Technical Standards

These essential functions represent the non-academic requirements of the Master of Science in Respiratory Care Program. All applicants must meet these requirements in order to participate in the program. Graduates of the program must be able to meet certain physical and mental requirements to ensure the safe performance of respiratory care procedures. Due to the nature of typical clinical assignments, applicants must be able to meet the criteria listed below related to hearing, mobility, motor skills (fine and gross), tactile, visual, physical endurance and mental/attitudinal standards.

Hearing Standards

The student must possess auditory ability sufficient to hear and understand patients and staff, assess and monitor patient sounds. Examples include the following:
  • Communicate and interact with patients and families from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Follow oral instructions.
  • Hear heart and breath sounds.
  • Detect and discriminate between sounds of normal respiration.
  • Identify and localize alarm sounds emitted from patient care equipment.

Mobility Standards

The student must possess mobility and strength sufficient to support and move patients. Examples include the following:
  • Support and transfer patients, move in and out of treatment areas.
  • Reach equipment or parts of patient’s body.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills Standards

The student must possess the ability to perform multiple motor tasks simultaneously; fine and gross motor skills sufficient to handle equipment and provide safe and effective patient care; steady arm and hand movements while manipulating objects or assisting patients. Examples include the following:
  • Operate and manipulate equipment, blood collection devices, several items at once.
  • Administer aerosols, suction patient, and adjust pressure gauges.
  • Lift and transport oxygen cylinders, move in and out of treatment areas.
  • Push and pull hospital beds.

Tactile Standards

The student must possess tactile ability sufficient to assess patient’s response to therapy (e.g., distinguish textures, degrees of firmness, temperature differences, and pulse rate).

Visual Standards

The student must possess visual ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient and equipment function to provide safe and effective respiratory care. Examples include the following:
  • Read written instructions and orders.
  • Read fine print, monitors, and gauges.
  • Differentiate color and character of sputum for signs or nature of infection and/or disease.
  • Chart procedures and observation in a permanent medical record.

Physical Endurance Standards

The student must possess physical endurance ability sufficient to work in a clinical setting for eight to twelve hours performing physical tasks requiring physical energy without jeopardizing patient safety. Examples include the following:
  • Remain standing and walking between patient care areas for at least an hour.
  • Perform chest compressions during CPR.
  • Manually ventilate a patient for at least 30 minutes during resuscitation.

Mental / Attitudinal Standards

The student must possess mental and attitudinal ability sufficient to interact with patients and other health care personnel in providing appropriate patient care and exhibiting attitudes and actions consistent with the ethical standards of the profession. Examples include the following:
  • Function safely, effectively, and calmly under stressful situations.
  • Maintain composure while managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Exhibit social skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, families, supervisors, and co-workers of the same or different cultures, such as respect, politeness, tact, collaboration, teamwork, and discretion.
  • Maintain personal hygiene consistent with the close personal contact associated with patient care.