experience in our facility, under the direct supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist. While working at our facility, the RCA will gain knowledge in our policies, procedures, EMR, and will more easily transition to a licensed therapist after graduation.

The RCA will be hired into the program on a PRN basis. The RCA will be required to work 12 hours during a six-week schedule. General orientation will be completed by the RCA via video. CBLS that are assigned to the RCA will be completed. Quick-start will be completed by the RCA via the booklet supplied by education. Department orientation will consist of seventy-two hours.

OMH Respiratory Care department will accept four RCAs at one time, with no more than two scheduled at one time on each shift. The RCA will be assigned to assist a respiratory therapist during that shift. The RCA will not be left alone on any floor to treat patients independently.  The RCA will not treat patients that fall under critically ill as defined by the North Carolina Board of Respiratory Care. At no time will the RCA replace a licensed therapist on any shift.