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Respiratory Care - Program Information
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Respiratory Care - Program Information

  1. What credentials are required to practice respiratory care?
    • Graduates are eligible to apply for the national examinations required to become a registered respiratory therapist through the NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care).
    • In order to practice, a therapist must be registered by the NBRC and licensed by the state of Ohio.
    • For more information regarding credentials see www.nbrc.org
  2. How is the program designed?
    • The program combines classroom, laboratory and clinical learning experiences.
    • Clinical practicum experiences are provided at area hospitals in Stark and surrounding counties.
    • Clinical simulation lab experiences are provided to assist with critical thinking skills. Students will participate in simulation scenarios at the state-of-the-art facility, Austen BioInnovation Insitute in Akron, Ohio.  See www.abiakron.org for more information regarding this one-of-a-kind experience.
    • Students participate in advanced cardiac life support certification courses.
  3. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the program?
    • Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
    • B or higher in Intro to Anatomy and Physiology, Intro to Chemistry, and Intermediate Algebra
    • Completion of a tour of an area hospital’s respiratory care department
    • See the health sciences rolling admission application packet for more details
  4. How do I apply to the program?
    • Apply to  Stark State College.
    • Meet with an admissions counselor.
    • Obtain the health sciences rolling admission application packet and tour form from the admissions office.
    • Complete required background checks.
    • Complete the above course and GPA application requirements.
    • Contact an area hospital for a tour of a respiratory care department and shadowing experience.
    • Complete the tour form and application found in the health sciences rolling admission application packet.
    • Turn the completed application, tour form and background check eligibility notification into the Academic Records/Registrar's Office.
    • You will be notified of your acceptance via mail/email.
  5. What are some important things I should know?
    • Students must maintain a “C” or better in all courses in the curriculum (technical and non-technical).
    • Students may not be able to be placed at clinical sites, obtain licensure to practice or find employment if they have a positive background check. See health science criminal background check information for a list of potential disqualifying offenses.
    • You may have difficulty finding a job if you smoke.
  6. Are there essential functions required to participate in the program?
    • Respiratory care practitioners must have the necessary clinical skills to carry out the duties and responsibilities allowing them to practice in a safe and effective manner. Respiratory care practitioners make use of the following: hearing, mobility, physical endurance and strength, motor skills, tactile senses, and visual acuity.

      Hearing:
      Ability sufficient to hear and understand patients and staff, assess and monitor patient sounds,  hear normal speech, hear without seeing lips, hear faint body sounds, hear alarms.

      Mobility - Physical endurance and strength:
      Mobility sufficient to support and move patients, stoop/squat, move quickly, climb/bend, lift 25 pounds of weight, push light equipment, push heavy equipment, walk, stand during procedures, sustain repetitive motion.

      Motor Skills:
      Perform multiple tasks at the same time. Fine and gross motor skills sufficient to handle equipment and provide safe and effective patient care; steady arm and hand movements while manipulating objects or assisting patients.  Sit and maintain balance; stand and maintain balance; reach above shoulders; reach below waist; pick up small objects with hands; type using a computer.

      Tactile:
      The ability to sense and or touch in a manner sufficient to assess the patient’s response to therapy.  Feel vibrations; detect temperature (determine changes, warm, cold).

      Visual:
      A sufficient ability to monitor and assess patients and equipment function; to have visual acuity in order to provide safe and effective respiratory care.  See objects 20 inches away; see objects 20 feet away; distinguish color.

      Should a student feel that he/she may not be able to meet the technical standards or physical requirements, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the Program Director/Department Chair and the Disability Support Services Office.

  7. Is Stark State College’s respiratory care program accredited?
    • Yes, it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC).
    • See the COARC website for more information and program outcomes.