Respiratory therapists are members of a team of health care professionals working in a wide variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. As members of this team respiratory therapists should exemplify the ethical and professional standards expected of all health care professionals.
Respiratory therapists provide patient care which includes clinical decision-making and patient education. The respiratory care scope of practice includes, but is not limited to the following basic competencies:
- Acquiring and evaluating clinical data;
- Assessing the cardiopulmonary status of patients;
- Performing and assisting in the performance of prescribed diagnostic studies such as: obtaining blood samples, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function testing, and polysomnography;
- Evaluating data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care;
- Establishing therapeutic goals for patients with cardiopulmonary disease;
- Participating in the development and modification of respiratory care plans;
- Case management of patients with cardiopulmonary and related diseases;
- Initiating prescribed respiratory care treatments, managing life support activities, evaluating and monitoring patient responses to such therapy and modifying the prescribed therapy to achieve the desired therapeutic objectives;
- Initiating and conducting prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation;
- Providing patient, family and community education;
- Promoting cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention, and disease management; and
- Promoting evidence-based practice by using established clinical practice guidelines and by evaluating published research for its relevance in patient care.
The respiratory care degree program provides opportunities for the development of knowledge, skills, and behaviors consistent with those required by the respiratory therapist. Theory and laboratory practices precede clinical experiences. Clinical experience is achieved in a variety of settings while under the supervision of selected clinical instructors.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care examinations to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist. Graduates must also satisfy all requirements of the State Medical Board of Ohio to obtain a license to practice in Ohio. Graduates must achieve the RRT credential in order to practice in the state of Ohio. Requirements to practice respiratory care in other states are dictated by individual state law. Students who are enrolled and in good standing can also apply to the State Medical Board for a limited permit to practice in Ohio.
Admission to this degree program is limited to the number of students that can be accommodated by clinical sites. Following admission to the University, the student is responsible for filing a separate application with the respiratory care program.
The Respiratory Care Program at Bowling Green State University, Huron, Ohio (Firelands Campus), is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). The BGSU Firelands program number is 200339 and the satellite program number is 300009.
Admission
Students interested in the respiratory care technology degree program must make formal application. Students must meet the following criteria for consideration:
- Be formally admitted to BGSU;
- Submit a program application to the academic advisor. Applications are due by April 1 for fall admission;
- Be a graduate of an accredited high school and have attained an overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4 point scale in high school, or have earned the GED;
- Complete prerequisites (Pre-professional requirements) with a grade of “C” or higher in all AHTH, BIOL, and CHEM coursework or equivalent coursework if transferring from another accredited institution;
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4 point scale) for all college/university coursework;
- Complete a hospital/medical center tour of a respiratory or cardiopulmonary services department and submit the observation verification form to the program director;
- Complete an interview with the respiratory care admissions committee. Note: All admissions are subject to approval by the respiratory care admissions committee.
Program Progression
After gaining admittance into the degree program, students must continue to meet the following standards to progress:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher;
- Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all RESP courses;
- Successfully complete (pass according to National Board for Respiratory Care “cut scores”) the following NBRC/AMP self assessment examinations prior to graduation: Therapist Multiple Choice Exam at the RRT level (see Directed Practice Syllabi);
- Comply with all program and clinical policies and procedures.
Clinical Admission
To be admitted to the clinical portion of the degree program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4 point scale;
- Have a “C” or higher in all RESP, AHTH, CHEM, and BIOL coursework;
- Obtain and provide documentation for all required health work, including a physical examination, lab work, and immunizations according to clinical policy;
- Meet all clinical policy requirements as stated in the Respiratory Care Program and Clinical Policy document;
- Complete a criminal background check;
- Obtain health care insurance.
Clinical slots may be limited during a given year. In the event that more students meet clinical admission standards than there are slots available, admission will be determined by a rank ordering based upon grade point average and program hours completed.
The student is responsible for the following expenses incurred as a result of participation in clinical training. Prospective students may contact the program director for information on estimated costs for:
- Pre-clinical physical exam, lab work, and immunizations;
- Textbooks and/or clinical training manuals and folders;
- Transportation to and from clinical training sites;
- Meals while at clinical sites (students generally receive any cafeteria discounts offered to employees);
- Scrub attire, lab coats, and/or uniforms;
- Stethoscope;
- BGSU Firelands student nametag;
- NBRC/AMP Self-Assessment Examinations (students are required to take the Therapist Multiple Choice exam and Clinical Simulation exams);
The following are generally provided at no cost to the student:
- Hospital ID/nametags;
- Parking at most clinical sites;
- Professional liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage).
Scholarships are available for eligible respiratory care students through the BGSU Firelands Scholarship Program. Other organizations also sponsor scholarships for which students preparing for allied health careers may be eligible.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates from the respiratory care degree program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors:
- The ability to comprehend that body of technical information according to nationally accepted standards as being related to the role and scope of practice for the advanced respiratory care practitioner, and to utilize and apply that knowledge appropriately in the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of patients;
- The ability to perform all of the clinical procedural skills associated with the role and scope of practice of the advanced respiratory care professional;
- The set of personal behaviors expected of the advanced respiratory care professional.
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