Title: List the functional requirements for employment as a respiratory therapist.
Course: Respiratory Therapy I (14061-I) > Section: Exploring the World of Respiratory Therapy

List should include:

- Sufficient eyesight (and color vision) to observe patients, perform and visualize patient assessments, manipulate equipment, read patient records, graphs, and test results, and view digital displays and monitors from an applicable distance.
- Sufficient hearing to communicate with the patient and with healthcare team members, monitor patients using electronic equipment, and hear sounds during the operation of equipment.
- Satisfactory English speaking, reading and writing skills.
- Sufficient gross and fine-motor coordination to be able to perform tasks that require fine-motor skills, manipulate equipment, lift, stoop, or bend in the delivery of safe patient care.
- Satisfactory physical strength and endurance to be standing for extended periods and to move heavy equipment, patients, and supplies.
- Satisfactory intellectual, emotional, and psychological health and functioning to ensure patient safety and to exercise independent judgment and discretion in performing assigned tasks
- Computer proficiency for documentation of medical records.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why does a respiratory therapist have to have these functional requirements?
- What would happen if a respiratory therapist had one of these problems?
- Why is it important for a respiratory therapist to have good vision?
- Why is it important for respiratory therapists to have sufficient hearing?