Additional Admission Requirements for Respiratory Therapy Program

Students in the Respiratory Therapy Program are expected to perform the following:

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS          

• Move within confined spaces
• Sit and maintain balance
• Stand and maintain balance
• Reach above shoulders (e.g., IV poles)
• Reach below waist (e.g., plug electrical appliance into wall outlets)

FINE MOTOR SKILLS  

• Pick up objects with both hands
• Grasp small objects with both hands (e.g., IV tubing, pencil)
• Write with pen or pencil
• Key/type (e.g., use a computer)
• Pinch/pick or otherwise work with fingers (e.g., manipulate a syringe)
• Twist (e.g., turn objects/knobs using both hands)

PHYSICAL ENDURANCE         

• Stand (e.g., at client side during surgical or therapeutic procedure)
• Sustain repetitive movements (e.g., using both hands to perform CPR)
• Maintain physical tolerance (e.g., work entire shift)

PHYSICAL STRENGTH

• Push and pull 25 pounds (e.g., position patients, move ventilators)
• Support 25 pounds of weight (e.g., ambulate patient)
• Lift 25 pounds (e.g., pick up a child, transfer patient)
• Move light objects weighing up to 10 pounds (e.g., IV poles)
• Move heavy objects weighing from 11 to 50 pounds
• Defend self against combative patient
• Carry equipment/supplies
• Use upper body strength (e.g., perform CPR, physically restrain a patient)
• Squeeze with both hands (e.g., operate a manual resuscitation bag)

MOBILITY        

• Twist & Bend
• Stoop/squat
• Move quickly (e.g., response to an emergency)
• Climb (e.g., ladders/stools/stairs)
• Walk

HEARING         

• Hear normal speaking level sounds (e.g., person-to-person report)
• Hear faint voices
• Hear faint body sounds (e.g., blood pressure sounds, assess placement of tubes)
• Hear in situations when not able to see lips (e.g., when masks are used)
• Hear auditory alarms (e.g., monitors, fire alarms, call bells)

VISUAL

• See objects up to 20 inches away (e.g., information on a computer screen, skin conditions)
• See objects up to 20 feet away (e.g., patient in a room)
• Use depth perception
• Use peripheral vision
• Distinguish color (e.g., color codes on supplies, charts, bed)
• Distinguish color intensity (e.g., flushed skin, skin paleness)

Student Employment and Work Experience Policy

Students enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy program at ACC are strongly encouraged to work no more than a part-time job throughout the length of the program. Student employment should allow for full-time attendance and participation in the program.

While enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy program, ACC does not accept or award credit for prior or current work experience in lieu of required education, coursework, laboratory instruction, or clinical education.

Students who are employed in any medical care setting, including respiratory care, may not count time worked as an employee toward the clinical hours required to complete the Respiratory Therapy program. Employment and required clinical education must remain separate.