Washburn University 
School of Applied Studies
Department of Allied Health
Respiratory Therapy

Program Degree Requirements

Program Application

Technical Standards/
Skills Requirements

Clinical Information

Allied Health International Admissions

AARC Life and Breath Video

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Class Schedules

Physical Demands:

Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to display the medium strength rating, as described by the Dictionary for Occupational Titles, which reflects the ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (occasionally:  activity of condition exists up to 1/3 of the time), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (frequently:  activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (constantly:  activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects.

Must possess sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other evaluation procedures.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to execute motor movements including the physical/dexterity strength to stand and ambulate and possess the physical/dexterity strength to lift and transfer patients.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also have the physical strength to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Respiratory therapy procedures require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.  For this reason, candidates for admission to the Program of Respiratory Therapy must have manual dexterity and the ability to engage in procedures involving grasping, pushing, pulling, holding, manipulating, extending and rotating.
 

Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory experiments as required in the curriculum.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to observe patients and be able to obtain an appropriate medical history directly from the patient or guardian.  Such observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, and other sensory modalities.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must have visual perception which includes depth and acuity.

Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to communicate in English effectively and sensitively with patients.  In addition, candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to communicate in English in oral and handwritten form with faculty, allied personnel, and peers in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also be sensitive to multicultural and multilingual needs.  Such communication skills include not only speech, but reading and writing in English.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete written assignments and search and evaluate the literature.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete written assignments and maintain written records.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete assessment exercises.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also have the ability to use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching.  These skills must be performed in clinical settings, as well as the didactic and laboratory environments.

Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must have the ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data.  Problem solving and diagnosis, including obtaining, interpreting, and documenting data, are critical skills demanded of respiratory therapists which require all of these intellectual abilities.  These skills allow students to make proper assessments, sound judgments, appropriately prioritize therapeutic interventions, and measure and record patient care outcomes.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must have the ability to learn to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. 

Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must demonstrate attributes of empathy, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must possess the emotional well-being required for use of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of sound judgement, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibillity, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and stresses which are inherent in the educational process, as well as the clinical problems of many patients.

Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to maintain professional conduct and appearance, maintain client confidentiality and operate within the scope of practice.  Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also have the ability to be assertive, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and function as a part of a medical team.  Such abilities require organizational skills necessary to meet deadlines and manage time.

Pat Munzer, Program Director
(785) 670-1404
Email: pat.munzer@washburn.edu
or 
Allied Health
Department Secretary
(785) 670-2170
Fax: 785) 670-1027