Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

2011 AARC International Congress

Thomas V. Hill, PhD, RRT, FAARC

What Every New Program Director Needs to Know

Conflict of InterestConflict of InterestI have no real or perceived I have no real or perceived

conflict of interest that relates to conflict of interest that relates to this presentation. Any use of brand this presentation. Any use of brand names is not in any way meant to names is not in any way meant to be an endorsement of a specific be an endorsement of a specific product, but to merely illustrate a product, but to merely illustrate a point of emphasis.point of emphasis.

CoARC DisclaimerThe opinions expressed here are the The opinions expressed here are the

personal opinions of Thomas Hill. personal opinions of Thomas Hill. Content presented here is not read or Content presented here is not read or approved by the Commission on approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and does not necessarily (CoARC) and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of represent the views and opinions of CoARC.CoARC.

Learning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesDescribe the roles and responsibilities

of the Program Director as required by CoARC Standards.

Identify essential resources for the successful Program Director.

Identify behaviors & attitudes helpful to the new Program Director.

2010 Accreditation Standards for theProfession of Respiratory Care2.04: Program Director Responsibilities2.05: RRT and State License Required2.06: Minimum of Baccalaureate Degree2.07: Minimum Experience Requirements

4 yr. as RRT2 yr. Clinical Experience2 yr. Teaching in an Accredited Program

2.08: Regular Contact with Students and Faculty

Standard 2.04The Program Director must be responsible

for all aspects of the program, including the:ManagementAdministrationContinuous Review & AnalysisPlanningDevelopment, andGeneral Effectiveness of the program

Interpretive Guideline for Standard 2.04The Program Director workload should

balance teaching responsibilities with program administration.

Standard 2.08The Program Director must have regular and

consistent contact with students and faculty regardless of program location.

Interpretive Guideline for Standard 2.08Student course evaluations and on-site

interview responses should demonstrate that the Program Director is accessible to students throughout their course of study, and

that the degree of interaction between the Program Director and students facilitates the achievement of program goals.

Note: Underlines are mine!

Program Director Roles & ResponsibilitiesInstructorAcademic Advisor for studentsProgram Director / Chair / CoordinatorActive in local / state / national RC

community

InstructorClassroomLaboratoryClinical“Expert” teacher and mentor

Academic AdvisorRespiratory care studentsPre-RC students

Program DirectorService to Program

Manage Program Resources Personnel Financial Resources Physical Resources

Program Review & Analysis: CoARC, other agencies

Planning & DevelopmentService to College

Committee workRepresent program internally & externally

Scholarly Activities

Policy & Procedure Manuals

State Licensure

Information

CoARC

Documents Calendar

Program Director

Toolkit

Policy & Procedure ManualsCollege CatalogCollege Student HandbookRespiratory Care Program HandbookRespiratory Care Clinical HandbookFaculty Handbook

PD needs to know:Who has the authority to?

Admit studentsDismiss studentsHire & Fire faculty

How do you handle?Academic dishonestyImpaired studentsImpaired facultySexual harassment

State License InformationState laws governing the practice of

respiratory careRequirements for licensure / certification

Accurate information for potential studentsLaws/Rules governing student

practice/employmentApplication process for students and

graduatesContinuing education requirements

CoARC DocumentsStandardsInterpretive GuidelinesPoliciesReport of Current StatusSelf StudyProgress Reports (if any)

Calendar – When to:Schedule Advisory Committee MeetingsComplete CoARC Surveys

PPRSSPRSGraduate SurveysEmployer Surveys

Submit Report of Current Status

Calendar, continued:Class schedule deadlinesTextbook ordersSelf assessment exam ordersUpdate NBRC Electronic Eligibility DatabaseState license applicationsLambda Beta Society nominations

Most Valuable Resources: PEOPLE

Build a Successful TeamDirector of Clinical EducationProgram Faculty (Class, lab)Medical DirectorClinical Instructors / PreceptorsGeneral Education Faculty

Campus RelationshipsYour boss!

Need strong, comfortable, productive relationship

College RegistrarDirector of Student FinanceDirector of Admissions, including RecruitersWhoever pays the bills!Technology SupportLibrary / Learning Center StaffBookstore Manager

Community RelationshipsHospital department managersHome care providersLocal health agencies

American Lung AssociationProduct Representatives

Respiratory care equipment vendorsPharmaceutical repsTextbook reps

CoARC Executive Office Staff

Tom Smalling, Executive Director

Jana Anderson, Assistant Executive Director/Director of Finance and Operations

Lisa Collard, Director of Accreditation Services/Executive Administrative Assistant

Bonnie Marrs, Site Visit Coordinator / Accreditation Services Assistant

Shelley Christensen, Receptionist / Administrative Assistant

CoARCBoard of Commissioners – Respiratory Therapist Members

Steve Mikles, President-Elect Shelley Mishoe, Past-President Kathy Rye, Secretary Jolene Miller, Treasurer AARC Representatives

Diane Flatland Tom Hill Tammy Miller Pat Munzer Gary White

ASAHP Representative David Shelledy

At-Large Members Brad Leidich Monica Schibig

AARCLocal District / Chapter RepresentativeState Affiliate President / Board MembersState Delegates to AARC HODEducation Section Chair

NBRCCandidate Services

Examination ApplicationsElectronic Eligibility Database Access

State Licensing AgencyExecutive DirectorAdministrative StaffRespiratory Therapists on Board

My Advice to You(for whatever its worth!)Watch and Learn

Who does things well?Who doesn’t?Who are the informal leaders?Spend more time listening – especially at first

Build Relationships

My Advice to You

Be approachable

Be consistent

Be honest

Say YES to opportunities

Questions / Comments?

Tom Hill: tvhill6@bellsouth.net