QUESTIONS for Schools
There are many considerations when choosing a respiratory care program that meets your needs. Most likely, you’ll want to find one close to home, but there are other considerations as well. What kind of preparation do you have? How many students will be in the class? Where will clinical practicums be held?
The AARC developed a template of questions you can ask a prospective school to help you evaluate a potential program. Review the questions below. Adapt them and make them your own as you prepare to find a respiratory care program.
Questions
- (High School Student) Are there any required high school courses that are prerequisites for admission?
- (College Student) What is the process to have my academic transcript(s) reviewed to determine what courses will transfer?
- What do you feel are unique aspects of the clinical training?
- What has been the job placement rate over the past three years?
- What percentage of graduates pass the NBRC entry-level exam on the first attempt?
- Of the graduates who attempt the NBRC registry exams, what percentage successfully pass within two years?
- What are the Program costs?
Tuition:
Books:
Other fees:
Uniforms & equipment:
TOTAL:
- What is the...
Instructor-to-student ratio in the classroom:
Instructor-to-student ratio in the training lab:
Instructor-to-student ratio in clinical practicums:
- About how many clinical hours are required?
- Of the total clinical practice hours, what percent is available for students in the following areas:
Adult general care:
Adult critical care:
Pediatric general care:
Pediatric critical care:
Perinatal critical care:
Diagnostics (pulmonary function testing):
Blood gas analysis:
Sleep disorders evaluation:
Transport:
Home care:
Management:
Education (patient and staff development):
- Is there a recent grad or current student I could chat with?
