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Student and Program Outcomes

Respiratory Therapy Student Outcomes
BSRT - Traditional 4-Year Degree

Upon successful completion of all respiratory therapist program requirements, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate proficiency as a respiratory care practitioner, as described by the National Board of Respiratory Care and the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
  2. Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with the respiratory care code of ethics, ethical obligations, and professional conduct.
  3. Demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, time management skills, interpersonal communication skills, and technical skills necessary to provide competent respiratory care in multidisciplinary care settings.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in oral, written, and visual forms.
  5. Show proficiency in establishing an evidence base for best practices through research and the critique and interpretation of professional scientific literature.
  6. Display knowledge of current issues and trends in health care, including public policy, access, quality improvement, and legal and ethical topics.
  7. Exhibit knowledge of the roles in respiratory education and management.
  8. Assist physicians in diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients affected by cardiopulmonary disorders.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to apply and evaluate information relevant to his/her role as an advanced level respiratory therapist.
  10. Demonstrate basic competencies in alternate care sites (i.e., homecare, rehabilitation centers, and long-term mechanical ventilator centers).

Respiratory Therapy Program Goals
BSRT - Traditional 4-Year Degree

  1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains required of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
  2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the field of respiratory care in one or more of the following: management, education, research, and advanced clinical practice (which may include an area of specialization).
  3. To promote and advance personal development of respiratory faculty, staff, and health professionals.

Respiratory Therapy Program Student Outcomes

1. Attrition/Retention: Current program retention rate is 93% with an attrition of 7%

2. Credentialing Exam: Current program NBC graduate pass rates include:

Year Low Cut TMC High Cut TMC CSE
2019 93.8% 93.8% 100%
2020 100% 93.8% 91.7%
2021 90% 90% 87.5%
2022 100% 93% 93%
2023 100% 100% 84.6%

3. Positive Placement: Employed within six months of graduation of 95%

4. Employer Satisfaction: Current employer satisfaction with graduates of 100%

5. Overall Graduate Satisfaction: Current graduate satisfaction of 100%

Faculty Achievements

All faculty have a specialty rating in Respiratory Therapy:

  • Mary Phillips, M.Ed., RRT, RPFT, AE-C, Chair and Assistant Professor in Respiratory Therapy, is a certified asthma educator and holds the Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) certification.
  • Jody Delp, MEd, RRT, CPFT, Clinical Assistant Professor of Respiratory Therapy, holds a special certification in pulmonary function technology.
  • Erin Parchman, MSRC, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, holds a pulmonary function technician certification and is a certified asthma educator.

Congratulations to Class of 2023
for 100% Pass Rate

The USI Respiratory Therapy Class of 2023 achieved a 100% pass rate on the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam.

"The attainment of a 100% pass rate on the national board exam for Respiratory Therapy holds paramount significance within our program," said Jody Delp, Chair of Respiratory Therapy. "This remarkable achievement not only exemplifies the exceptional quality of education and training we provide, but also serves as a testament to the dedication and proficiency of our students and faculty. A flawless pass rate underscores our commitment to producing skilled and competent respiratory therapists who contribute effectively to the healthcare sector."

Delp said this accomplishment not only elevates USI's reputation, but also instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in the graduates, fostering their success and advancement within the profession. She said every member of the cohort had secured employment prior to graduation.