Respiratory Care Progression Process - 2014
Admission to the RC program is selective with up to 25 students admitted to the core level of the
Respiratory Care program each year based on clinical placement availability. Selection is based upon the
applicant’s ranking among other candidates using the point system described below.
Students who wish to be considered for selection must complete and submit a Progression Application
packet. The packet will include the Progression Application Coversheet, RC Student Progression Application
Checklist, Student Progression Worksheet, and an attached copy of the applicant’s degree audit; along with
any other applicable documentation used for the selection process (see below). The applicant’s packet
must be submitted to the program chair during the application submission period. Packets received outside
of the approved submission period will not be considered for that year’s RC class.
All program pre-requisites must be completed prior to applying for progression (see below). It is the
responsibility of each applicant to ensure that transcripts are sent to Cincinnati State. Each applicant must
meet with a program advisor to review their transcripts to be sure they are ready to apply for progression.
Applications will be accepted from the first day of spring semester until February 15th. Applicants will be
notified via their C State college email no later than March 15th of their admission status, so students should
frequently check their email. Candidates who are selected to begin must reply by the date indicated on the
acceptance notification, which will typically be two weeks after notification. A student who fails to reply
and accept by the deadline will forfeit their spot and it will be offered to the next applicant in the ranking for
that year.
Once the selected applicants are notified, they must turn in a completed physical form (attached to the
acceptance email) when they attend a mandatory program orientation to be held in the summer.
Students must also have a current BLS for the Healthcare Provider card (not due to expire for a year or
more) by the first week of the fall semester. Any student who does not attend orientation, does not have
their physical completed, or does not have their approved BLS card by the required dates will forfeit their
spot in the program.
Finally, once students are accepted into the Core Level of the RC program, they will be required to submit a
criminal background check in order to verify eligibility for clinical placements. The background checks must
be received by the program chair by the last week of the fall semester. Failure to complete the background
check by the required date will be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Additionally, many clinical facilities also require a drug screening prior to placement. That will be
determined based on clinical placement, which varies throughout the program.
Per the Ohio Respiratory Care Board:
Effective 3/24/08 Section 4761.051 of the Ohio Revised Code requires those applying for a license or a
limited permit issued by the Ohio Respiratory Care Board to submit fingerprints for a criminal records check
completed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) and the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI).
*Felony records and misdemeanors may prohibit you from continuing in this program or obtaining
employment.
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
Before submitting a progression application packet, the following prerequisites must be met:
 High school diploma or GED
 High School or college biology, chemistry and physics within the last 6 years with a C or better
 Ready for college level reading, writing, and math according to the compass test or ACT scores
 2.75 overall GPA from the most recent qualifying institution (at least 12 credit hrs)
 Ready to take MAT 131 (Statistics) or MAT 151 (College Algebra)
* All program prerequisites must be completed prior to submitting a progression packet. If a student
has only one remaining prerequisite at the time of packet submission, special permission may be
granted by the program chair to submit a packet under the condition that the remaining prerequisite
is completed with a C or better by the end of the spring semester for that year.
APPLICANT RANKING CRITERIA
Math/Science GPA
-Each student’s math/science GPA will be calculated from the following:
1) all qualifying HS or all qualifying college pre-requisite biology, chemistry, and physics
2) prerequisite math that is higher than the AFM level
3) curriculum math and science courses.
* Points will be awarded by multiplying the GPA times 4.75.
a. For GPA calculation, all repeat attempts for college level math and science courses will be
averaged, unless the course is being repeated to improve an original grade of a C or higher, in
which case only the higher of the two grades will be used. For example, if a student takes A&P,
earns a D, and then retakes the course and earns an A, the grades for both attempts will be
averaged. If, however, a student takes A&P. earns a C, and retakes the course to improve their
grade, then only the higher of the two grades will be used.
b. If multiple courses at the defined prerequisite entry level are eligible for being counted as a
prerequisite, only the highest eligible grade will be used as part of the math/science GPA. If
multiple eligible prerequisites are at the defined prerequisite entry level and higher, they will be
averaged and a point will be given for a higher level course, as described in letter C. Please
note, however, that multiple attempts to take the same course will follow the preceding
guideline.
HS + College entry = highest grade
College entry + College higher = avg + 1 point
Entry level series = last grade of the series
c. For GPA calculation, if multiple levels (not including a series) of a subject at college level were
taken, they will all be averaged into the math/science GPA. For example, if a student takes intro
chemistry and advanced level chemistry, both courses will be averaged into the math/science
GPA.
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
Added to the math/science GPA:
d. One point will be awarded for any RC curriculum math/science classes (not prerequisite classes)
successfully completed (within the last 6 yrs with a C or better)
e. One point will be awarded for college level math/science courses taken that are a higher level
than required (one point max per subject). Remember, though, that the required curriculum
course grade will still be averaged with the higher level course (see letter c above).
For example, if a student took college algebra, which fulfills the curriculum math requirement
and then took calculus, which is higher than required, both courses will be averaged into the
math/science GPA, and one extra point will be awarded for calculus. Honors level courses will
also be considered higher level than needed and will receive one extra point.
Note:
f. All quarter/term points will be converted to semester equivalency before assigning points.
g. Only courses completed by time a packet is submitted will be counted toward progression
points.
h. Extra points will only be awarded for grades of a C or better.
HOBET test and Critical Thinking tests
Note that the use of calculators is not allowed during the test
Experience Points
-Military experience with DD 214 honorable discharge form (3 points)
-Worked with patients in a healthcare setting within the last 2 years for at least 6 months (requires
letter from supervisor stating type of work and years of service) (1 point)
-Attended the program information session (1 point)
-Repeat applicant (1 point)
-Prior degree (A = 3 pts; B = 5 pts; M = 7 pts)
Or
If associate degree is from Cincinnati State, points are awarded as follows for credits taken:
Number of Cincinnati State semester hours divided by 18 (term hours will be converted to
semesters; terms multiplied by 0.667)
*Note: only the higher of these point options will be applied.
The process of awarding progression points will be reviewed, revised, finalized, and made available by May
1st for the following year.
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
INFORMATION SESSION
Students who have declared RC as their major may choose to attend a Respiratory Care Information Session
prior to submitting a Progression Application. These are not mandatory but very helpful and highly
recommended. Students are encouraged to attend within the first two terms of declaring RC as their major.
Detailed information will be provided about the profession, our program, and progression requirements.
Prospective students interested in learning about the program and profession are welcome to attend.
Information session offerings are posted in the RC Progression Process Blackboard site under the College
Community tab on the college’s website.
HEALTH OCCUPATION BASIC ENTRANCE TEST [HOBET]
The HOBET measures basic essential skills in the academic content areas of reading, mathematics, science
and English and language usage for adult applicants in allied health programs.
Applicants for progression must take the HOBET exam prior to submitting their application packet.
Students may take the exam once every 6 months and scores must be submitted with the application.
Students are encouraged to study for this test. A study guide can be purchased or there is a practice test on
reserve in the library (another good source is the TEAS booklet).
EXAMINATION FORMAT:
-Exam length: 209 minutes
-Number of Questions: 150 scored
-Format: four-option multiple choice
-Four Sections: English - 30 questions (20%); Reading - 42 questions (28%); Science - 48 questions (32%);
Math - 30 questions (20%)
REGISTRATION AND FEE:
Test locations, times, fees, the registration process, and access to practice tests will be posted on the Health
Division and Respiratory Care websites. It is also explained in the RC information session or by your RC
advisor.
CRITICAL THINKING ASSESSMENT
Students will take this test to assess their critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is the ability of an individual
to apply the cognitive disciplines of interpretation, analysis, inference, explanation, evaluation, and selfregulation to draw comprehensive, well-reasoned conclusions or problem solve, which are key in the
practice of respiratory care.
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- HOBET & CRITICAL THINKING TESTS
1. How do I prepare for this exam – are there practice tests available?
Practice tests will be available in the library. Or you may purchase practice exams by going to this
link:
http://www.atialliedhealth.com/student/before.aspx
2.
What is the cost?
$75.00 - $100.00 for the HOBET and Critical Thinking tests
3. When and where are they offered?
Refer to the Health and Public Safely website and/or the Respiratory Care website for current dates
and locations
http://www.cincinnatistate.edu/real-world-academics/academics/health-and-publicsafety/progression/progression-process/?searchterm=hobet
4. Can I repeat if I am not happy with my scores?
You may take the test every 6 months.
5. How soon do I get my results?
You will receive your results immediately.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Refer to the attached guide for interpreting your results.
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
HOW TO INTERPRET YOUR HOBET SCORES (Category L)
Each section of the HOBET is scored independently. So you will follow the instructions for each section
independently.
1. On the Individual Performance Profile you will see your test score broken down into the 4 categories
(Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English). For the first category look at your adjusted individual
score (indicated by the red arrow).
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
2. Next you will find the page in your printout that says “HOBET V CATEGORY L Adjusted Individual Subtest
Score to Percentile Rank Conversion”. There are 8 columns on this page (2 for each test category).
3. Match the adjusted individual score for each category with its corresponding percentile equivalent.
For the HOBET, each of the four categories (reading, science, math, English), and the Critical Thinking
score are awarded points as follows for a maximum total of 30 points:
Points
>90th percentile
6
>80-89th percentile
5
70-79th percentile
4
60-69th percentile
3
50-59th percentile
2
<49th percentile
1
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
1. For the previous example:
An adjusted individual score for the reading category from the example above was 64.3%. This
equates to the 31st percentile as seen on the chart in #2. This is <49 so it would equates to 0 points in
the READING category.
An adjusted individual score for the mathematics category from the example above was 73.3%. This
equates to the 63th percentile as seen on the chart in #2. This is between 60 and 69 so it would equate
to 3 points in the mathematics category.
The adjusted individual score for the science category from the example above is 58.3% which
equates to the 79th percentile. This is between 70 and 79 so it would equate to 4 points in the
mathematics category.
The adjusted individual score for the English category from the example above is 83.3% which equates
to the 94th percentile. This is >80 so it would equate to 5 points in the mathematics category.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
In addition to the other requirements, all students must be able to access the college online teaching
platform, Blackboard, and must be accessible via an electronic mail address. We will not use personal email
addresses. All correspondence will be sent via the students Cincinnati State email account. Students may
utilize any of the computers on any campus to create and check their email accounts and to access
Blackboard. Blackboard and email accounts should be checked frequently (at least 3 times /week) for
messages, assignments, and/or announcements. Students are responsible for keeping their demographic
information current by updating their personal information as needed.
Revised 5/14/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
Progression Application Coversheet
Respiratory Care Program 2014
TO THE APPLICANT
This form must accompany your RC progression application checklist, test scores and your Academic
Evaluation (Degree Audit). Please complete these steps to ensure your application is completed in its
entirety. Step 1: Complete all required documents for progression. Step 2: Submit your documents in an
8x10 envelope to the office staff in room 312 HPB between January 1, 2014 through February 15, 2014.
Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Be sure to include your name on the envelope and
address it to the attn of: Mike Chaney Program Chair. Step 3: Receive a receipt from the front office staff
and keep copies of all your documents. Once your documents are received by the program chair, you will
receive a confirmation email to your Cincinnati State email account.
Student ID: _______________________
Legal Name:
_______________________________________________________________________________
Last
First
Middle
Jr., etc
Preferred name, if not first name______________________ Former last name(s), if
applicable_________________________
Home address: _________________________________________________________________
Number & street
apartment #
_______________________________________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip/postal code
Current mailing address, if different from above: _____________________________________________
Number & street
apartment #
____________________________________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip/postal code
Preferred telephone ( ) ___________________College E-mail _________________________________
 I certify that all information submitted in the admission process- including the application is factually
true and honestly presented. I understand that these documents will become the property of the
institution and will not be returned to me.

Signature _____________________________Date______________________________
mm/dd/yyyy
Complete application
________
Incomplete application _________
Missing documents:
________________________________________________________________
Confirmation E-mail sent ____________________
Date ________________
Accepted _____________
Alternate ____________
Denied ______________
Revised 5/22/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014
Respiratory Care Program
Progression Requirement Checklist
Requirements to Apply for Progression (please check):
_____
Application Coversheet
_____
Declared Program major: RC (Active status)
_____
Completion of all Pre-requisite courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) with a C or higher
within the last 6 years and completed pre-requisites for MAT 131 or MAT 151
_____
Overall GPA of 2.75
_____
Academic Evaluation (Degree Audit)
_____
HOBET & Critical Thinking test Score Printouts
_____
Experience Documentation:
_____
_____
Hours completed at Cincinnati State (Quarters / Semesters)
_____
Documentation of prior degree
_____
Letter documenting current healthcare work experience
_____
Documentation of honors experience
_____
Military DD 214 honorable discharge form
_____
Repeat applicant
_____
Attendance RC Information Session
Make a personal copy of packet
All forms must be complete. Submit your application packets no later than February 15th. Incomplete forms
and packets will not be reviewed. You will receive an email confirmation from the program chair once your
packet is received. Do not call the program chair. If you do not receive a confirmation within 5 days of
submission, e-mail the chair with the subject line: Receipt of Application Packet
Revised 5/22/13; The progression criteria outlined here applies only to 2014