top of page

CRE

Certified Respiratory Education

The Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) has a key and pivotal role in the long-term management of patients with asthma and COPD.

Helping to improve the lives of those with Chronic Lung Disease....

Image by Ingmar H

CRE RRTs at U-Breathe Respirology ensure timely assessment and treatment while minimizing wait times. Our patient-centred approach prioritizes continuity of care, ensuring individuals receive ongoing support and long-term respiratory management without getting lost in the healthcare system

​

Pastel Gradient Background

Education & Training

Registered Respiratory Therapist With the CRE Designation

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) with the CRE designation work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team at U-Breathe to support and optimize patient care while creating efficiencies.

Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) Program
(source: Canadian Network for Respiratory Care)

​

The Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) credential recognizes healthcare professionals who provide respiratory education to their clients, including education in both asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The CRE credential demonstrates to your clients, peers and supervisors that you have the competencies to provide comprehensive, evidence-informed care in asthma and COPD.

​

The Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) exam tests educator proficiency in two important aspects of respiratory education:

​

1)  up-to-date knowledge about asthma and COPD (the "what to teach")
2) better understanding on the part of educators about educational theory and process (the "how to teach")  

​

National Learning Objectives (core competencies) provide a common set of technical and teaching skills, knowledge and abilities for respiratory educators.

 
Requirements to challenge the Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) Exam
 
1.   A degree or diploma in a recognized* healthcare profession, with a scope of practice that includes counselling.
    *Recognized healthcare profession must have the following:
    • A governing, oversight or credentialing body or association
     • A defined scope of practice
Recognized healthcare professions include the following:
Respiratory Therapist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse, Pharmacist      
Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Kinesiologist, Medical Doctor.


2.   You must complete one of the required health education courses::
 
3.   You must complete one of each of the required asthma and COPD education programs (i.e. two separate courses).

​

For more detailed information, please visit: 

​

            Canadian Network for Respiratory Care Website 

​

Plant Shadow

Pivotal Role

What does a CRE RRT do at U-Breathe?

CRE Respiratory Therapists are pivotal at U-Breathe they are responsible for: 

  1. Assisting the patient, family doctor, and respirologist in their respiratory health.

  2. Assessment of symptom control; is the current treatment effective and making a difference. 

  3. Assess the stability of the patient's pulmonary function.

  4. Assess correctness of patient's inhaler technique and provide corrective actions.

  5. Evaluate progress on smoking cessation.

  6. Inquire and review patient's activity level.

  7. Review compliance and evaluate any barriers to compliance.

  8. Review h/o prescriptions for Prednisone and rescue inhalers/if there is evidence for frequent moderate-severe exacerbations, then treatment may be indicated.

  9. Request chest x-ray for the subsequent visit (or sooner if necessary)

  10. Determine the interval for the subsequent follow-up patient visit at U-Breathe Respirology Clinic. 

  11. they help patients get assessed in a timely manner and also help reduce patient wait times.

  12. an integral part of the continuity and optimization of patient care.

​

​

Image by Beyon Binu

Respiratory Therapists with the CRE designation work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team to support and reinforce self-managment strategies

bottom of page