You might recall that over the past couple of years, Ive been trying to decide whether or not I should renew my RCP license with the State of California. Since I’m no longer able to work as an Respiratory Therapist, I couldn’t really see any benefit in maintaining my license to practice. There’s also the financial burden of having to come up with the bi-annual renewal fees and all the costs associated with the continuing education requirements. Not a fortune, but still several hundred dollars per year, and living on a fixed income, I have to justify every penny I spend.
Well, after mulling over the pros and cons and listening to all your feedback on this topic, Ive decided to go for it and renew my license. It will cost me $460.00 that I can’t really afford, but like many of you have said, it’s better to have the license and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Ive been licensed with the State of California continuously for more than 25 years now , and retiring it just because I’m no longer able to work, would be a shame. I’m an RT whether I practice the profession for money or not, so I might as well keep my license current. (Which by the way, forces me to keep my educational requirements up to date).
It took a lot of hard work on my part, but in return, the Respiratory care profession has been very good to me over the years. So, I guess that in itself, is worth the money and effort I have to fork out to keep my license current.
I sent the application in last Monday along with the required continuing medical education units ( CME’s). I ‘ll let you know what happens. If they approve my renewal, my license will only be valid again until this September, at which time I’ll have to renew again and send in another $230.00. It never ends……
I graduated from RT school in 1977, but didn’t earn the RRT credential until 20 years later in 1997
Woohoo! RT Licence Renewal Internet Dance Party! (Just did some ceremonious dancing for you here in my kitchen.)
I was hoping that was the decision you’d make, despite the added expense.
I'm glad you decided to renew! The license probably gives you credibility here on the blog, too–I always value what you and Rick have to write about, for example, asthma medications and treatments b/c you both have asthma AND have RT training and education.
Speaking of which, I've been reading about the FDA approval of bronchial thermoplasty lately–is that an option for you?
Unfortunately, I'm not a candidate for thermosplasty, because Ive already lost much of the twitchiness in my upper airways that thermoplasty targets.
Right now the only option for me is bilateral lung transplant surgery, of which I don't want.
There is however, some research being done on a new class of asthma drugs that might help people like me. These new drugs wont hit the clinical trial stage for another 3 years. I'm hoping to be one of the first humans to try these new drugs.
Well that sucks….the new drugs sound promising, though. I hope you get to be one of the first humans, too!
Thanks….Luckily I have some good friends in the asthma research biz.
Edit: by which i meant in the above comment RCP not RRT. 'Cause you're an RRT no matter what , right?
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You medical people and all your acronyms
I'm glad you decided this too. It may be the less practical route but I can tell you are proud of your career and that's really important! Well, I think it is anyway. Plus it'll force you to keep up your RT education as you said which is a good thing.