Respiratory Care Program Purpose, Philosophy, and Goals

The philosophy of the Respiratory Care Associate of Science Degree Program is derived from the philosophy of the Clarion University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Allied Health.  It is synergistic with the stated mission of Clarion University of Pennsylvania in seeking as its primary goal the provision of educational experiences to promote scientific inquiry, creative thinking, critical judgment, and self-evaluation.  The Respiratory Care Associate Degree Program affords students the opportunity to develop comprehensive technical and fundamental liberal education skills necessary to function as integral members of today's multi-disciplinary and dynamic health care team.

The completion of a formal educational program serves as the starting point on an ever evolving learning continuum that leads to mastery and competency of a chosen profession.  In accordance with the continuing educational philosophy and requirements of respiratory care professional associations, respiratory care students are encouraged to be committed to the idea of life-long and self-directed learning, and to recognize that continual learning maximizes the highest standard of care to patients and society.  Students are encouraged to consider the associate degree as the first step to earning higher academic degrees that will enable them to assume leadership positions within the field of respiratory care.

Respiratory Care Program Goals and Objectives

Program Goal:            To prepare students as competent respiratory care practitioners. 

Program Objectives:  Upon completion of the program the graduate should demonstrate the following:

1. The ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as advanced-level respiratory care practitioners

2. The technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill their roles as advanced-level respiratory care practitioners

3. Professional behavior consistent with employer expectations as advanced-level respiratory care practitioners.

Student Learning Goals

1. Students will possess critical thinking skills in clinical practice.

Supporting Objectives for Goal #1:

A. At least seventy-five percent of second-year respiratory care majors who are enrolled in RESP 210 will pass the interactive capstone clinical simulation scenario.

B. One-hundred percent of students enrolled in RESP 210 will pass at least seven C&S clinical simulations.

C.  At least seventy-five percent of students enrolled in RESP 204 will score seventy percent or higher on the case study presentation report.

2. Students Will understand the role of evidence-based medicine in the practice of respiratory care.

Supporting Objectives:

A. At least seventy-five percent of students enrolled in RESP 205 will earn a passing grade on an evidence-based research paper.