Respiratory Therapy
Results of Assessment
1999-2000 (submitted 11/28/00)
The respiratory therapy programs (both A.A.S. and A.S.) continue to employ
outcome measures described on the "Graduate Outcome Measures" grids
which are posted to the WSU Assessment site. These grids are updated as new
information becomes available.
Outcome Measures
In general, the respiratory therapy program utilizes graduate surveys,
employer surveys, graduate placement data, graduate performance on national
credentialing examinations, and program attrition as program outcome measures (see
specific details below).
These outcomes are discussed with program faculty on an on-going basis (faculty
meetings are held weekly, program Advisory Committee meetings are conducted once
per semester). Feedback is reviewed and assessed as it is received, and
cumulative data are reported on the Graduate Outcomes Measures as well as
to the program’s accrediting agency (CoARC).
Program Response to Outcome Measures
Although our graduates continue to perform well on national credentialing
examinations, a recent task force of the Advisory committee explored national
trends in respiratory care education as it relates to the bi-level program
configuration currently in place at Weber State University (A.A.S. to A.S.).
National trends, as reflected in changes to the current credentialing matrix
content and recent graduate performance on these examinations, clearly indicates
a movement towards baccalaureate preparation and a "blending" of the
curricula to more effectively prepare new graduates to enter the technologically
complex job market. Since more than 75% of our current graduates pursue bachelor’s
degrees, and additional content in neurodiagnostics and critical care has been
suggested by Advisory Committee feedback, the program is considering a
reconfiguration to a bachelor’s degree level. This transition will require
approximately two years, and the program will conserve its current flexibility
to matriculate transfer students from other programs or A.S. graduates from Utah
or other states.
Future Assessment Plans
The program does not anticipate eliminating any currently utilized outcome
measures and will continue to follow the assessment plan already in place to
monitor the 2000-01 classes.
Entry-Level Respiratory Therapist
Program (A.A.S.)
Graduate Outcome Measures
1999-2000
|
Outcome |
Results |
Future Plans |
|
Standard A:
Prepare competent entry-level respiratory therapists who meet the cognitive
(knowledge) expectations of employers.
|
1. 9/10 graduates passed the NBRC entry-level examination (90% pass-rate);
national pass-rate for this examination has historically been 50-55%. Eight
additional students will graduate in December, 2000.
2. Employer survey return rate is over 90%; employers report satisfaction with
level of knowledge of new graduates.
|
1. Continue to modify curriculum as necessary to preserve acceptable pass-rate
on national examination.
2. Continue to utilize Employer surveys; actively seek additional feedback
through Advisory Committee.
|
| Standard
B:
Prepare competent entry-level respiratory therapists who meet the psychomotor
skills expectations of employers. |
3. Students have been successful in retaining skills.
4. Employers report satisfaction with graduate skills and knowledge regarding
equipment-related job requirements.
|
3. This system was implemented at the suggestion of the Advisory committee and
has been very useful.
4. Continue to utilize and monitor.
|
| Standard
C:
Prepare competent entry-level respiratory therapists who meet the affective
skills expectations of employers. |
5. Faculty are generally satisfied with student behaviors.
6. Employers report 90% satisfaction with work habits, communication skills,
etc. exhibited by new graduates.
|
5. Continue to mentor and help students develop appropriate professional
behavioral skills.
6. Continue to monitor.
|
| Standard
D:
Retain 90% of students selected to enter the program; place 90% of program
graduates within 6 months of program completion. |
7. Attrition 1999-00 (23 students) was 1 (4%).
8. 11/14 (79%) graduates were employed in
the field within 6 months of graduation; two graduates have not become
licensed and are not eligible to work, one is enrolled in the nursing
program, and one in enrolled in the HP/Education program.
|
7. Continue to utilize selection system and faculty advising.
8. Continue to match graduate numbers with available jobs; of the 14 graduates
of this class, only 10 returned to the advanced-level program (this is a rare
phenomenon and we will monitor closely to determine whether this is a selection
issue). |
Advanced-Level Respiratory Therapist Program (A.S.)
Graduate Outcome Measures
1999-2000
|
Outcome |
Results |
Future Plans |
|
Standard A: Prepare competent advanced-level
respiratory therapists who meet the cognitive (knowledge)
expectations of employers.
|
1. No information is available yet via
formal channels; anecdotal reports from graduates yields an 80% pass
rate through September, 2000 (historical national pass - rates are in
the 55-60% range).
2. Employer survey return rate is over
90%; employers report satisfaction with level of knowledge of new
graduates.
|
1. Continue to modify curriculum as
necessary to preserve acceptable pass-rate on national examination.
2. Continue to utilize Employer surveys;
actively seek additional feedback through Advisory Committee.
|
| Standard B:
Prepare competent advanced - level
respiratory therapists who meet the psychomotor skills expectations
of employers. |
3. Students have been successful in
retaining skills.
4. Employers report satisfaction with
graduate skills and knowledge regarding equipment-related job
requirements.
|
3. This system was implemented at the
suggestion of the Advisory committee and has been very useful.
4. Continue to utilize and monitor.
|
| Standard C:
Prepare competent advanced-level
respiratory therapists who meet the affective skills expectations
of employers. |
5. Faculty are generally satisfied with
student behaviors.
6. Employers report 90% satisfaction with
work habits, communication skills, etc. exhibited by new graduates.
|
5. Continue to mentor and help students
develop appropriate professional behavioral skills.
6. Continue to monitor.
|
| Standard D:
Retain 90% of students selected to enter
the program; place 90% of program graduates within 6 months of program
completion. |
7. Attrition 1999-00 (14 students) was
1[7%].
8. 13/13 (100%) graduates were employed
in the field within 6 months of graduation.
|
7. Continue to utilize selection system
and faculty advising.
8. Continue to match graduate numbers
with available jobs. |
Mission Statement /
Student Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid / Assessment
Plan / Contact Person
|
