Respiratory Therapy

Technical Standards

The West Virginia University Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program seeks to ensure that the highest professional and technical standards are maintained by all faculty, staff, administration, clinical partners, and students. The work conducted by respiratory professionals is rigorous and the role and accompanying responsibilities require elite skills and knowledge.

In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act, and to promote attainment of these essential skills, the program has established technical standards in the areas of patient care, communication, psychomotor, kinesthetic, intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities. These technical standards must be demonstrated by students to successfully graduate from the WVU BSRT program and to excel as a competent registered respiratory therapist. Students matriculating within the WVU BSRT program are required to perform to these technical standards throughout the professional phase of the program (and beyond), with or without reasonable accommodations. 

Prior to transitioning into the professional phase of the program, students must sign and submit the "WVU Respiratory Therapy Program - Technical Standards Policy and Acknowledgment Form," which can be obtained from Program Director Michael Mehall (email).

To meet program competencies and individual course objectives and ensure the health and safety of patients, the qualifying student must demonstrate the following technical standards:

Cognitive

  1. Demonstrate the ability to measure, calculate, and analyze data. Students must be able to recall, apply, and analyze information effectively to make proper assessments, think critically, and solve problems related to patient management, clinical applications, and therapeutic interventions.
  2. Accurately interpret and respond to verbal and nonverbal communications from all students, faculty, patients, health care personnel, and others encountered within this program.
  3. Convey, comprehend, and articulate written, oral, and audio/video course materials, clinical documents, institutional and national policies, and procedures of health care and respiratory therapy practice.
  4. Perform accurate communication and problem-solving skills including observation, assessment, analysis, synthesis, and other critical thinking skills. The students must provide safe, competent, superior care to patients and families in all areas of the program. 

Physical

  1. Possess appropriate physical endurance and ability to work in a timely and effective manner within a clinical setting for up to twelve (12) hours per day completing exertional tasks with sufficient energy while always maintaining patient safety. 
  2. Perform essential physical, emotional, and psychomotor skills while maintaining a state of awareness and responsiveness.
  3. Lift and support fifty (50) pounds to safely reposition patients, move, assemble, and transport respiratory therapy equipment.
  4. Utilize vision (eyesight), audible hearing, and tactile touch to assess patients and situations from a distance and close at hand.
  5. Hear and understand patients and staff; assess and monitor patient or equipment sounds.
  6. Conduct patient care with adequate communication and sensitivity.  Students must be able to communicate English effectively in oral and written form to optimize patient care.
  7. Conduct activities in an ethical, fair, and safe manner for themselves, patients, and fellow medical team members.  
  8. Execute fine and gross motor skills of the upper and lower extremities adequate to handle all scenarios they may encounter and move/manipulate equipment while providing safe and effective patient care.
  9. Transport and move freely to effectively observe, inspect, and assess patients with routine, emergency, and high-risk situations.
  10. Demonstrate emotional stability in the classroom and clinical settings.
  11. Perform all actions with the utmost professional demeanor and accountability for actions/behaviors in clinical and academic settings.

Communication/Behavioral

  1. Communicate in a fair, compassionate, professional manner with patients, families, and all members of the community regardless of socioeconomic or cultural backgrounds.
  2. Promote optimal outcomes for others by conducting all actions with honesty, compassion, and integrity.
  3. Maintain professional behavior and demeanor when faced with challenging situations.
  4. Always conduct themselves ethically and professionally.

Students who believe compensation is necessary should contact the WVU Office of Accessibility Services (https://accessibilityservices.wvu.edu/).