The Respiratory Therapy Program is designed to prepare graduates to participate in patient assessment, perform diagnostic testing, administer therapeutic treatments, maintain patient ventilation through mechanical support, and participate in the rehabilitation of patients with pulmonary disease. Students and graduates will participate in the treatment and care of patients of every age in a variety of locations. This profession requires an ability to interact and communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals. The respiratory therapist must be able to establish and maintain a rapport with patients, demonstrate an ability to work with mechanical systems, and work with others as part of the health care team.

Preferred high school course work includes algebra, chemistry, and one additional science. Other recommended course work includes Algebra II, biology, geometry, anatomy and physiology.

Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate will be eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care exams to earn the credential CRT and RRT. The first examination for earning the RRT is the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination (prior to January 2015, it was known as the Written Registry Examination). The TMC Examination evaluates the abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice and determines eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).The TMC Examination has two cut scores. You must achieve the high cut score to become eligible for the CSE, and a passing score on the CSE is required for earning the RRT credential. The low cut score earns credentials as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).  The CRT and/or RRT credentials are used as the basis for the licensure in all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care

The program director is Associate Professor Kathleen Compton. Her office number is (740) 264-5591 x1671.

Upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy Program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to the role as registered respiratory therapy practitioner.
2. Demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role as a registered respiratory therapy practitioner.
3. Demonstrate personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer expectations for the registered respiratory therapy practitioner.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Website: https://coarc.com
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Program Number: 200326

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
The CoARC’s Outcomes Webpage: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/