Students in the Respiratory Therapy program must demonstrate the following skills and abilities:
Standard
Example(s)
Physical ability
Reach, manipulate and operate various equipment, including computers, ventilators, beds and other respiratory equipment
Lift and carry at least 30 pounds of weight
Walk, run or stand for extended periods of time
Lift, manipulate and move patients as necessary
Visual ability
Perceive objects such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in skin, especially those in fingertips
View monitors, read charts and assess patients from across the room
Cognitive/reasoning ability
Monitor and evaluate patients' vital signs, including blood pressure, respiration and pulse rate
Use mathematical formulas
Use metric system
Auditory ability
Monitor equipment and background sounds during equipment operation and report unusual or abnormal sounds to the appropriate person
Understand and correctly carry out verbal instructions given by instructors and clinical personnel, including those given in settings where all personnel are wearing surgical masks, such as an operating room or special procedures suite
Communication ability
Communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with the patient, his or her family, clinical personnel and others to obtain or disseminate information relevant to patient care and work duties
Critical-thinking ability
Evaluate and analyze lab values
Identify and evaluate ventilator waveforms, normal range values and radiography tests
Read and correctly carry out written instructions on requisitions, treatment charts, notes and other records
Mental acuity and emotional stability
Demonstrate emotional stability and mental alertness in day-to-day interactions with patients, visitors, staff and peers in high-stress or pressure situations that occur in the clinical setting
