The Commission Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) instructs degree advancement programs in the creation, evaluation, and analysis of Expected Student Learning Outcomes (ESLOs). These outcomes provide a standardized methodology for your education and that you achieve your goals and graduate with the skills and knowledge to reflect your level of education.
The respiratory therapy program’s ESLO plan is woven into every aspect of the curriculum. All of the program's courses are designed for development of the ESLO’s and culminate into the final courses where students complete independent research (REST 460) and receive curricula to prepare them to undertake a specialty exam (REST 499). We recognize that respiratory therapy is a dynamic field that requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and our ESLO plan reflects this understanding.
Our ESLO plan incorporates both objective and subjective measures of outcomes to provide a comprehensive assessment of student competency. Objective measures may include written quizzes, exams, and case studies, allowing us to quantitatively evaluate student performance. Subjective measures such as faculty evaluations, peer feedback, and self-reflections provide valuable qualitative insights into students' development.
Additionally, our ESLO plan is regularly reviewed to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for the demands of the profession. Faculty members engage in ongoing assessment and quality improvement efforts to identify areas for enhancement and implement evidence-based strategies for optimizing student learning outcomes. The USI RRT to BSRT Program ESLOs are:
Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with the respiratory care code of ethics, ethical obligations, and professional conduct.
Demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, time management skills, interpersonal communication skills, and technical skills necessary to provide competent respiratory care..
Evaluate evidence-based best practices through research and the critique and interpretation of professional scientific literature.
Assess current issues and trends in health care, including public policy, access, quality improvement, and legal and ethical topics.
Develop respiratory education through the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients affected by cardiopulmonary disorders.
Apply and evaluate information in relation to the advanced medical treatment of the critically ill adult patient relevant to his/her role as an advanced level respiratory therapist.
Illustrate understanding of the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation and its impact cardiopulmonary disorders.
Examine effective leadership techniques and practices used in the healthcare setting.
Apply knowledge learned to specific areas of respiratory therapy through independent research.
The Expected Student Learning Outcomes Rubric is available in Appendix H of this handbook.
The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) provides guidance for the introduction, development, and mastery of each Expected Student Learning Outcome (ESLO) in the Degree Advancement Standards. Appendix G of this handbook contains a map which shows courses that contain each of these elements of ELSO mastery.
Students may also refer to the syllabus of each individual course to find the ESLO(s) relevant to the course and the specific CoARC standard(s) met with competent completion of the course.
