1. To prepare competent entry-level and advanced-level respiratory care practitioners who demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and behaviors and meet employer expectations;

2. To develop and utilize appropriate selection methods such that attrition is minimized and graduate success meets the program competency goal [#1]; and

3. To balance program enrollment appropriately and match employment needs in the community such that 90% or more of the program graduates are employed in the field within 6 months of graduation.

Learning outcome measures are related only to the first program goal [competency].

Standard A: Demonstrate cognitive skills as defined in the scope of practice for the entry-level and/or advanced practitioner.

Measurement systems:

1. Performance on national standardized credentialing examinations

2. Employer satisfaction with graduate knowledge regarding equipment, medications, pulmonary diseases, and methods of treatment;

3. Performance on standardized self-assessment examinations prior to graduation.

Standard B: Demonstrate psychomotor skills as defined in the scope of practice for the entry-level and/or advanced practitioner.

Measurement systems:

1. Performance of randomly selected skills or procedures which have been learned and demonstrated previously in the program; and

2. Employer satisfaction with graduate job performance such that graduates meet or exceed departmental standards in the assembly, use, and disinfection of equipment, are able to apply skills in clinical situations, and are able to adapt therapy in unfamiliar situations.

Standard C: Demonstrate affective skills as defined in the scope of practice for the entry-level and/or advanced practitioner.

Measurement systems:

1. Final summative evaluation of affective domain performed by faculty during the last 10 weeks of the program [evaluation instrument assesses interpersonal skills, initiative, punctuality, appropriate channels of communication, and effective use of time]; and

2. Employer satisfaction with graduate job performance such that graduates meet or exceed departmental standards relative to work habits, attitude, initiative, and interpersonal skills with patients, physicians, and peers.