Philosophy
Baccalaureate degree education in
respiratory therapy provides students with the liberal arts and
science foundation they need to be competent, fully participating
professionals in the world of healthcare. Professional competence
means one has a high degree of clinical skill combined with skills in
communicating, critical thinking, personal ethics, appreciating social
and cultural diversity, and in life-long learning.
The philosophy of education in the
professional program is based on the idea that students should not
only learn to apply existing knowledge, but learn how to develop and
use new knowledge to solve new problems. Only when education teaches
one how to learn will persons continue to learn throughout
their lives. The teacher’s role is to facilitate learning by
providing relevant experiences, and by coaching, mentoring,
challenging, and encouraging students. The professionally competent
person not only has excellent technical skills, but also excellent
clinical assessment and decision-making skills. The ability to perform
clinical tasks skillfully is important, but is not sufficient of
itself to function as a respiratory therapist. The professionally
competent respiratory therapist has the ability to analyze
information, think critically, and make sound clinical decisions. Most
of all, respiratory therapists are concerned about their patients’
welfare, and about continually learning how to give more effective care.
Program Goals and
Standards
Goal 1: To prepare students to
function as competent respiratory therapists eligible to take the
national board examinations for registered respiratory therapists
(RRT). Upon completion of the respiratory therapy program, students
will:
- comprehend, apply and evaluate
information relevant to the role of the registered respiratory
therapist - be technically proficient in all
skills relevant to the function of the registered respiratory
therapist - demonstrate behaviors consistent
with employer expectations and the respiratory therapy
professional code of ethics.
Goal 2: To respond to the need
for registered respiratory care practitioners locally,
regionally, and nationally.
- The Respiratory Therapy Program will
annually graduate its maximum capacity of registry eligible
students.
Goal 3: To produce graduates
prepared to assume leadership roles in health care.
- Within 5 years of graduation,
one-third of graduates will hold leadership positions in the
respiratory care profession, defined by one or more of the
following: (1) involvement in administrative, educational,
supervisory or other leadership roles in the employment setting;
(2) election to a position in local, state, or national
professional health related organizations.