Applied Health Science, Specialization in Respiratory Care, BAHS

The applied health science degree is designed to prepare graduates for work in a health-related field and for further education and training at the post-baccalaureate level. The AHS degree consists of six separate specializations which have common BG Perspective, core, and supportive requirements but differing specialization courses. The diversified curriculum provides a strong background in the basic sciences and emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Respiratory Care specialization
The respiratory care specialization is designed to prepare associate degree graduates for advanced practice in respiratory care. Respiratory therapists work in a wide variety of clinical settings to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists also perform diagnostic procedures to assess breathing function and treatments for airway and lung diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and medications for breathing problems and provide patient education. This degree provides a foundation for graduates to achieve additional education, professional credentials, training and expertise in a number of related specializations (e.g. asthma education certification, neonatal and pediatric specialization, management, allied health education, research, etc.). The program also provides a solid foundation for graduate study. Students entering the program must have completed a CoARC accredited associate degree program in respiratory care at the registry level. (www.CoARC.com)

Learning Outcomes for Respiratory Care

Program Learning Outcomes: Graduates from the program will possess the following Knowledge, skills, and behaviors: (Associate and Bachelors)

• The ability to comprehend the 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.
• Meet nationally accepted standards for the scope of practice of the advanced respiratory care practitioner as stated in the Standards and Guidelines for the profession of respiratory care promulgated by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
• Utilize and apply knowledge of accepted respiratory care procedures in the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of patients.
• Adhere to the code of ethics for the respiratory care professional.
• Abide by the laws of the State of Ohio.
• Master fundamental principles of natural, physical, and social science and mathematics related to respiratory care.
• Read the scientific literature and critically evaluate clinical research findings related to respiratory care.
• Use reference materials, empirical methods, and statistical and computing skills to solve occupational problems, detect/resolve problems and errors, and develop/test/validate new models.
• Abide by safety rules, policies and regulations recognizing any unsafe conditions and correcting them.
• Instruct others in occupational practices and procedures.
• Supervise the work of entry-level practitioners.
• Make decisions based on ethical principles.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality practices maintaining compliance with HIPPA standards for practice including the use of technology.