Respiratory Therapy

Outcomes & Performance

The respiratory therapy program at Lakeland Community College serves students and the healthcare community by preparing 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).

Students in this program are expected to meet our list of essential skills and technical standards.

1. We value each student and will provide them with an opportunity to practice respiratory care in a supportive environment that will serve to promote understanding and appreciation of the role of respiratory therapists as members of the healthcare team.
2. We value our hospital affiliates and will work with them to promote interdependency where we will supply the best candidates for employment and they will provide those students with opportunities for excellence in practice.
3. We value each patient's life as though it were our own. We will respect the rights of others and appreciate cultural differences as they relate to patient care.
4. We value teamwork and communication with other members of the medical profession with respect to excellence in care-giving.

The following list contains information regarding essential functions outlining the physical abilities and behavioral characteristics necessary for the student to successfully participate in and complete the respiratory therapy program.

The student should carefully look over these essential functions for the profession of Respiratory Therapy and ask questions if not familiar with the activities or functions listed. The student must decide if he or she has any limitations that may restrict or interfere with satisfactory performance of any of the requirements. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to meet these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.  The student should consult with their physician and the Program Director to discuss any concerns related to meeting the requirements of these essential functions.  Students who may require accommodations are encouraged to contact Lakeland's Disability Support Services early in the program to initiate support and ensure a smooth educational experience.

• Hearing ─ Students must be able to hear and understand patients and staff; assess and monitor patient sounds; use a stethoscope to hear heart and breath sounds; hear percussion sounds during patient assessment and have the ability to hear sounds (alarms) from a variety of equipment.
• Mobility ─ Students must have mobility and strength to support and move patients. They must be able to work while remaining in a standing position for 60-90 minutes. Additionally, students must be able to move quickly from place to place to perform patient care including support and transfer of patients safely and to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.  They must be able to reach above shoulder height and below waist level to manipulate equipment and be able to lift and transport oxygen cylinders and attach regulators.
• Motor Skills (fine and gross) ─ Students must be able to perform multiple motor tasks simultaneously. They also must have fine and gross motor skills sufficient to handle equipment and provide safe and effective patient care including preparing and manipulating syringes and needles, administer aerosols, suction patients, adjust pressure gauges, perform airway management and CPR.  Students must have steady arm and hand movements while manipulating objects or assisting patients.  They must have the ability to lift a minimum of 40 pounds.
• Visual ─ Students must have visual ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient and equipment function and to provide safe and effective respiratory care. This includes reading written instructions/orders, reading fine print on monitors and gauges, differentiating clinically relevant color and characteristics of sputum for signs of infection or disease, charting procedures and observations legibly, seeing and discriminating between a variety of equipment visual alarms, observing demonstrations, and observing patients close up and at a distance to learn skills and gather patient data, such as gait, appearance, and posture.
• Tactile ─ Students must be able to assess patient's response to therapy tactilely including distinguishing textures, degrees of firmness, temperature differences, pulse rate, vibrations and strength.
• Communication - Students must be able to effectively communicate in the English language verbally and in writing with patients and members of the healthcare team. Students also must be able to accurately read and comprehend written material in English.
• Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities - Students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, integrate and apply information. Problem solving and clinical skills required of therapists, involve all the aforementioned intellectual abilities.
• Behavioral and Social Attributes - Students must possess the emotional health required to use their intellectual abilities fully, such as exercising good judgment, promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and developing mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other healthcare workers.

Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and ambiguities inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are personal qualities that will be assessed during the educational process.

• Ethical Standards - Students must demonstrate professional demeanor and behavior and must perform in an ethical manner in all dealings with peers, faculty, staff, and patients.

GRADING, COURSE, AND PROGRESSION POLICIES

1. All coursework within the curriculum must be completed with a "C" grade or better. The student must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 at all times throughout the Respiratory program. A grade point average less than 2.0 will result in dismissal from the program.
 

2. Grades are based on coursework. Requirements for various courses are detailed in each course syllabus. The grading scale in all Respiratory Therapy classes is as follows:

A     92-100%

B     83-91%

C     75-82%

D     68-74%

F     less than 68%

 

3. The student must earn a "C" in all RESP specific courses in the curriculum and satisfactorily pass all clinical components to progress to the next semester of coursework.

4. Students must successfully complete ENGL 1110, BIOL 2210, BIOL 2220, and MATH 1330 or a higher-level approved mathematics course with a grade of "C" or higher by the end of the summer semester immediately following the first year of Respiratory Therapy Program coursework.  Students who do not complete these required courses by that deadline will not be permitted to continue into the second fall semester of the Respiratory Therapy Program. The student must step out of the program, complete the outstanding required course or courses with a grade of "C" or higher, and then request readmission to the Respiratory Therapy Program under the program's Readmission Policy.

 

5. A "D" in any of the following courses will result in dismissal from the program and necessitate the course be repeated prior to graduation. Re-admission will require permission from the program director.

      a.    ALL RESP COURSES*

      b.    BIOL 2210

      c.    BIOL 2220

      d.    BIOL 2700

      e.    MATH 1330 or equivalent or higher-level MATH course.

*Some respiratory courses include a clinical component. Clinical experience is integral to the practice of respiratory therapy and must be completed satisfactorily to progress within the program. Specific student evaluation is discussed in the Respiratory Therapy Clinical Policies. A grade of Unsatisfactory in the clinical component will result in failure of the entire course. The grade for that course will be an "F" regardless of the standing in theory.  

*A "D" in any course not listed above required for graduation needs to be repeated for a grade of "C" or higher prior to graduation. (i.e. PSYC 1500)

 

6. An "F" grade is unacceptable in any part the program.

a. If the student earns an "F" in any of the classes leading to the associate of applied science degree in respiratory therapy the student will be dismissed from the program and must petition in writing to the Program Director for re-admission.

b. If the student is allowed re-admission, an exam covering material up to the time of dismissal will be given. The student must earn 75% or better on this exam to continue in the program.

 

7. Pass/Fail, Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades are not permitted in courses that meet degree requirements in Respiratory Therapy.

 

8. Incomplete grades may be requested by a student who is progressing satisfactorily in a course but for reasons beyond his/her control, has not completed requirements for the course when final grades are submitted by the instructor. An Incomplete grade may not be used if the student is failing and/or to allow a student extra time to avoid failing a course.

 

   Incomplete forms may be obtained from the Admissions Office. It is the student's responsibility to initiate a request for an incomplete grade. Further information about incomplete grades may be found in the college catalog.

 

9. Withdrawing from a class constitutes withdrawing from the program. Program coursework is set up sequentially with each course building upon the previous courses. Students who withdraw for academic or personal reasons, including incompletes, will not be permitted to advance in respiratory coursework until the course withdrawn from is completed with a "C" grade or higher.

 

10. The student may repeat only one required Respiratory course. The course must be completed at Lakeland Community College. A student who earns a second grade of "D" or "F", withdraws twice, takes a second incomplete grade, or any combination of "D", "F", "W" or "Incomplete" will be dismissed from the Respiratory Program and will be ineligible to return.

 

11. Students must be in good standing in the college to be in the Respiratory program. Good standing is defined as a student that is not on probation for academics, skill competence or behavioral conduct issues. Students dismissed from the college for one of the above issues are also ineligible for participation in the Respiratory program.

 

Readmission Policy

Readmission is not guaranteed. It is contingent upon space availability. When a student petitions in writing for readmission, the Program Director will consult with the Director of Clinical Education. In the case of program failure, the Program Director will consult with the Respiratory Advisory Board at the following scheduled Advisory Board meeting.

Re-admission to the Respiratory program will be made on a space available basis. Priority will be given in the following order:

      1. Those who voluntarily leave the program for personal or other reasons.

      2. Those students receiving a "D" and reapplying for the following year.

      3. Those students who fail (received a "F") and are re-admitted by the Program Director after successfully completing the placement exam described under the Grading, Course, and Progression Policies #6 b.

      

      If there are more re-applicants than space available, admission will be given in the preceding order. If a tie occurs the following additional guidelines will be used for re-admission:

      1. Students without Needs Improvement (N.I.) or Unsatisfactory (U.) marks        

on clinical assessments as submitted by clinical preceptors.

      2. Students who do not have any behavioral issues necessitating            

            conferences or consultations with faculty.

      3. Students with the highest grade point average in the respiratory program.

NOTE: Students wishing to reapply for admission following a "D" or "W" or  voluntary withdrawal resulting in program dismissal must first complete all degree-required coursework with a "C" grade or better and continue to have a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.0. Students return to the program on a space-available basis only. If space is unavailable, the student cannot return to complete the degree.

The College reserves the right to revise the respiratory curriculum and program entry standards. Courses may be added or revised to meet accreditation requirements, the requirements of the state of Ohio, and to keep pace with current trends in the respiratory profession.

A student re-entering the Respiratory Program will be subject to those new program policies and procedures in effect at the time of re-entry. A copy of these will be made available to the student at the time of re-entry.

The Respiratory Therapy Program follows the academic, clinical, remediation, professional conduct, dismissal, readmission, and appeal policies published in the Respiratory Therapy Program Student Handbook. The program does not maintain a separate standalone suspension policy. Student concerns are addressed through the program's published progression, remediation, conduct, clinical evaluation, course failure, dismissal, readmission, and appeal procedures. Students are also responsible for following Lakeland Community College policies and the College Student Conduct Code.

Policies related to program conduct, remediation, clinical performance, dismissal, readmission, and appeals are located in the Respiratory Therapy Program Student Handbook in the sections listed below.

Related Student Handbook Sections

• Academic Honesty and Professional Behavior — p. 24
  Covers academic dishonesty, professional behavior, and possible program consequences including course failure and dismissal.
• Exam Review and Academic Integrity Policy — p. 25
  Covers exam security violations and possible disciplinary action, including course failure or dismissal.
• Artificial Intelligence Use — p. 25
  Covers unauthorized or undisclosed AI use as academic dishonesty.
• Remediation — pp. 26–27
  Covers written remediation contracts, required actions, academic/professional probation language, ineligibility to progress, course failure, and dismissal.
• Lakeland Policies — p. 28
  States that students must follow Lakeland Community College policies in the college-wide Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
• Appeals Process — p. 28
  Covers appeals of clinical or academic decisions, including dismissals, unsatisfactory ratings, or grade disputes.
• Student Professional Conduct Policy — pp. 29–39
  Covers professional behavior expectations in class, lab, simulation, skills checkoffs, testing, clinical, program activities, and electronic communication. Also covers conduct violations and program consequences.
• Clinical Attendance — pp. 44–45
  Covers clinical attendance expectations.
• Clinical Skills Challenge — pp. 48–49

      Covers challenge of previously passed skills and failure of a clinical skills challenge.

• Clinical Remediation — p. 49
  Covers clinical remediation contracts, sharing remediation contracts with clinical sites, failure to improve, Unsatisfactory ratings, course failure, and dismissal.
• Discharge for Improper Conduct — p. 49
  Covers clinical site discharge, serious clinical conduct violations, patient safety, and dismissal-related consequences.
• Re-admission Policy — p. 20
  Covers readmission after leaving, D/F grades, voluntary withdrawal, dismissal, and space-available return to the program.

Respiratory Therapy Appeals Process

Students have the right to appeal clinical or academic decisions such as dismissals, unsatisfactory ratings, or grade disputes after it is first brought to the attention of the faculty member and Program Director. Students may also submit academic or non-academic grievances through the College's published grievance and appeal procedures.

If students do not agree with the decision, appeals must be submitted in writing to the Dean of Health Professions within five (5) business days of the decision. Once the Dean of Health Professions reviews the appeal, the student will be notified of the decision. The grievance and appeal process is intended to provide a mechanism for review, due process, and fair disposition. Students should consult the Lakeland Student Handbook for complete grievance procedures.

Lakeland Community College Student Complaint Procedure

https://www.lakelandcc.edu/web/public-policies-and-procedures/procedures/ss61-02b?utm

Respiratory Therapy Appeals Process

Students have the right to appeal clinical or academic decisions such as dismissals, unsatisfactory ratings, or grade disputes after it is first brought to the attention of the faculty member and Program Director. Students may also submit academic or non-academic grievances through the College's published grievance and appeal procedures.

 

If students do not agree with the decision, appeals must be submitted in writing to the Dean of Health Professions within five (5) business days of the decision. Once the Dean of Health Professions reviews the appeal, the student will be notified of the decision. The grievance and appeal process is intended to provide a mechanism for review, due process, and fair disposition. Students should consult the Lakeland Student Handbook for complete grievance procedures.

 

Lakeland Community College Student Complaint Procedure

https://www.lakelandcc.edu/web/public-policies-and-procedures/procedures/ss61-02b?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Students may be employed while enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy Program; however, employment must not interfere with academic, laboratory, or clinical requirements. Students are responsible for meeting all program expectations, clinical schedules, attendance requirements, skill competencies, and safety requirements.

Employment and Clinical Coursework

Students who are employed in respiratory care while enrolled in the program may not use paid employment hours, work assignments, internship/apprenticeship hours, or employee responsibilities to satisfy the program's required clinical coursework, clinical hours, clinical competencies, or clinical evaluations. Students must not complete clinical coursework while employed at any healthcare facility and must not receive payment for patient care provided as part of required program clinical coursework. Students also must not be used as substitutes for paid clinical, instructional, or administrative staff during clinical rotations.

This policy is located in the Respiratory Therapy Program Student Handbook under Student Employment While Enrolled in the Program.

Clinical Safety and Work Schedules

Students cannot work a night shift and then go immediately to a day shift clinical rotation. This is addressed in the Student Professional Conduct Policy and is considered a clinical safety and professional responsibility issue.

This policy is located in the Respiratory Therapy Program Student Handbook under Student Professional Conduct Policy.

Student Advising Note

The Respiratory Therapy Program is academically and clinically demanding. Students who plan to work while enrolled are strongly encouraged to discuss their work schedule with program faculty or a counselor before beginning the program. Students who complete non-RESP general education courses before entering the Respiratory Therapy course sequence may have more flexibility for part-time employment. Regardless of employment status, students must meet all program requirements, attend clinical as scheduled, and be safe and prepared.

The students will acquire fundamental knowledge of respiratory therapy concepts related to current practice.

1. Explain respiratory related diagnostics.
2. Discuss respiratory related therapeutics.
3. Describe the basic principles of cardiopulmonary disorders.
4. Describe basic principles of cardiopulmonary pharmacology.
5. Describe the basic principles of respiratory related science.

The students will apply knowledge of respiratory care to relevant patient situations.

1. Recommend, interpret and communicate results of respiratory related diagnostics.
2. Perform respiratory related diagnostic tests.
3. Recommend, apply and communicated results of respiratory related therapeutic modalities.

The students will demonstrate behaviors appropriate to a professional respiratory therapist.

1. Demonstrate professionalism in a clinical setting.
2. Interacts appropriately with patients and their families.

• Student Learning Outcomes

Graduation Requirements:

To graduate from the Respiratory Therapy Program, students must meet all Lakeland Community College graduation requirements and all Respiratory Therapy Program requirements.  Students must successfully complete all courses required for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapy as listed in the current college catalog, curriculum guide, and Respiratory Therapy Program Student Handbook. A minimum GPA of 2.0 and a grade of "C" or higher are required in all respiratory therapy and general education courses required for the degree. Students must also satisfactorily complete all required laboratory, simulation, clinical, and skill competency requirements. Failure to successfully complete required clinical components or skill competencies will prevent progression and/or graduation from the program.

The Respiratory Therapy Program is designed to be completed in two years. Once formally admitted into the program and enrolled in respiratory therapy courses, students must complete all required coursework within three years. Students who do not complete the program within the required timeframe must reapply for admission and begin the program again.

Students must also meet all course-specific passing requirements listed in course syllabi, complete all required clinical rotations and clinical education requirements, remain in good standing with Lakeland Community College and the Respiratory Therapy Program, and follow all applicable college, program, and clinical site policies. Students are responsible for applying for graduation through Lakeland Community College by the appropriate college deadline during their final semester.

For complete graduation, curriculum, progression, and clinical requirements, students should review the Respiratory Therapy Program Student Handbook and the current Lakeland Community College catalog.