One breath at a time.
Leading the change for better patient care.
About
The RCSW is a dedicated advocate of the concerns and for the advancement of the Respiratory Care Profession in Washington state and, through its affiliation with the AARC, at the national level. We encourage, develop, and provide educational programs for those persons interested in respiratory care and diagnostics; we advance the science, technology, ethics and art of respiratory care through institutes, meetings, lectures, publications, and other materials; we facilitate cooperation and understanding among respiratory care personnel and medical profession, allied health professions, hospitals, service companies, industry, governmental organizations, and other agencies interested in respiratory care; and we provide education of the general public in pulmonary health promotion and disease prevention.
Membership
Become part of the only organization in the state of Washington whose primary purpose is serving the concerns and advancement of respiratory care professionals.
More members mean more opportunities for us to:
Deliver better education, better management tools, and better communication
Create more information resources for everyone
Lead change on a national and state level for improved patient care through advocacy and education
Student Highlight ⟶
Marissa Kailing
Being a part of the student engagement committee for the RCSW is a great way to be a part of something that matters. Being present in your career field can make a huge difference for the future of the career. Sometimes, it is just a matter of taking a leap of faith and putting yourself out there. Once you do, you’ll realize there are several other likeminded individuals who have the same drive and aspirations as you do.
Being a part of the RCSW is a great way to network, meet new friends, and stay up to date on all things respiratory. As a student, having the opportunity to network with future managers and put yourself out there can be super beneficial for job seeking after graduation. Starting early as an advocate for the respiratory field, shows you care about what happens to the future of respiratory.
Why not be a part of that?
Meet the Team
Hal Ungerleider, President
Justin Graham, Treasurer
Toni Damato, Secretary
To learn more about our elected officials and meet the full team, click here ⟶
Local chapters
The Respiratory Care Society of Washington is comprised of 5 regional chapters. From east to west, the counties for each region are as follows:
Eastern Chapter: Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin
Central Chapter: Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Grant, Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Klickitat
Cascade Chapter: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Jan, and Island
Puget Sound Chapter: King
Rainier Chapter: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Kitsap, Pierce, Thurston, Pacific, Lewis, Cowlitz, Skamana, Clark and Wahkiakum
Join a committee
It takes a village to manage a successful society. The more people we have as members and on committees brings more ideas, more engagement, and more growth for our profession.
Good news — the time commitment is 1-2 hours per month at most as a committee member. Committee chairs attend quarterly board meetings and hold working sessions with their committee team. All committee work is currently hosted and managed virtually.
A few examples outlined here with plenty more available.
Student Engagement Committee
Studying for a career in respiratory care? Hoping to work in Washington state or the Pacific Northwest? RCSW helps you navigate and prepare for what happens after graduation. From training to interviews to showcasing different sides and roles within the industry to networking — and more, we provide resources and a sounding board for young professionals.
Interested in continuing education opportunities? Check out the conference committee and contact your local chapter president.
Government Affairs (PACT) Committee
The AARC Advocacy and Government Affairs team aggressively advocates to recognize the value of respiratory therapists and the profession as a whole in treating individuals who suffer from chronic respiratory disease. Most important, we establish a legislative agenda each year to inform and educate Congressional leaders about the profession and how respiratory therapists improve the lives of their respiratory patients through their expertise and skills.
Membership Services Committee
Get involved with building and engaging our member base. This committee helps ensure members maintain their AARC membership which by extension, keeps them current as a RCSW member as well. It is a great way to get to know your peers and colleagues along with grow the professional base within our communities, state, and nation at large.