How is the program designed?

The program, offered on main campus, combines classroom, laboratory and clinical learning experiences provided at area hospitals in Stark and surrounding counties. Students participate in patient simulation scenarios in clinical simulation labs on and off campus and participate in advanced cardiac life support certification courses.

What is the goal and program learning outcomes of the program?

The goal is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Program learning outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their role as entry–level respiratory therapists.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill their role as entry-level respiratory therapists.
• Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as entry-level respiratory therapists.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply to the program?

• Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
• “B” or better in BIO101 or
  “C” or better in BIO121, BIO122 or BIO123
  “C” or better in MTH105
• Background check
• Register for and complete the HESI A2 exam – HESI information
• See the respiratory care application for more details.

Note: Students must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalency to start taking technical courses.
The HESI A2 exam assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, biology, anatomy and physiology, and basic math skills.
There are also two sections on learning style and personality profile.  The exam will take approximately 4 hours to complete and must be scheduled according to the HESI information document.

Is Stark State College an equal opportunity institution?

Stark State College is committed to equal opportunity for all and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, military status, pregnancy, disability, age, genetic information, or sexual orientation. The College and program adheres to all applicable non-discrimination policies related to faculty/staff employment and the admission and education of students.

How do I apply to the program?

• Apply to Stark State College
• Meet with an admissions counselor
• Complete the respiratory care application
• Complete required background checks
• Complete the course and GPA application requirements above
• When you have completed all application requirements, contact the respiratory care program director for an appointment to review your application: 330-966-5458 ext. 5330 or bowen@starkstate.edu. You must bring the completed application and background eligibility notification to the appointment
• You will be notified of your acceptance at the time of the appointment or via mail/email

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 and public services criminal background check information for a list of potential disqualifying offenses.
• You may have difficulty finding a job if you smoke.
• Scholarship opportunities are available to help cover the cost of tuition/expenses.  Please click here to access our scholarship page and complete the online application.

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. These physical requirements must be able to be sustained for up to 12 hours.

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 10-25 pounds continuously to move objects, lift 25-50 pounds of weight frequently, lift 50-100 pounds occasionally, push light equipment, push heavy equipment, walk, stand for extended periods of time, 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; eye-hand coordination; 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.

 

Note: Students may be exposed to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, and other potentially hazardous conditions common to a clinical environment.